Rev. 13

Upon reading the book of Revelation, we find many confusing and mysterious pictures. The beast is one. Who was or who is the beast? His number, 666, can point to Nero when adding up the numerical values assigned to the letters of the Hebrew language. He’s dead and gone. However, the text suggests that there is a world ruler to come that will embody a Nero-like evil.

How does the New Testament Christian respond? John writes, “Amid all this stands the endurance and faith of the saints.” [J.B. Phillips]

We develop the patient endurance and trusting faith through our DAILY communion with the Lord found in His Word and prayer. This devotion builds up our spiritual strength so we can “run through a troop and leap over a wall.” [Ps. 18:29]

Rev. 12

Our enemy, Satan, is said to be “filled with fury”. Do you notice how some people are like this also. They are mad and always looking for a way to express their anger.

In contrast, God’s children, in spite of their weak moments of shortfall, ultimately want to express God’s love and kindness in behalf of Christ. Christ’s disciples are to be known by their love.

Satan is doing whatever he can through whomever he can possess to rob, kill and destroy. He is especially targeting God’s people who have the testimony of Jesus and keep God’s commands.

Let’s face it. The devil hates Jesus and whomever loves Christ. (Warning! This can get very political.)

Rev. 11

As Christ was revealed in heaven as the Lord or Lords and King of Kings, the 24 elders all fell on their faces in worship.

When our face is to the ground, we are completely undone. Everything else is UP. There is no lower. This generally happens when the soul is completely broken. This is the self-relinquishing worship that God deserves.

When the worshipers arise, they can then apply this posture to their lifestyle where every attitude, action and motive are bowed down “on the inside” of them, regardless of their body’s position. This is the lifestyle of a worshiper.

Rev. 9,10

The universe-wide declaration that The Lamb shall reign forever and ever defines our eternally secure existence with God. In spite of whatever hardship we may endure on earth, God has promised to more than make it up to us when the process of defeating our enemies is accomplished.

There is no terror, trial, or tragedy that we experience that God will not heal and remedy. We can live in hope and rest because of His protective hand.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. [1 Cor. 2:9]

Rev. 9

God gave sovereign protection to those who had His “seal on their foreheads.” He knows who is His. His angels and all of creation must respect and acknowledge His ownership in our lives. He is our Father. Good father’s protect their own.

This is obviously not a tattoo or outwardly visible mark. It’s a spiritual insignia imparted to us when we become Christians by the blood sacrifice Christ Jesus made in His death and resurrection.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [John 1:12]

Rev. 8

Seals opening, trumpets sounding, plagues hurled upon the earth and mighty angels enacting God’s commands from His awesome throne in Heaven. It is a frightening vision for a simple Christian to grasp.

Yet, of all the things happening in this chapter, we find the single element of participation we can actively have in the apocalypse … our prayers.

God mixes our prayers with the incense coming from the angel’s golden censer. The angel then fills the censer with fire and hurls it to the earth to execute a judgement. We will have done our part. The rest is up to God and His will.

This tells me we need to value and activate our prayer to a new and higher level. As we do, we give God something to use in His great Kingdom … the one already here, and the events yet to come.

“And He (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” [Luke 18:1]

Rev. 6,7

Signs of our times have us anxious to understand what God is doing in the earth right now. My personal opinion is that portions of what John saw have already been in operation in the earth and portions are yet to be seen. For instance, there is no doubt that we have seen evidence of the four horsemen released by their seals to date. Yet, the following seals have not necessarily been seen or experienced ie. “every mountain and island was removed from its place.” [Rev. 6:14]

The prevailing, overall theme of this book, however, reveals a loving but principled God Who has supreme control of what happens to us and all the inhabitants of the earth. (His angels clearly have control over the elements as seen in chapter 7) He continues to unfold His plan as declared in His Word, but honors the contract or covenant He has cut with each of us when we became Christians through Christ’s redeeming blood. His Spirit, grace, and angels are all protecting and empowering us to continue to bring honor to His name as we see trouble in the earth.

What should we do? Trust and worship Him. Tell others about Christ and the protection policy offered through salvation. Rejoice in the Lord!

Rev. 4,5

Only Christ Jesus was found worthy in all of Heaven to open the scroll in the hand of God. His worthiness came from His act of love when He laid down His life and shed His blood for the sins of people from every tribe and nation. He redeemed them not because of political party affiliation, or nationalistic cultural philosophy, but because they needed a Savior and were humble enough to give their lives to Him and His teachings. At His feet, all are equally valuable. All have had their differences and violations wiped away and they now have a true view of what’s eternally important … to worship God and enjoy Him forever.

Rev. 3

So much here. John prophetically encourages the church to “keep My command to endure patiently. I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon.”

Recent events in the U.S.A. have alarmed us all. It’s as if the wraps are off the evil ploys of our enemies. These are days to evaluate where our confidence is, where our values are. Through Christ, we can endure patiently and wait not for government solutions, but for Kingdom of God solutions that transcend human limitations and human interference.

“in the world you shall have tribulation … but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]

Revelation 1,2

John, to whom this revelation was given, obediently records what God showed him. (Aren’t we glad he did?!)

His initial message was to individual churches, who were led by the angel, or pastor. God essentially gave them a diagnostic progress report and advice for a tune-up. Although these messages were officially directed to the pastor, it was said, “Whoever has ears to hear, listen.” They were warned that their lampstand could be removed if they refused to comply. The lampstand provided light for the Tabernacle and was fueled by oil, a type of the Holy Spirit.

David, the Sweet Psalmist of Israel, cried out in Ps. 51 …

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.