Reflecting on Revelation (7 of 9)

In chapter nineteen, we get a snapshot of His coronation, the wedding celebration, His second advent, and the infamous battle of Armageddon. In His coronation we see that our God Reigns, now that the evil, selfish empires of man have been brought to their end. He takes His proper place. His kingdom comes to take eternal residence on Earth and in the Heavens. The multitude shouts, the elders and the four living creatures cry out. Even a voice on the throne announces the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Next, the wedding celebration of all time is announced. Our Groom arrives and Reveals Himself by removing the veil between us. Until now we have seen Him as a light reflection in a mirror then we shall see Him face to face in all of His glory. And we, His bride will be ready, wearing fine, bright, clean linen, representing the righteous acts of the saints. In unity, we (the saints throughout the ages) will stand together before the King and will live triumphantly with Him forever. And, the fourth of the seven blessings states, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”

Upon His second advent, the curtains of Heaven will rise and our King will step upon the stage. Our King will Return to this earth. This time, He will be the rider on the white horse and He will be Faithful and True. His peace will reside forever. John saw that, “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” And the armies of Heaven will follow Him.

And as the beast, kings, and armies of the earth gather at the infamous battle of Armageddon, our Warrior King Removes all evil from the planet. In one final blow, the double-edged sword extends from His mouth and all who will come to fight will be struck down. Here, the birds of the air gather for the great supper of God. The beast and the false prophet will be captured and tossed into the lake of sulfur or hell (The place reserved for those who have rejected Him.) The war will be over before it even begins.

Reflecting on Revelation (6 of 9)

Revelation has everything from the grandest to the smallest of details. Just, like the other letters that God has put in His book; He reveals who He is. We must be willing to dive and dig, not just peak into His Word. And as we reflect on who God is, we will see Him as Creator, Protector, Provider, Lover of our Souls, Life Giver, Gift Giver, and Restorer.

Throughout the Bible, (The Book of all Books) we see Him revealing Himself in these ways over and over. And, now throughout this last letter of His Book we continue to see all of these names prove to be true. He is giving us the opportunity to see that He truly is who He says He is.

But we have a part to play, we must listen and follow these messages given to us in this letter and if we do- much blessings will be given. Otherwise for those who reject Him and never surrender-they will experience the wrath that God will pour out on sin, and they will come to ruin as He restores Righteousness and brings an end to Selfishness and Evil. Consequences will come and those consequences will last forever.

We must guard ourselves from not getting caught-up in the temptations of this world. The world will try to convince us that following God is not exciting but the more we discover who He truly is; we will see that He is the author of all good things.

Here in the last four chapters of Revelation, we can celebrate. Not only the end of sin, our bondage to sin, and God’s wrath on sin but we can also celebrate the beginning of life as it was always meant to be.

Reflecting on Revelation (5 of 9)

In chapters fifteen and sixteen, the third and last round of judgments began. “The Seven Bowls.”

Six of the seven bowls were poured. As each bowl was poured, God poured out His anger of sin on the men who continue to reject Him. Great torment came upon the earth.

It included grueling sores on the skin, blood filling the seas, rivers and springs, searing heat from the sun, darkness pervading the kingdom of the beast, and the river of the great Euphrates dried preparing the way for the march of the eastern kingdoms.

The third of the seven blessings was given to John, “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed are those who are prepared.” As the seventh bowl was poured, a loud voice from the throne declared, “It is done!” And, at that moment the most horrific of all earthquakes devastated the great city of Babylon and she was given the cup of His wrath.

In chapters seventeen and eighteen, John saw the woman and the beast, and then the Fall of Babylon. The woman represented the empires of man and Babylon was one of mans first great empires. She was described as a prostitute because rather than protecting herself for her true love she constantly gave her heart over recklessly. At this point in history, she (the empires of men) will fall prey to this final beast (who will come as the anti-christ,) and her destruction will come. This beast, who will come promising peace, will reveal his evil, selfish agenda throughout the tribulation. For Satan, the dragon, is behind the ploy. And, at this time John sees how the beast will reject the woman. He will want nothing to do with her.

How wonderful that God continues to warn and draw the souls of men to Him. Here in chapter eighteen, He sends warning for men to reject her and to flee from her so that they will not share in her demise. Those who do not reject the empires of men and the beast will find in due time that they, too, will have sold their souls to the devil, the great deceiver, Satan.