Revelation 22: “I Am Coming SOON!”

(Can you believe we’ve reached the end of this time of devotionally studying Revelation??  I hope that is has encouraged you, and you’ll be motivated to continue studying more.) 

 

Chapter 22 gives us a final picture of our final destination, and is the conclusion of the message Jesus gave to His friend, John, for us.

 

In the city of God (where we will live!) there’s a river of the water of Life (remind you of anything?  John 4, Jesus calls Himself the Living Water!) and trees that always bear fruit with leaves us healing for the nations.

 

Now, if you had thought of Heaven as a place where …well, we don’t do anything – and you thought it was kind of boring . . . there’s a clue here about the true nature of it.  Of course it will be glorious and beautiful.  There will be no pain (of any kind), and life truly WILL be perfect.  We will live eternally in glorified, resurrected bodies.  But, bored, we will not be! 

 

We will be a people that serve (v. 3).  He will have things for each of us to do!  And, I imagine it will be exactly what you long to do in your heart, and that which you will take complete joy in doing without an ounce of struggle or frustration.  If you have inordinate love for animals, perhaps you’ll be one who gets to care for the animals (who, by the way will all get along and we’ll have no fear dealing with any of them).  If you really love to cook, perhaps you’ll get to run one of the (I’m assuming) many banquet facilities where we’ll all fellowship with each other and the Lord.  If you love to do build/design things, maybe you’ll get to design new supernatural modes of transportation — who knows?!  What would you love to do? 

 

We will be those that commune with God (v. 4).  Our lives will be lived out in face to face intimacy with God the Father and the Son. 

 

We will govern the earth (v. 5).  We will carry out the leadership of Jesus in all affairs of life, in many different positions of “reigning”. 

 

As we contemplate the glories of this place and time that the End Time drama makes way for — two sobering messages come.  One from the angel and one from Jesus Himself:

 

The Angel’s message: (v. 6)  Just in case we get too caught up in the Drama that we’ve been learning, and begin to view it as fictions — the angel reminds us: ”these words are trustworthy and true”.  In other words, “this really IS going to happen, no doubt about it!”.  Why?  Because though it’s an angel speaking, this is a message from GOD, to His people, and God’s word never passes away.  And, when He has a message, there is weight to it; it’s not just nice ideas or something to entertain your mind.  This is REALITY!  God loves to share what’s on His heart and tell us what He’s going to do (see Amos 3:7).  He doesn’t want us to be caught unaware and unprepared.  That’s never His plan!  And, most importantly, these are ”things that MUST SOON take place”.  This plan is inevitable, it MUST happen to bring about God’s perfect plan for us; and it will take place SOON.   

 

Jesus Himself breaks in: (v. 7)  “Behold” (i.e. listen up, pay attention, look!).  “I AM coming SOON“.  If Jesus, says to pay attention.. do it.   What’s the message?  Basically, “Yes, I really am coming.”  It’s not a maybe, hopefully….. someday in the distant future….. but SOOOOON!  Now, we think soon means in the next five minutes.  But, I tell you, in the light of Eternity, where we will SOON stand, it will seem like only a SECOND before He returns!!  He tells us it’s soon, meaning this:  If we don’t begin NOW to prepare our selves, our lives, and those around us for His return, we WILL be caught unaware!  That’s how soon it is.  If you wait to order your life until “later”, or when you think it’s “closer”, you’ll be found lacking. 

 

So, what are we to do with the knowledge that He will soon return?  Jesus tells us, “keep the words of this prophecy in this book”.  That doesn’t just mean to have a copy of the Bible around.  He’s talking about the book of Revelation, which we have been studying.  To “keep the words” means not just to read them, but to digest them, learn them, and conform our life to these words.  This book is the key for us to be prepared for the His return, to be ready and to partner with Him in that day.  We cannot afford to be ignorant of its message; we must know it thoroughly and intimately. 

 

(verse 10-11)  The angel tells John to not seal up the words of this book.  In other words, this is not a message for the distant future that we should lock up for when it’s “relevant”.  It is relevant NOW because, “the time is NEAR”.  Are you sensing a theme here?  Do you think it’s an accident that the words SOON and NEAR keep being used?  Perhaps the Lord knew that we would be prone to put this message off and think that it doesn’t apply to us…

 

(verse 12-13)  Jesus breaks in again, saying what?  “I am coming soon!”

Then, he reminds us that He is the Alpha & Omega/Beginning & End.  He is the One who began this whole story when He spoke creation into existence at the beginning of time (Genesis), and He will have the last word (Revelation), as He brings all things together under Himself, and it will be good. 

 

(verse 14-15) More instruction for us as we eagerly anticipate His Return:  PURIFY YOURSELF!  Run from every kind of sin and stay far from the things that those who do not know God do.    

 

(verse 16) Jesus reminds us of His unique nature and why He is the only One found worthy to bring Heaven and Earth together and make all the wrong things right.  He is a Man (the offspring of David) and God eternal (Bright and Morning Star), who was, is, and is to come! 

 

(verse 17) God (the Spirit) longs to make the wrong things right and restore fellowship between God and mankind.  It is the beat of His heart.  His faithful followers (the Bride) will begin to burn with the same passion.  We will LONG for His return.  We will loose ourselves from the things of this world, and come to the realization that He is what we need, and we’ll conclude that things will only be truly right when He returns.  Then, with one voice, we will cry, “COME!”

 

And, Jesus will come (v.20)!!

 

Revelation 21: All Things New!

Chapter 21 (and 22) are the final climax of our story.  Yes, it is OUR story!

 

Try to keep things in context here.  Jesus has led the Armageddon Campaign, systematically taking over the governments of the Earth, and establishing righteousness in every sphere of society.  The people of God in partnership with Jesus are restoring Paradise on Earth.  Satan is finally thrown into the lake of fire with the other enemies of God.  And, at the end of chapter 20, it was the FATHER on the Great White Throne judging the dead and releasing them to the lake of fire. 

 

Have you noticed that most of all that we have been seeing in this study is Jesus?  Now, of course that is good and right, since it’s “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”.  I hope you feel you’re getting to know Him better!  

 

Once in chapter 1, the Father speaks (1:8).  After that, He appears right at the end of the Millennium at the Great White Throne judgment (20:11-14).  What’s up with that?

 

Chapter 21 is the answer!  The Father’s purpose, and the ultimate result of salvation through the Son is for mankind to live in face-to-face communion with God the Father, on the Earth.  However, the earth since the Fall has not been able to withstand the blazing holiness of the Father, and he will not violate man’s free will.  God can only make His habitation on earth after the nations live in obedience to Him.  And, through Jesus’ final conquering of sin, evil, etc. and establishing righteousness on the Earth, in partnership with mankind, the Earth is finally ready to receive the Father Himself!! 

 

verse 3: Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God!

 

This has always been the longing of the Father!  It is His desire to dwell in perfect communion with mankind on the Earth at all times, where mankind is not consumed (killed) by His all-consuming fire, but basks continually in the Light of His Presence, without fear or shame.  THIS WILL BE THAT DAY!

 

So, the FATHER HIMSELF is stepping down on the Earth!!  With Him, He brings with Him the New Jerusalem, and Heaven and Earth are literally joined as One, like a marriage (bride and husband, verse 2).  All of the supernatural realm and all of the natural realm will be united in complete harmony. 

 

Read the description of the Holy City that is coming down (verses 9-21).  Try to paint the picture in your imagination.  It is STUNNING in it’s beauty — and THIS is the place where all the nations will be gathered to, and where we will dwell in perfect union with Him forever!!!  Once again, I tell you every detail has meaning — try to seek out what each precious stone, color etc. tells us about the Lord and our eternal dwelling.  Feel free to share your thoughts on that, too…. 

 

No place of worship will be needed.  The manifest Presence will be everywhere, all the time, and it will NOT be limited by any measure!  Wow!  The glory of God will be the illumination of the land, and there will be no night.  The glory will never fade! 

 

Side note: Check the footnotes (if you have them) about the size of the city.  It will be about 1400 miles long, 1400 miles wide, and 1400 miles HIGH — that means it will extend into OUTER SPACE (that’s only 800 miles above earth).  Can you imagine??  No wonder we will all be able to dwell there .  The Great Multitude from every tribe tongue and nation will dwell there in unity with one another and with the Father and the Son! 

 

So, where is this whole thing going?  That Jesus would come and establish righteousness on the Earth and the Heaven we long for is established here, with the Light and Presence of the Father making His dwelling with us!

May we live to hasten His Return!

 

Revelation 20: Heaven on Earth!

Chapter 20 tells us about the thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth, aka “the Millennial Reign”.  This is an End Time concept that many people are very unclear on, which is unfortunate because it is one of the MOST GLORIOUS!

 

Let me put it simply:  The Millennial Reign is the 1000-year period where Jesus Christ will rule the Earth, as a Jewish Man, from His Throne in the city of Jerusalem.  It will be the process by which Heaven and Earth become One and all things are restored to the glory of the Garden of Eden, with everything in PERFECT Divine order.  Now, THIS is something to look forward to!!   

 

Let’s look at the breakdown of events chronicled in this chapter

 

1.  Satan is cast into prison for 1,000 years! (verses 1-3)  What?!  Can you believe it?  Yes, Satan will completely bound — evil will have no sway on the planet!  Jesus will have destroyed all his enemies, and the final one will be completely incapacitated.  Wow!  Imagine what that will look like! 

 
2.  Saints are given the governmental leadership over the earth (verses 4-6).  Yes, as we’ve been referencing, Jesus plans to exalt the faithful to places of government under His leadership!  We who stay steady will literally rule the earth, its societies and peoples!!! 

 

Now, let it be clear – you won’t end up in some position of power by accident.  You will be exalted on that Day to the measure that you humble yourself and serve today.  Those who have learned His Heart and joined with His government through intercession today, will be prepared to govern under Him in that Day. 

 

Everything you do today has repercussions into the next age!  What are you living for?  If you live mostly for today, then today will be what you get.  If you live for “tomorrow”, i.e. towards eternity, you’ll reap the rewards Eternally.  Where do you sow the majority of your time, money and energy?  Is it mostly for making a better, more comfortable, more pleasurable life here?  If so, you’ll probably get it.  However, if you sow the majority of your time, money, and energy into Eternal things, you’ll be reaping the benefits and blessings for ETERNITY, and that begins with the 1000-years!  I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to be “meek” today, so that i can inherit THE EARTH in Eternity (see Matthew 5:5) — it’s a much better deal, don’t you think?   God’s economy is beautiful.  So, are you sowing to the Spirit, or sowing to the flesh?? 

 

Galatians 6:7-9

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. the one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

 

Do not be deceived, there ARE different rewards in the Kingdom of God.  Yes, we’ll all be saved if we do not turn away from Him.  I’m not talking about salvation.  But, within that Kingdom some will have higher position, authority and prestige!!  Why else do you think the disciples even thought to ask for the best seats?? (see Matthew 20:21)  Clearly, some will be more highly honored than others — and the rankings probably won’t be as we would expect, either .

3. Satan is released after 1,000 years giving all a choice to obey (verses 7-10).  After Jesus has given 1000 to the perfect restoration of Heaven on Earth in partnership with His faithful ones, the people of the earth will have one final opportunity to say yes or no to Him, as Satan is released, and once again tries to amass an army for war against the Son of God. 

 

This will Satan’s last stand, and He will finally meet his end — eternal torment in the lake of fire!

This deserves a shout of Hallelujah!!  The people of the earth will have ALL finally chosen to voluntarily love Jesus!!  Sin and Satan will be no more!!!

  
4.  God’s final judgment of all enemies (Rev. 20:11-15). 

With the Antichrist, the False Prophet and Satan in the lake of fire, all those who had died and whose names are not in the Lamb’s book will appear before God and give account.  This will be a terrifying day for all who did not submit themselves to the loving rulership of Jesus.  They will be judged for their sin, and without the blood of Jesus, be found guilty, and they will be thrown in the lake of fire.  Death and Hell will be no more!

 

When Jesus taught on the Kingdom, He made it clear that the Kingdom of God is here now, in partial fulfillment, but that it is also yet to come, FULLY.  When He taught His disciples to pray, “Let Your Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven . . “, He was pointing to this reality.  Heaven WILL be on Earth, it’s called the Millennial Reign!!  We want Heaven, don’t we?  Well, it’s coming here!!! 

 

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end! . . . The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this!!”  Isaiah 9:7 

 

Let Your Kingdom come!

 

Revelation 19: Hallelujah!

I love Chapter 19!!

 

Can you imagine the sound??  “the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: ”Hallelujah!”

 

After Jesus judges the evil world system from Babylon, THIS is the response!  Do you rejoice like this when you think of God’s judgments?  We should, for He delights in making the wrong things right and setting things in order in His Kingdom — and we should be in agreement with Him! 

 

The twenty four elders and four living creatures, who are well-acquainted with the beauty and majesty of God also fall down in reverent worship and adoration of Him as He has shown Himself just and true once again. . .

 

But, what is the climax of praise about??  Verse 7 tells us:

 

Let us rejoice and be glad
      and give him glory!
   For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
      and his bride has made herself ready. 

When the judgments have been meted out on the Earth, and His called, chosen and faithful people have stood with Him to the end, what will happen?  Jesus will finally receive the reward for His suffering.  He will receive the riches of His glorious inheritance, His most prized treasure — US AS HIS BRIDE!!!  (Ephesians 1:18; Matthew 13:44, Revelation 22:12). 

 

Verse 9: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!‘ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”  

It’s all about a wedding to come!!!  Read Matthew 22:1-14!!  That’s what it’s all about!!

Matthew 22:2- “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 

 

The Kingdom is about THIS:  the Father is preparing a wedding for His Son, Jesus!!  The whole Grand Plan of God’s Kingdom is this, to prepare a worthy, eternal companion, forever in love and made one with the Son of God!  That’s US!! 

 

Can you see it?  Can you believe it??  What a glorious calling — to be united forever with Jesus!  And, don’t think that He is begrudgingly accepting us . . It is His desire, the very thing that led Him to an through the Cross!     

 

John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am.

 

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross 

 

We, His Bride, are the very JOY for which He paid the highest price.  This reality should stun us, shock us, and cause us to pause in disbelief.  Most importantly though, it should cause us to respond to Him with a similar abandoned love.  He gave all, to win our hearts.  How could we not give Him all our love, and all that we are??   

 

This Jesus who loved us to the end – He is the One who judges and makes war (verse 11).  He is the Passionate One, with fire in His eyes (verse 12).  And, with His everlasting, enduring Word (the two-edged sword that comes from His mouth; verse 15 & 21, also 1:16), He will strike down the nations!  It is His Word that He began speaking at the beginning of time, which never passes away and has been given to us as a precious gift — will be the tool of His final judgment.  And, don’t miss verse 20- the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be thrown directly into the lake of fire (!).   

 

His Word is the weapon that will take down everything that opposes His Kingdom of love.  Maybe it seems redundant, but hopefully something is stirring in you about the importance of KEEPING THE WORD, treasuring it, eating the Scroll.  May we never take it for granted, or try to bend it to suit us.  We must bend and conform to it!  This is how we will be ”dressed in white”. 

 

Remember:  Why is Jesus worthy to pour out such wrath?  Because He, the very Son of God, was willing to go to the lowest place, take on our flesh, and be the servant of all.  He is able to sympathize with our weakness.  He was silent before His accusers.  He submitted Himself to crucifixion for OUR transgressions.

 

What would make US worthy to stand with him and release this judgment??

If we choose to walk as He walked on this earth, we will be made worthy. 

 

We are called to take on the same attitude as Jesus, to consider others better than us (Philippians 2:3-5), and to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:34-40).  We are to NOT take vengeance into our own hands when we have been wronged (I Peter 3:9).  We are to entrust justice to the Lord.  We are to bless those who curse us (Luke 6:27-29), and maybe even stay silent when we are wrongfully accused and mistreated. 

If by grace we can walk this out (and He is more than willing to enable us) – He will make us worthy to sit with Him and join with Him as He brings His kingdom on earth!    

 

Let Your Kingdom come!

 

Revelation 18: Taking down Babylon

Chapter 18 details the fall of Babylon “the Great”.   Let me try to put it into perspective.

 

You should understand that under the leadership of the Antichrist and the influence of the one-world religion (aka “Harlot Babylon), Babylon will be the center of all things in the end of the age.  It will be the headquarters of government under Antichrist’s rule.  It will be the capitol of the one world religious system.  It will be the center of great industry and amazing, luxuriant prosperity.  The opulence of the Antichrist’s rule cannot be underestimated.  Because it will be so wealthy and brings the same to those who submit to it, it will be very attractive to the peoples of the earth.  Babylon as it leads in all these things will also multiply the highest heights of perversion and sin.  But, because the people are blinded by wealth and the imperceptible yet mammoth growth of compromise and deception, nearly all of the earth will be intoxicated into this “unified”, “peaceful”, “prosperous” one-world system.  They will be “drunk” on its seeming euphoric pleasures. 

 

All the things that we as humans are so easy to put our trust in– money, industry, government stability — these will rise to such a level as to be seemingly unshakable.  It will be so “good”, that people will be blinded to anything but the “here and now”.  While living in such comfort, ease, pleasure and “peace”, people will long for nothing.  The cry on the inside for something better and eternal will be squelched out by the apparent abundance all around.  It will seem foolish to desire Heaven.  Why, when life on earth is so “good”?  This will be the greatest deception.  It will be very deceptive to any who are not firmly grounded in Truth and understand two things about it all –

 

1.  It is borne of Hell

2.  It’s fleeting.  In one breath, God will blow it all away! 

 

Because of her sin, arrongance and pride:

 

verse 8 . .  in one day her plagues will overtake her:
      death, mourning and famine.
   She will be consumed by fire,
      for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.    

 

verse 17  . . in one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’  

 

Why will God so quickly and severely judge this city?

 

verses 23-24: By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 

In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints,
      and of all who have been killed on the earth.” 

 

Because the decadence of this place will lead people away from God, and this system will be extraordinarily hostile to God and His people.  How can He not judge her? 

 

Again, it’s helpful to reference here some of Jesus’ words from his end-times seminar (I recommend a thorough study of Matthew 24 & 25 — it’s Jesus explaning the End!), Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” 

 

Everything is fleeting!  Everything that is, except Jesus and His Word!!!  Are you getting the message yet??  The Word, the Scroll, our only Foundation — cling to Him alone! 

 

And the message to us? 

 

4Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
   “Come out of her, my people,
      so that you will not share in her sins,
      so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
 5for her sins are piled up to heaven,
      and God has remembered her crimes.
 6Give back to her as she has given;
      pay her back double for what she has done.
      Mix her a double portion from her own cup. 
 7Give her as much torture and grief
      as the glory and luxury she gave herself. 
 . . .    She will be consumed by fire,
      for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. 

 

We are not to participate in the revelries, the decadence, the false abundance, pride and festivities.  We are to be separate, different, called and chosen, HOLY unto the Lord.  We whould not put our trust in riches or in the leadership of human governments, even when they seem to bring peace (it will be a false peace).

 

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

 

And, there will be no true peace until the Prince of Peace comes to rule on the earth!  The “peace” that the Antichrist brings is a “peace” that will lead people straight into the lake of fire!!!  This is peace we DO NOT want!!!  Nor do we want others to be deluded by it!! 

 

I tell you, there will be supernatural provision and protection for God’s people (and it will be necessary since we will refuse to take the mark of the beast and therefore not be allowed to participate in the commerce). 

 

Psalm 91
 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust.”  3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.  4 He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  5 You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,  6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.  7 A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.  8 You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.  9 If you make the Most High your dwelling-
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-  10 then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.  11 For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;  12 they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;  I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.  16 With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation.”

 

Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble
       he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
       he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
       and set me high upon a rock.  6 Then my head will be exalted
       above the enemies who surround me;
       at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
       I will sing and make music to the LORD. 

 

And, once again we something astounding here; our partnership with Jesus in releasing judgment on the evil kingdoms of the earth:

 

from verse 7:

Give her as much torture and grief
      as the glory and luxury she gave herself. 
 . . .    She will be consumed by fire,
      for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. 

 

In what way will we return on her her judgment?  Through intercession!  And she will be consumed by fire from God, as we pray with Him to make it so!!!

 

Let us cry out as the disciples did — “Lord teach us to PRAY!!!”  It will not be an option!! 

Let us find every way we can to enter in to a life of love for Jesus and learning His heart in intercession, as He forEVER lives to intercede (Hebrews 7:25).

 

Ask Him, “Lord, what is on Your heart today?  How can I join with You in intercession today?  Teach me to pray, Jesus!!” 

 

Let Your Kingdom come!

Thoughts?

 

Revelation 17: Babylon the Great?

Chapter 17 intoduces us to the great prostitute.  “What does all this mean?”, you may be asking. 

 

Well, let’s sort it out a bit.  Here we have another symbolic woman.  We understand she is a symbol because of the angelic explanations of the other symbols.  The first woman we met was a symbol of the faithful people of God throughout history.  This woman is called a prostitute, so we would assume that she represets those who are unfaithful to Him (though they may have followed Him at one time.  As we know it, this “Prostitute” is the one-world religion that will emerge in the time of the Anitchrist.  Let’s go through step by step, and you’ll see it more clearly.

 

She sits on many waters (verse 1) — this means that she holds sway over multitudes of people and nations (see verse 15).  The rulers of the earth will use this religion for their own benefit and the people will be lured into great immorality within it (verse 2).  She will ride on the authroity and power of the Antichrist (verse 3).  Great weath and honor will will flow into this religion (verse 4). 

 

Now STOP just a minute.  Think about this:  How will (nearly) all the people, of all the world, of many religions be swept into ONE religion, and led into great immorality?

 

Don’t you think that the militant Muslims, the Orthodox Jews and the “Fundamentalist” Christians will  buy into this so easily?  Probably not.  So, what will give it such power and influence? 

 

The young generation will.  And, I believe we’re being set up for it right now!

 

How?  Well, first of all the generation emerging today (some call them the “Millenials”) is the LARGEST generation to ever live on the planet.  They will exceed the Baby Boomers in size and in world influence (don’t you know that most of common culture today was formed by the Boomers?).  They will have access to more technology, money and power.  They effectively will be ruling the whole planet.  And, what kind of “teaching” have they been growing up under?  What is the overarching theme of the current cultural mindset?  Simple:  Tolerance and Moral Relativity, mixed with Social Justice and World Peace.  This will be a perfect platform for the Antichrist and the “Harlot” religion.  They will emphasize things like Unity, Peace, Tolerance, and they will be all about helping the poor and the needy (at least at first). 

 

Many who claim Jesus will look and say, “hey, that looks more like Jesus to me than what I grew up with!”  And young people in other religions who have been turned off by it’s strictness will easily buy into something that seems “good” with out being “outdated”.  This will in turn bring the great Falling Away (Matthew 24:12). 

 

It won’t happen overnight, though.  It begins now.  John uses the word “adulteries” over and over and over in his description of this Prostitute.  I believe this tells us that the foundation of this religion is laid by moral compromise.  Already we see many churches embracing compromise in their midst under the guise of “grace”.  The standards of Truth are being negotiated to be more “modern” and ”relavent”.  This is dangerous ground. 

 

But, I have digressed..  back to the text. 

 

So, the Antichrist will support this one world religion (she rides on the back of the beast).  We know this beast is the Antichrist because it speaks of his demonic resurrection from dead (verse 8); remember the “fatal head wound”?  Under him the leaders of the earth will band together. 

 

But, once he has used the religion to bring the world to himself, he will destroy her (verse 16), because he will then cause all people to worship himself.

 

This religion will be based in the Antichrist’s capital city, Babylon.  Note the significance there.  Babylon was the great city established at the tower of Babel, where the people of the earth banded together with such (ungodly) unity, that God had to destroy it and scatter the people and give them different languages.  If He would had allowed them to remain in ungodly unity, the heights of evil they would have accomplished would know no bounds.  Well, this time, He will allow this unity to happen, because it will accomplish His purpose in the end.  Again we are reminded that all of this is ultimately under the All-Wise leadership of Jesus!! 

 

The crux of this whole issue is that the leaders of the earth will band together to fight against Jesus (verse 13-14– what are they thinking?!?!).  But THE LAMB WILL OVERCOME THEM, and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers!!

 

The influence of this religion will untlimately separate the “wheat from the chaff”  (see Matthew 3:12, Luke 3:17).  Those who remain faithful to Jesus and to His Word in the midst of moral compromise TODAY will be with Him (the winning team ) on that day.  It will be His ”called, chosen, faithful”.  Many are called, few answer and are “chosen”.  Even fewer stay “faithful”. 

 

Again it comes down to this issue — we must be LOVERS OF TRUTH.  Paul writes:

 

2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

The coming of the lawless one (the Antichrist) will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.

 

We must EAT THE SCROLL, the parts we like and those that we don’t understand.  God’s “law” must be our DELIGHT. 

 

Psalm 1: Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.  2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.  3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 119:92
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
Psalm 119:174
I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

Truly, His Word is the lamp to our feet in the midst of abundant darkness.  It is the only foundation we can stand on.  It will not move.  And, we should not EVER move away from it. 

 

Eat the Scroll!

 

What have you found helpful in “digesting” the Word?  How do you stay steady in it?  Post comments/thoughts!

 

Revelation 16: Just and True are Your Judgments

Have you ever noticed how much we dislike the word ”judgment”?  I feel it good to just mention this because we’ve been talking SO MUCH about God’s judgments!  What does the word judgment really mean?  Why do we fear it so?  Basically judging means declaring something right or wrong.  What’s so bad about that?  Well, on a personal level, we hate to be told we are wrong!  But, the Bible actually tells us that it is good to judge yourself personally in light of the Word, to make sure you’re not straying away from the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).  It also says that we are to judge those in the church who are not living according to the Word (I Corinthians 5:12-13) — the goal of course is to restore them to right fellowship with God (Galatians 6:1). 

 

Yesterday’s reading, chapter 15 told us that God’s judgments are “Great and Marvelous“ (15:3).  Do you think of them that way?  They are good!  They are GREAT!  Why?  Because the goal of God’s judgments is to finally make all the wrong things right, and to destroy everything that has destroyed us and to remove everything that has stood in the way of us and His love!!  We get so frustrated by the tension of life today when life “isn’t fair”, when we’re mistreated (and we want revenge, but the Lord says “vengeance if Mine”), or we just feel distanced from God and long for the gap to be gone, when evil prevails, etc.  Well, God’s judgments are the answer to all of that!!  He will finally vindicate all that is good and destroy all that is evil!!  What a glorious day that will be!

 

No wonder the glory of God was rising with such power as these last bowls are being unveiled in chapter 15 (15:8)!  May we be able to confidently agree with the testimony of today’s reading:  “Just and true are your judgments!” (verse 7)  He always judges rightly and fairly.  What ever He does is good.  He can never be accused of anything else.

 

The 7 bowls of wrath (3rd Judgment series) recall the ten plagues of Egypt (Exod 7-12):

First bowl (Sores): painful sores on those who worship the Antichrist (Rev. 16:1-2)
Second bowl (Food Supply): destroying the sea with blood and killing all in it (Rev. 16:3)
Third bowl (Water Supply): poisoning the earth’s fresh water with blood (Rev. 16:4-7)
Fourth bowl (Torment): scorching heat and fire from the sun (Rev. 16:8-9)
Fifth bowl (Destruction): darkness on the Antichrist’s global empire (Rev. 16:10-11)
Sixth bowl (Global Guilt): deceiving the nations to come to Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-16)
Seventh Bowl (Annihilation): shaking by earthquakes and hail stones (Rev. 16:17-21)

 

In the middle of the explanation of the bowls, between the sixth and seventh, the voice of Jesus suddenly breaks in!!!  (v.15)  “Behold, I come like a thief!  Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” 

 

What do you make of that?  (Really, I’d love to hear your thoughts!)

 

This brings a few Scriptures to mind for me…

 

Luke 12:37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. 

Matthew 25:13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. 

 

-Our lives are supposed to be watchful, waiting, eagerly anticipating His return — readying ourselves, and those around us to receive Him as Bridegroom, King, and Judge.  Those who are watching, waiting and longing will not be caught unaware as if a thief had come.  They will be ready to partner with Him in that day.

 

Revelation 3:17-18 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 

(white clothes could refer to “the righteous acts of the saints” as in Revelation 19:8)

 

At the end of chapter 16, the kings of the earth gather to the place called Armageddon.  Do you know that they’re there to fight Jesus??!!  That’s just crazy to me!  What kind of deception would lead you to think you could fight with the God of the Universe and even stand a chance??  The earthquake and hail that the seventh bowl release on the Earth bring great devastation and terror to those on the earth who have refused the Lord. 

 

The events of this chapter are fairly clear.  What I think would be good food for meditation is

 

1.  Jesus’ words in verse 15.  I’d love to hear some of you chime in (on the blog) about some specifics and practical things you think Jesus is encouraging us in.

 

2.  Just and true are his judgments.  Give Him permission to take the searchlight of His Word and examine you and show you where you are not “right”.  I’ve heard it said, “Shock me now, Lord — don’t shock me then!”  The point being:  it’s better have a little sting of conviction today than to be found “naked and ashamed” before Jesus on that Day.  His Words are sweet, and more valuable than any riches.  Let us learn to love His law, because the Word communicates to us the essense of who He is — the Word made flesh (Jesus — see John chapter 1).   

 

Eat the Scroll!

 

Comments welcome! 

 

Revelation 15: Great and Marvelous are Your Deeds, Lord!

Chpater 15 prefaces the release of the Seven bowls, which will be the last of the series of judgments.  With these, the wrath of God is completed.  Let’s jump in . .

 

vs. 1:  John tells us that he sees “another GREAT and MARVELOUS sign”, which is the appearing of the angels with the last seven plagues.  I find this interesting.  Where we look upon these events and judgments of God and struggle with how severe and even violent they seem, the truth is, they are GOOD.  God’s judgments emanate from His goodness (just as everything He does)so much so that we could even call them “marvelous”! 

 

v. 2-4:  So GOOD, GREAT and MARVELOUS are His judgments, that those around His Thone cannot help but explode in praise and worship once again!  The song that they sing is very interesting as well — it’s the “song of Moses” (see Exodus 15) and “the song of the Lamb”.  The Israelites sang the song of Moses after they had walked through the sea on dry ground as God had parted the waters and delivered them from their enemies.  Exodus 15:13 says: “In Your unfailing love You will lead the peopole You have redeemed.  In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.”   

 

It is God’s love that ultimately delivers us from all evil, everything that opposes us, and hinders His love and kingdom from being fully manifest.  In His love he judges and makes war. 

 

This should radically change some of our views of the End Times and the book of Revelation! 

 

Look at the glory and splendor that accompany the introduction of these last plagues, the seven bowls!!

 

verses 6-8: “They (the angels carrying the bowls, and about to pour them out on earth) were dressed.. in shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests…

and the temple was filled with .. the glory of God and from His power..”!!! 

 

What is about to take place is a display of his glory and beauty.  We have not seen this level of glory break yet in the release of these judgments!  God will FILL His temple with glory as He pours them out!  

 

And you’ll be amazed to see how similar the bowls are to the plagues poured out on Egypt… what could this mean??

 

Our Father is bringing together the drama of human history with the most magnificent display of power, glory and goodness!  See you tomorrow for Chapter 16 . . .  

 

 

Comments welcome! 

 

Revelation 14: Fear God and Give Him Glory!

Chapter 14 follows up the events of 12 and 13 and shows us the Confrontation of Kingdoms from the other side: the Lord’s! 

 

Here we see Jesus (the Lamb) on earth at Mt. Zion (verse 1).  Yes, Jesus as a Man is now on Earth!!  And, He has gathered his people with Him as He prepares to slay the wicked in a war that could be dubbed the “Armageddon Campaign”.  Jesus Himself will lead the armies of God (angels and us, the saints) in battle against the Antichrist kingdom, where He will take His final victory. 

 

As Jesus prepares to make war, there is a New Song sung to Him (and it’s only sung by the 144.000, for some reason no one else could learn it).  The desciption of those who were redeemed from the earth is powerful (verses 4-5) – “they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless“.  This would be a great mission statement for our lives – to be pure and blameless, to be truthful in all of your speach and to follow Jesus wherever He goes, whatever He’s doing. 

 

(verses 6-13)

An angel takes to the skies and proclaims the Gospel to those who are still alive on the earth (this is after Jesus comes back and before the final battle).  Apparently there are still some on earth who have not chosen to worship the Antichrist, and who will be given yet another opportunity to worship Jesus and be saved!  The mercy of God goes on and on!! 

 

The second angel prophesies the fall of the the Antichrist’s kindgom, whose capitol city will be named Babylon.  It will be judged for leading the world into sin and perversion.

 

The third angel declares a final warning ot the inhabitants of the earth, basically saying: “If you take the mark of the beast, you will be judged; the full wrath of God will fall on you; eternal damnation will be yours.”  Again, the Lord is longsuffering, giving more warnings and preparation, for us ahead of time as we read this and declare this to those we know, but also to those who will remain, just before His full wrath is poured upon the earth. 

 

Though those who receive the mark of the beast under Antichrist’s rule may enjoy “peace” and prosperity for a time, the choose it at a high price — they will find no eternal rest, they will be tormeted for ever and ever (v.11).  This is weighty!  For the saints alive on the earth, this truth should provide sober encouragement to remain faithful to Jesus in the midst of persecution and adversity, for they will recieve an eternal reward fo obeying God’s commandments and NOT worshipping the Antichrist or taking the mark.  If there were ever a time when compromise is costly (and it always is), this truly is the pinnacle example.

 

And, though some believers will die in the environment of persecution, those who put their faith in Jesus, even in this late hour will receive a special blessing. 

 

(verses 14-20)

Now, the warnings are over, the days of mercy have ended.  The Lord has been very patient. 
The evil and sin of the earth will have reached its apex (and we may think it’s bad now).  It is time for Jesus to final remove all that is evil from the earth.  He will “harvest” the ripened sin of the planet and finally remove it!!  There will be a great bloodshed as God’s wrath tramples on those who have refused Him, as His Son begins to take over the earth and cleanse it for His Kingdom. 

2 Peter 3:8-10:

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”

 

Notice the contrasted realities of this verse as Peter encouages us.  Sometimes we think the Day of the Lord (as we are studying in Revelation) is “so far off”, and in the mundane of the day to day it may feel like He is “slow” in returning.  But truly days and years pass in an instant in light of eternity and these cataclysmic events.  When Jesus shows up, if we have have not prepared, we will be caught unaware (like a theif coming).  And, If we don’t pro-actively help prepare others on the earth they too will be caught unaware.  On that day, when all is laid bare as His zeal is fully manifested in justice, mercy, righteousness, power and love, you want to be standing with Him, and you want everyone you know to be there, too. 

People get ready!  Jesus is coming!

 

Comments welcome! 

 

Revelation 13: Clash of Kingdoms

Chapter 13 is a continuation of the confrontation that began in chapter 12.  Since it’s the same “story”, it continues to be symbolic while conveying the truth of events. 

 

Let’s define the symbols.

The Beast- this is the Antichrist

The “other” beast- the False Prophet that leads people to worship the Antichrist

Together it could be said that Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet make something of a satanic trinity.

 

Here’s a breakdown of the events.

 

(Verses 1-8)

The “beast” comes out of the sea (waters in Scripture often refer to the whole of the people of the earth) — this “beast” arises as a leader from out of the people of the Earth.  He is the Antichrist, having great power and authority from Satan, “the dragon”.  He has ten horns (horns in Scripture usually symbolize authority)– this speaks of a ten-nation federation that the Antichrist will have under his demonic control.  He will receive a fatal head wound, but come back to life. 

 

Because of his great power and authority, and the “miraculous” resurrection, the world will be amazed and will follow his leadership.  They will also worship satan as a result of the Antichrist, and will also worship the Antichrist himself.  People will be enamored with his power and authority.  His demonic anointing will have great sway over the people of the, and particularly those who do not know God.  He will be in power for 42 months, and will blaspheme God and will make war against the people of God.  During his reign his will have power over people all over the globe, except those who do not belong to Christ.    

 

Verses 9-10 are staggering in two ways.  Let me put them here for clear reference:

 

9 He who has an ear, let him hear.
 10 If anyone is to go into captivity,
      into captivity he will go.
   If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
      with the sword he will be killed.

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

 

John sounds a clear warning here for the Church (note the similar language as used in the messages to the churches, “he who has an ear…”).  The news is this: There will be those of God’s people who will be captured and killed. 

 

But, we are those who do not fear death!  Death has no sting!  Actually, it seems that there’s a special place in the heart of God, and special reward for those who die as martyrs!  and, it is our DESTINY to “love not our lives, even unto death”, it is our calling to “hold fast to the word of our testimony”, that we will remain faithful even in inmprisonment and death, we will not turn away.  Even the last part “this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints” alludes to a promise, we will endure, we will make it through!  This is not our end, it is our greatest hour, to stand in the midst of great adversity as the people of God, resisting the sway of satanic power on the earth.  

 
The False Prophet comes on the scene, speaks with the words of Satan (deception), and uses demonic miracles to cause the people of the earth to worship the Antichrist.  He will set up an idol of the Antichrist and give it supernatural power to speak.  Those who refuse to worship the image of the Antichrist will be killed.

 

It is also the False Prophet who impliments the system where people will be required to take ”the mark of the beast” in order to buy or sell anything.   

 

So, what do you do with this information?

 

Well, as they say, “knowledge is power”.  If you know what is going to happen, before it happens, you can better prepare for it, right?  Well, WHAT A GIFT this book is!  We have detailed account of what the Antichrist kingdom will do, years beforehand!  We can (and should) begin to prepare now!  And, what a powerful tool this book will be in the day when these things actually occur!  Think of it, you could warn your neighbor about the Antichrist kingdom and even tell them what he will do next — talk about a tool for evangelism!  Once you’ve told them one thing and then it happens, they’ll coming running to get salvation! 

 

Here are some practical thoughts I have for us today:

1.  Make study of Revelation a regular part of your study of the Word (i.e. not just once every 10 years).  Believing that we are living in end-times, this information is about to get VERY relevant, and the Lord needs a people equipped to “stand” and ”endure”, as we have read.  So, if you like to study the Epistles for their practical life application to everyday life, study Revelation as is is the script for the near future (you or your children will be alive, most likely), and you don’t want to be caught unaware when the events begin to unfold. 

 

2.  Learn to  ”deny yourself”.  Jesus said “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” and  ”whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.(Matthew 16:24-25).  True life is found in laying our life down for the sake of Jesus.  This means giving up what we want for what He wants and seeking to serve others, considering them better than us (Philippians 2:3).  If we are to be those who “loved not our lives, even unto death”, it starts now in abandoning all at the feet of Jesus, and humbling serving those around us.  This will not be a final exam that you cram for at the last minute .  The cross was a place where people went to die.  It’s what Jesus did for us, and we are called to do the same for Him (figuratively, and perhaps someday, literally).      

3.  Embrace the adversities of life.  John said “this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints”.  As mentioned in chapter 9, God uses every difficult situation of life to produce something good in us (primarily, more of the character of Jesus!). 

 

As a reminder:

 

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 …our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.   

 

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

Thank You, Lord that life is not easy!  Thank You that you are forming eternal glory in me through the trials of life!  Thank You that you are using these situations to develop perserverance in me TODAY, so that in that Day I will stand, I will endure, and “keep the Word of Your testimony”!  Thank You for loving me enough to not let me stay soft and weak and immature!  I want to grow into the mature image of Jesus!

Comments welcome!