Revelation 11
The interlude, a further explanation of Trumpet 6, completes and we hear Trumpet 7 sound.
The Two Witnesses
This section references Ezekiel, Zechariah and Jeremiah, and is the source of much speculation. Does this guarantee that the temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem? Who are the witnesses – the Old and New Testaments, Moses and Elijah, something or someone else? Are the times given literal?
The time aspect may cause the most angst. Using a 30-day calendar, 42 months and 1260 days are identical. If one day equals one year, as some claim, then we have 1260 years during which some ungodly power(s) overrun the outer court and the witnesses prophesy. If this is literal time, then we get 3.5 years, which some say is the first half of the Tribulation. If one uses the year-day idea, then the witnesses are dead in the street for three and one-half years. And on and on it goes.
What we miss when we got lost in the weeds of speculation is that God has done some really important things. First, he has given the “outer court” to the nations. Second, he has given a specific job to the witnesses. Third, he has protected the witnesses for as long as it takes to say what needs to be said. Fourth, after they supposedly are defeated by the beast out of the abyss (see Chapter 9) he raises them to life, even as their enemies are gloating. Fifth, he calls them into heaven while their enemies watch.
As a result of God’s initiative, his enemies are constrained to give him glory. This isn’t an indication of salvation on their part, but an admission of their defeat.
Thus completes the Second Woe. The Third Woe follows immediately.
Trumpet 7
As a direct result of the first six trumpets, heaven breaks into tumultuous praise. Note the emphasis: The earth is Jesus’ kingdom. Further, Jesus and God are declared to be identical. Regardless of what the nations do in their rage against our Christ, he is victorious, absolutely, unquestionably victorious!
Revelation for You
How do the Two Witnesses give you hope?
Are you willing to let God be God and to rest in his completed work?
Category: Revelation
A Strong Angel with a Little Book
Revelation 10
After six trumpets, we come to an interlude that continues through Revelation 11:14.
Did you hear that?
John is still digesting what he has seen and heard regarding the first six trumpets when another angel comes down out of heaven. Clearly, this is an important angel with something vital to communicate. He cries out with a strong voice, similar to a lion’s roar, and then seven peals of thunder speak. John dutifully begins to write the thunders’ message when he is told, “Seal up what the thunders said and do not write them.”
Now, this is a mystery worth investigating. Right? Wrong. God said to seal it up, so we should let it be sealed up. Besides, what is said next truly is mind-boggling.
- How is God identified? Him who lives forever and ever.
- What has God done? Created heaven, the earth and the sea and all the things in them.
- What has this eternal, overwhelmingly powerful God told this angel to say? There will be no more delay and the mystery of God will be finished as the Seventh Trumpet is about to sound!
Does the word mystery ring a bell? It should. Paul describes it in Colossians 1:27 as “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Elsewhere, the word is used to describe what Jesus gave to the apostles, how Israel will be brought back to their Savior, how it is possible for Gentiles to be saved, how lawlessness works, and so on. In every case, mystery refers to something that God, and God alone, reveals to his people.
When we describe Jesus as God’s final revelation to man, we’re not kidding. This letter, the revelation of Jesus Christ, is, from beginning to end, about our glorious, victorious, reigning Savior.
Bitter Sweet
The chapter ends with John being told to eat the little book held by the angel. It tastes sweet in his mouth, but sours his stomach. The words of the thunders truly have been hidden.
But fear not, John is told that he must prophesy again regarding peoples, nations, languages and kings. God is not done revealing Jesus just yet.
Revelation for You
How do you cope with the hidden things of God?
What is the only reasonable alternative to speculating about mysteries not revealed?
They Did Not Repent
Revelation 9
Revelation 9 continues with the fifth and sixth trumpets. These trumpets are a study in contrast.
Trumpet 5 and the First Woe
Here we go with the beasties. What are they? Who are they? Should we be looking for particular photos and descriptions online, in news magazines and on TV?
Wrong approach! First, notice who is in charge. God is. The events of Trumpet 5, perpetrated by Satan, are limited in scope and effect by God. The suffering caused lasts but a short time and no one is allowed to be killed by it. In addition, God’s people are not touched by it at all.
The fact that the situation is described twice in slightly different way adds emphasis to what is identified as the First Woe. Remember, though, that Satan is revealed as the source of all this suffering. God is not to blame.
Trumpet 6
Look back to Revelation 7. Four angels were told not to harm the earth, sea or trees until God’s bond-servants had been sealed. In Verse 14 of this chapter, those angels are released. God’s bond-servants have been sealed. They are completely safe. They belong to Jesus, and no one can take them out of his hand.
These angels were released to kill 1/3 of mankind! Think about that for a minute or two. They are the agents of God’s wrath which is being poured out on the earth. Their proxies are the two hundred million horsemen.
Notice, though, that, besides impressive breastplates, there is almost no attention paid to the armies themselves. Instead, it is the horses that spew fire, smoke and brimstone out of their mouths. God is making it very clear that he is in charge. He decides how judgment is carried out.
Verses 20 and 21 are sad and chilling at the same time. The rest of the world “did not repent.” Apparently, repentance still is possible, but they refuse.
Revelation for You
What clues to God’s incredible mercy are in this chapter?
How can you be certain that you will not face these judgments?
The Trumpets
Chapter 8 opens with the breaking of the 7th seal. The 6th seal revealed the final judgment. It was the day of God’s wrath on the ungodly. When Jesus broke the 7th seal, heaven stood silent for thirty minutes. This is all that was given to John regarding the last seal.
The Prayers of God’s People
The 5th seal revealed martyred saints crying out to God, “How long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” The answer had already been given through the Apostle Paul. To comfort the believers in Thessaloniki during their time of persecution and suffering, he wrote, “…when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the good news of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8). In Revelation 8, we see those prayers ascending to God and we see God’s answer: fire being thrown down upon the earth, thunder, lightning and a terrible earthquake. God does hear the prayers of His people and He does answer.
Four Trumpet Blasts
Seven angels stood before God and they were given seven trumpets. Each angel was to blow a trumpet. Revelation 8 reveals the judgments of the first four trumpets. One third of the earth, the sea, the rivers, the sun, moon and the stars were affected. These four trumpets bring judgment on the physical world.
An Eagle’s Message
This is a sobering message to those who belong to this world. This is not a message to believers. Believers are saved from God’s wrath. Romans 5:9 makes this clear: “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!” The Eagle warned that he final three trumpet blasts would bring terror on those who don’t know God and who live in rebellion toward Him.
Revelation for You
In what ways do you see Revelation 8 as an answer to your prayers concerning all the evil that has happened within your lifetime?
God has called us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19) and ministers of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). Does Revelation 8 help you see the importance of these roles?
The Great Assurance
Revelation 6 ended with this sobering question; “For the great day of their wrath has come, who can stand?” Chapter 7 is God’s answer.
A Seal and a Robe
God protects those who belong to Him from the wrath that is to come. God protected Noah and his family during the flood, Lot from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the people of Israel from the death angel in the Passover. All were marked, set apart, as people belonging to the One true God. These events foreshadowed the wrath that will come to those who have rejected Jesus Christ.
To protect those who belong to Him, God has identified them with a seal and a robe. The seal is God’s Spirit. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 1:13). The robe is Christ’s righteousness given to those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22).
This salvation is God’s doing by grace through faith. The people of God will praise Jesus eternally for shedding His blood once and for all.
144,000
Is this a literal number, or does it represent the full number of God’s people? Theologians will debate this until Christ returns. The pattern set forth in verses 4-11 follows the pattern of Romans 1:16 – salvation first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. God’s salvation is for both Jew and Gentile. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. In this chapter, we see the people of God, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, praising the Lord.
The Great Tribulation
One of the twenty-four elders asked John about the great multitude of people dressed in white. John did not know. The elder identified them as the ones who came out of “the great tribulation.” Does this phrase identify a specific period of time, or is it a reference to the great affliction and trouble all saints endure? Paul wrote this to the church at Thessaloniki, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them” (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3). “Trials” in this passage is the same Greek word translated “tribulation” in Revelation 7:14.
It is important to note this: the great day of wrath is something different than the great tribulation. The day of wrath is God’s judgment on those who reject Jesus Christ. Tribulation refers to pressures and afflictions caused by sin and evil. In this sense, all believers have come out of tribulation, having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation for You
Think back on the day you trusted Jesus Christ. That was the day you were sealed with the Holy Spirit and were given the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
In light of this truth, will you ever suffer the wrath of God?
The Seals
In chapter five, Jesus, the One worthy of glory, honor and power, stepped forward and took the scroll with its seven seals from His Father’s hand. In chapter six, Jesus opens six of the seven seals, the first of three, seven-part judgments – the seals, the trumpets and the bowls.
The Four Horsemen
The first four seals reveal four horses and their riders. The imagery of these horses comes from Zechariah.
- The first horse is white. Its rider carried a bow and had a crown on his head. He won battles and gained victories.
- The second horse is red. Its rider carried a mighty sword. He took peace from the earth and caused war and slaughter of life.
- The third horse is black. Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. He caused social and economic woes.
- The fourth horse is green. Its rider was Death and his companion was the Grave. They were given authority to kill with the sword, famine, disease and wild animals.
These four seals tell us that earthly existence cannot offer hope to human beings. The end is death.
The Fifth Seal
The breaking of the fifth seal revealed an altar in heaven. Under this altar were the souls of those martyred for their testimony concerning Jesus Christ. These souls were crying out, “How long Lord until you avenge our blood?”
A white robe was given to each one and they were told to rest a little longer. More saints were to join them.
The Sixth Seal
The breaking of the sixth seal initiated a great earthquake. The sun became dark, the moon as red as blood, stars fell from the sky, the sky was rolled up like a scroll and mountains and islands were moved from their places. Everyone hid, hoping to escape the wrath of the Lamb. The chapter ends with this sobering truth, “for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”
The answer has already been given. “Since we have now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from God’s wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). John answered as well, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4).
Revelation for You
Have you been justified by faith in Jesus Christ?
Do you know that you have been saved from the wrath that is to come?
The Lamb
Revelation 5 shows us more of the heavenly scene introduced in chapter four. John saw a scroll sealed with seven seals in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. John could see writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll. The scroll contained God’s plan for the world that was soon to be revealed.
But who will break the seals? No one is worthy. John wept bitterly at this thought. One of the twenty-four elders consoled John and directed his attention to Jesus Christ. The elder described Jesus as
- The Lion of the tribe of Judah
- The Heir to David’s throne
- The Victor
- The One worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.
John looked at the Lamb. The marks of His death were visible. He had seven horns, indicating His complete and absolute power, and seven eyes, representing the complete work of His Spirit. The Lamb was standing between the throne and the four living beings and the twenty-four elders.
Jesus stepped forward and took the scroll from His Father’s right hand. At this, the four living beings and the elders fell down before the Lamb. Each elder had a harp, and held a gold bowl filled with incense, which represented the prayers of God’s people.
The four living beings and the elders sang a song of praise. As they did, angels joined the chorus. Even those under the earth, known as the place of the dead, and in the sea, a reference to evil, joined in. Isaiah spoke of this vision (Isaiah 45:23-25), as did Paul in his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 2:10-11) when every knee would bow and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
They sang that all blessing and honor and power belong to God and to the Lamb. The four living beings gave the “Amen”, and the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped the Lamb.
Revelation for You
How does this revelation of Jesus change your understanding of His worth and power?
In what ways does the victory Jesus won through His death, burial and resurrection impact your day-to-day life?
Heavenly Worship
Revelation 4 takes us into heaven. The scene is astonishing.
John looks and sees a door standing open in heaven. Jesus bids him to enter to see all that is to come. John’s eye is immediately drawn to the throne of God. John will refer to God’s throne forty different times throughout the book of Revelation. The throne is a symbol of God’s authority and rule over all things.
Like Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1), John stretches the limits of his imagination to describe the One sitting on the throne — His brilliance like gemstones and the light encircling the throne like a rainbow of emerald. It was the best John could do to describe the One “who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light…” 1 Timothy 6:16 (NIV).
Twenty four thrones with twenty four elders sitting on them surround the throne of God. John does not identify these elders. He is more impressed with their worship of the One who sits on the throne.
John also sees four living beings covered with eyes front and back. This vision is much like the vision of Ezekiel as well. These four living beings represent the entire created order. These four living beings sing Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lord both day and night. In response, the twenty four elders fall down and worship the One “who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
Truly, the Lord is the only One worthy of our worship and the only One worthy of our praise.
The final verse is worth noting. We exist because God created what pleased Him. We are pleasing to God, and we show forth this reality when we give glory, honor and thanks to Him. When we do, our hearts are most satisfied.
Revelation for You
In what ways does this look into heaven change your perspective on the things of this world?
Does this chapter change your understanding of worship and the importance it holds for daily living?
A Message to the Church — Part 2
Jesus’ message to the church at large continues in chapter 3.
The Message to Sardis
Jesus came so that we might have life. That life is given to us by the Holy Spirit. The church at Sardis was prosperous and well-to-do. It had all the signs of success. It looked alive, but in reality, it was dead. Jesus admonished them to wake up, repent and turn to Him. Otherwise, His sudden return would surprise them like a thief in the night (See 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6). To those in Sardis who were alive in Christ, He gave these assurances –
- They will walk with the Lord and be clothed in white
- They will be victorious
- Their names will never be erased from the book of life
- Jesus will announce before His Father and His angels that they belong to Him
The Message to Philadelphia
Jesus Christ is holy and true. He holds the key of David, the symbol that all authority has been given to Him. He opened a door for the church of Philadelphia, a door that no one could close. Their status in God’s kingdom went unnoticed by the world. Yet Jesus assured them that one day the world would take notice and recognize they were loved by God.
In light of this wonderful truth, Jesus encouraged them to persevere, to hold on to all they have in Him. The list is impressive.
- They are pillars in God’s temple
- They will never have to leave this temple
- The name of God is written on them
- They are citizens of the new Jerusalem
- They bear a new name
The Message to Laodicea
Laodicea had a water problem. It smelled atrocious, was lukewarm and tasted awful. The church at Laodicea was much the same as far as God was concerned. It was time for them to move one way or the other.
His warning to this group was stern, but it was meant to turn them away from their indifference to Him, the One who is the truth, the faithful and true witness, and the beginning of God’s creation. In spite of thinking they were rich and in need of nothing, they in fact needed what only Jesus could provide. He was standing at the door knocking, waiting for them to answer. If they simply opened the door, they could experience friendship with Jesus and would victoriously sit on His throne with Him.
Revelation for You
- Do you need assurance in your life? Do you know that your name will never be erased from the book of life?
- Do you sometimes feel like you go unnoticed in this world? In what ways does the message to Philadelphia encourage you to persevere as a child of God?
- Are you enjoying friendship with Jesus Christ?
A Message to the Church
John was instructed to write down everything he saw of the revelation of Jesus Christ and then send the report to the seven churches in Asia. These churches did exist and all were located in what we know as Turkey. Today they lie in ruins.
The seven different messages form a single message that is applicable for the church in every time and in every place. In essence, Jesus is encouraging each church body to examine itself in light of who He is and what He achieved through His death, burial and resurrection.
Each distinct message follows a pattern. First, Jesus addresses the “angel”, or the messenger, of the church. Then Jesus reveals something about Himself that ties to what John recorded in Revelation 1:12-16. This is followed by a “state of the church” analysis, complete with judgments against the church and a call to repentance.
The Message to Ephesus
Even though this church stood strong against heretical teaching and evil people, it had lost its first love. The revelation of Jesus to them is meant to draw them back to Christ and to the joy of experiencing His presence in their midst. After all, He is the One who walks among the seven lampstands.
The Message to Smyrna
The church was suffering mightily with more to come. Much of it was from Jews who stood in opposition to Christianity. The real source of the persecution was Satan. He is the one fixed on destroying God’s people. The message to this church was hope. The crown of life is waiting for those who overcome, who trust in the One who is “the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive.”
The Message to Pergamum
It was not easy to be a believer in Pergamum. Temptation surrounded this city. Jesus commended them for standing firm in the faith. He also warned them about compromise. A teaching had entered their circle that was leading many to idolatry and sexual sin. Jesus called them to repent, to realize that all they needed was found in Him – the manna of life and an eternal identity. Jesus’ word would bring that victory to them.
The Message to Thyatira
Jesus sees and knows everything. Nothing can be hidden from Him. He knew the church in Thyatira was improving in their faith, love, service and patience. He also knew they were entertaining heretical teaching. This heretical teaching had as its foundation shifting sand. Jesus encouraged this church to find its stability in Him, the One with the feet like polished bronze. The promise to those who overcame was authority and power and resurrection in Jesus Christ.
Revelation for You
- How do these messages to the churches apply to your life today?
- Why do you think Jesus began every message with a revelation of Himself?
- How would you summarize what Jesus is saying to the churches?