​Six hundred and fifty-four days ago I sat down at my computer and wrote a piece about unchartered waters. It was intended to bring a measure of hope in some very uncertain times. We had just made the decision to suspend in-person worship, but no one really knew what that might look like. Our tech folks, Emily Beekman in particular, went to work and we began recording worship so we could stay connected as best as we could. It was just strange preaching to a camera and nothing else, trying to picture people sitting in their spots scattered throughout the sanctuary. I wrote everyday through 2020 and began to wonder how long the pandemic would last as well as how long I might keep writing. Then we made the decision to read through the Bible during the year 2021. And God prompted me to turn the  daily writing into a daily Bible study. It has been an incredible journey. Thanks for joining us. Along the way we have celebrated holidays together, major and minor. We have remembered people, dates, and events. I have no idea who has been reading or how far some of the writings have been sent. It has been a challenging and sometimes difficult year. Through it all, we have had God’s Word to turn to. My hope and prayer for all of us is that we have grown in faith this last year. If this was your first trip through the Bible, congratulations! Look what you have done. If this is a repeat journey, great job! Either way…what Bible are you going to read through this next year? My journey in 2022 will be through the blue letter edition of the Bible. Not only are the words of Jesus in red, but throughout the Old Testament the prophecies about Jesus are in blue! Every read through, God reveals more and different things about Himself. And His Word also reveals things about me. Some of them I like and others, not so much. That is how we grow.
 
Some days I have had a helper in my writing. Many days as I have sat at my desk at home writing, my buddy Casper has stood next to me, “helping”! But he has written as well. So, I will let him share some thoughts with you.
 
Hi everybody it’s me Casper. I’m another year older now, almost eleven. And during the year I have gotten a new brother and a new sister. They are greyhounds like me. They’re OK but, well, I liked being an only dog too. My dad said I could share some thoughts with you since this is the last day we will be writing. It will be nice to have my dad back. I think he is about out of words! This year I learned that all three of us are adopted but my dad said that he is adopted too. Only he said it is because Jesus was willing to take away his sins and now, he is an adopted son of Jesus and my mom is an adopted daughter of Jesus. I think that’s pretty cool to be one of Jesus’ kids. It’s not too bad being adopted because that means somebody loves you and not only that, they picked you. So that must mean Jesus picked the people He adopted too. I think Jesus adopted a lot of people. I learned that naps are good things. My dad says that is rest and God rested after he created everything. I would have to rest a long time if I created everything. I have to take a nap after I do zoomies in the backyard for 5 minutes. Dad said we are supposed to rest because we function better when we do. I don’t think he always takes his own advice though. I learned that it is good to say thank you when people do things for you. So me and Hickory, my brother, and Happy, my sister say thank you by snuggling with mom and dad and we give them kisses and lots of tail wags too. And most of the time we even come when they call us. I also learned that you have to accept people just like they are. My brother is scared of lots of things, and he gets really shy, but we still love him anyway. And my sister is kind of a drama Queen. But she’s really really fast. She even won a bunch of races. I did too back in the day, but she is way faster than me. But that’s ok. We love her too. God made each one of us just the way He wanted us to be, and He loves us so we try hard to love each other. Oh, and one more thing. It is good to share. We have lots of toys but there is one everybody likes, and we have to take turns. Sometimes we bark at each other and once in a while I growl. That usually gets me in trouble. I don’t always want to share but dad says that’s one of the ways we show each other love. I don’t like it so much when he is right. So that’s all for me, at least I think so. It was fun to share with you once in a while and it gave my dad a break.
 
As I look back over the year there is much to be thankful for. Yes, we had some challenges. There were some folks who joined the church triumphant. It hurts down here but as believers we live in the promise that one day, we will all be together again in a place way better than this. We have had the privilege of worshiping in person and it is amazing what a lift that brings to so many every week. We were together for Easter and Christmas. It was awesome and amazing to see people. Many of you have spent time checking in on others. Thank you. You have been the hands and feet of Jesus. For all the volunteers, you have made ministry richer and easier for all of us. Thank you. For the many people who make Sunday morning run; you are awesome. Thank you. For Matt, Lawrence, John, Patti, Emily, and Val. I appreciate your servant hearts and love of Jesus. Thank you. Church council kept meeting in spite of the pandemic via zoom. Thank you for your leadership. For those of you who gave faithfully, you have blessed many through your gifts. Thank you. And a special shout out to Patti Wiese and Emily Beekman for sending these writings out for 654 days. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your hard work.
 
If you are old enough you have heard these words. I’m so glad we had this time together, just to share a laugh and sing a song. It has been a good 654 days, but it is time to sign off. It has been a pleasure spending part of the day with you. And as another comedy classic would say, Good night and God bless.
May we always be:
 
In His Grip,
 
Pastor Matt W. and Casper

​In the first ten verses of today’s reading there are three parts: the binding of the evil one, the reign of God’s holy people, and the release of the evil one for his final attempt at a battle. There are also four themes. The evil one’s war is futile…he cannot withstand even an angel. God’s holy people will be vindicated and glorified. God will have the final victory. Even when sinful and depraved humans experience Christ’s good purposes in the world they still flock after the evil one when he gains even a small amount of freedom to act.
 
Like the Old Testament angel of the Lord the angel coming down from heaven has God’s authority. This is symbolized by the key that controls the bottomless pit and the power to put chains on God’s great enemy for 1,000 years. God has as sovereign plan for the evil one. He will be shut up in the abyss for 1,000 years and then briefly released to deceive the nations once more before being cast into the lake of fire. What a grand and glorious day that will be!!! The 1,000 years in the pit for the evil one is a preliminary defeat for him and the powers of evil. Deception is the trademark of the evil one who is a liar. The faithful believers who experience Christ’s reign will not be deceived. The little while might be the equivalent of the symbolic three and a half years…it is a limited time. Verse 4 portrays a heavenly tribunal which includes the elders, the victorious martyrs, and God’s people. Beheading was a common form of execution for Roman citizens. By law Roman citizens could not be crucified except under extreme situations. The faithful who had remained true to Christ and resisted receiving the mark of the beast will judge the condemned. They will sit on thrones similar to those of the elders who worshiped the One sitting in the throne. At the onset of the kingdom, authority is officially  transferred from angels to men. A new world order is established with the overcoming Saints of the church age coming together with Christ in His kingdom. Those who had been beheaded are believers martyred by the beast. In verses 5-6 John contrasts the first resurrection with the second death. Let me explain. From this is looks like the resurrection of the dead does not happen all at once. This passage indicates that there will be a first resurrection of dead believers before the 1,000 years and a final resurrection after the millennium is finished, before the great white judgement throne.
 
Now we see the fifth of the seven beatitudes. This focuses on the promised reward of life. God’s faithful people will reign with Christ as priests of God. The first resurrection is assured for all believers, but the blessedness mentioned here belongs more precisely to those who have a part in the first resurrection. The second death is the everlasting death of torment in the lake of fire for unbelievers who face the great white throne judgement. John has previously stated that the one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. Verses 7-10 speak of the final defeat of the evil one. His all-out attempt to conquer God will result in his demise. These verses have two main purposes: to show God’s absolute justice because the evil one and his followers are worthy of punishment and will never change. And second, to show the depravity of those who follow the evil one. It is amazing that in spite of seeing the nature of Christ’s reign in the world for many years people still flock to the evil one’s standard when he is set free. These factors are the basis for the judgement at the great white throne. As a result of  the evil one’s deception the world’s armies will gather for battle against God again as they had done before Christ’s second coming. When he is free to act the evil one always seeks to deceive. He will gather an army once more in a final attempt to overwhelm God’s people. Gog and Magog was a common rabbinical title for the nations in rebellion against the Lord, and the names recall the prophesied invasion of Israel in Ezekiel 38-39. Jewish traditions vary regarding the locations of Gog and Magog. Symbolically they are towards the north, the direction from which Israel’s enemies traditionally approached. The names represent nations and rulers from every corner of the earth that oppose God’s people. Repeating the earlier scenes in which God’s enemies assemble for battle, the evil one here makes  a last-ditch attempt to confront God and His forces. We see the comparison between the evil one’s followers and Abraham’s descendants. Both are as numerous as sand along the seashore. This should be terrifying to all of us to think there are that many who follow, practice, and delight in evil. We see too the characteristics of those who follow the evil one. Their names are not written in the Book of Life. They are judged according to their works, and they are found to be worthy of endless death. These unbelievers are destined for the lake of fire along with the members of the evil trinity. Once again, no battle occurs because God sent fire down from heaven and consumed them, just like Sodom. If there was doubt before, we see again that the enemies of God cannot stand against Him. In the lake of fire, they will be tormented forever. Rebellion against God has eternal consequences. The thought of eternal torment may bother some people, but God has made it crystal clear that those who chose evil over Him will pay for their disobedience. The message of scripture is that God will deal sternly with sin and rebellion by those who choose to reject Jesus Christ and His saving work. More than any other book in scripture, Revelation shows that the unrepentant persist in their rebellion despite the consequences. Revelation also shows that God is just and deals with sin as it deserves.
 
The rest of chapter 20 speaks of the final judgement. We see a court hearing at which the dead are judged on the basis of their works. God’s response to eternal rebellion is eternal punishment. The great white throne is a picture of God’s holy rule and judgement. The One occupying the throne may be God the Father or both the Father and the Lamb as seen in the new Jerusalem. The earth and heaven have fled is a poetic way of describing the burning up of this creation and its related works. There is no place anymore for this sin polluted creation in the new heaven and new earth. Even creation knows that you can run but you cannot hide. The rest of the dead from verses 5 are raised and made to stand before God’s throne of judgement. To some the first resurrection includes only martyrs so that both believers and unbelievers will stand before the great white throne. There are others who point to the broad promises to Christians in the Book of Revelation of ruling with Christ as evidence that all Christians will experience the first resurrection and thus will not have to endure the great white throne of judgement. Once the people were gathered the books were opened, including the Book of Life. This book holds the names of those who have experienced God’s saving power. Books in general refers to the record of all works done in this life. Since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God the opening of these books would certainly lead to eternal sentences in the lake of fire. Here’s the thing. None of us will be judged acceptable based on what we have done in this life, many will be saved by God’s grace received by faith in Jesus Christ.
 
The sea is the resting place of unburied bodies. Death and hades refer not only to dying but to existence beyond the grave. The picture here is of all intermediate abodes of human bodies giving them up to God in judgement. While unbelieving humanity is judged according to its works, death and hades, the Lord’s final enemy is also destroyed by being cast into the lake of fire. The second death is spiritual and eternal, just like the punishment of the wicked. The first death is physical dying. Both are included in the overall meaning of the death that came upon the human race because of Adam and Eve’s sin. The expression death and the grave refer to the reality of death. It is the last enemy God will destroy. The lake of fire portrays the horrible end of God’s enemies who will not experience the first resurrection.
 
Everything takes a decided turn for the amazing in chapter 21. Here we see the new Jerusalem. This vision involves God’s creation of the new heaven and new earth. The old creation has disappeared because it was decayed and badly tainted by sin. The sea was gone. The sea was associated with chaos, or the abyss and it was sometimes portrayed as a roaring monster. The new creation will be free from all such evil. New here suggests freshness not just a second beginning. This is the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah 65:16, 66:22, and 2 Peter 3:13. It is significant that this eternal renewal has already begun in the life of believers because using the same term, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” The old passes away before the new heaven and earth arrive. The fact that there will be a continuation of some features of the present creation in the new heaven and new earth is implied by the description of the New Jerusalem as the holy city, a title that is applied to the present Jerusalem. But the differences between old and new are drastic. The New Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven, prepared as a bride, is where God’s people or Christ’s church are prepared for the marriage of the Lamb. Christ is the husband or Lamb, and the church is His bride. This new creation is a gift from God. In the beginning God created everything good and in the end, God will create a new, unbroken world. This picture of Jerusalem as a beautiful bride stands in stark contrast to the vision of Babylon as the prostitute.
 
God is now home among His people. Both Old Testament and New Testament expectations are fully and finally realized. Ever since humanity sinned, separation from God had been humanity’s greatest problem. God has repeatedly called His people to Himself through the prophets, through Jesus His Son, and through the presence of the Spirit. In the new heaven and new earth, God’s people will finally experience ultimate and everlasting fellowship with God. This recalls the incarnation where Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us. In the new heaven and new earth there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. God’s people will know the creative wholeness and salvation that Christ brings. The believer’s rebirth through faith in Christ brings newness to that person’s life, but it is only in the eternal state that God will make all things new. John is to record this because it is trustworthy and true. It is finished echoes from the throne just like it did from the cross. This connects Christ’s death with the assurance of eternal life. It also proclaims the completion of God’s wrath being poured out in Babylon. Now the focus is on the One who created the new heaven and new earth. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Using the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet John portrays God as encompassing total reality and total truth. God was from the beginning, and He is also the end, the goal. Because Christ is supreme and in charge of all things, He dispenses the water of life to all who are thirsty for it. Water of life here is tied back to Jesus’s references to living water in John 4:14. Jesus spoke of this water in connection to eternal life and life in the Holy Spirit. We will see a similar offer to the one who is spiritually thirsty in 22:17. All who are victorious, that is God’s children who  in life will inherit His blessings will persevere. The best part is that the believers will be sons and daughters of His. They will be rightful heirs forever. Adoption is a covenant relationship, and the adoption language certifies their privileges and responsibilities.
 
The list of vices in verse 8 summarizes sins described throughout Revelation. These sins characterize people who have not experienced adoption by God. Their fate is the lake of fire for all of eternity. John mentions liars several times. It seems that he believed that deception is the root of all sin. Elsewhere he describes the evil one as the father of lies. Verses 21:9-22:9 are a symbolic vision of the new Jerusalem. We see vivid word pictures used to describe the bride, the wife of the Lamb. This is all who respond to Christ’s message of salvation. Another of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full  of the last plagues invited John to come with him. There John saw the bride, the wife of the Lamb. The angel took John, in the Spirit, to a great high mountain. In scripture experiences with God often occur on the mountains. They are places of revelation. This high mountain overlooks  the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. We are reminded that God’s presence and eternal life cannot be reached by human effort but are received as a gift. The description of this new city emphasizes God’s glory which is the source of plight for the city. Jasper is opaque on earth, but the heavenly jasper is clear as crystal, having a transparency that mirrors God’s purity and integrity. The description of the great and high wall that contains 12 gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel echoes Ezekiel 48:30-35. There is scholarly debate as to the meaning of the 12 gates. Some point to the 12 tribes and others believe
They represent all of God’s people, including both Israel and the church. Some think they are all of the Israelites. Many believe the 12 tribe represent the redeemed people of God. The foundation for this community of God’s redeemed is the 12 apostles of the Lamb. In Jesus, God’s promise to bless all of the families of the earth through Abraham has been fully realized. The 12 apostles being the foundation of the new Jerusalem recalls Paul’s imagery of the apostles as the foundation of the house of God in Ephesians 2:20. There were gates on all four sides, three to a side. This is the same formation the tribes of Israel took as they encamped around the tabernacle of the Lord as they wandered in the wilderness.
 
This angel who was giving John the tour of the new Jerusalem had a gold measuring stick to measure the city, it’s walls and gates. Measuring defines accepted boundaries. This recalls Ezekiel 40-41. The city is laid out like a cube. It’s length, breadth, and height are all equal. The cube was an ancient symbol of perfection. The most holy place in the temple and the temple itself were cubic in design. The symmetrical measurements of the city are so vast (1,400 miles) and the wall is so thick (200 feet) that they almost surpass the imagination. The imagery suggests that the city is the dwelling place of God’s presence, just as the tabernacle and temple had been. It is impossible to be certain whether ordinary measurements should be applied to the eternal state, though the reference to the measure of a man may imply that they should. The measurement of 1,400 miles equals 12,000 stadia. The number 12,000 symbolically represents the people of God. In the ancient world walls were important not only to the defense of the city but also to its status. The fact that these walls are nearly 200 feet thick indicates the strength of God’s redeemed people. The measurement of 144 cubit uses a multiple of 12 to represent God’s people. A cubit was the length of a man’s forearm, a standard measure of 18 inches. The wall is built of jasper. The city is fashioned in gold which is not opaque like earthly gold. Instead, like God’s transformed people, the heavenly gold is clear and pure. The 12 stones adorning the foundation of the city’s walls are a reminder of the twelve stones in the high priest’s breastplate that represented the people of God. The exact color of some of the stones is uncertain but it is probable that the jasper is colorless, sapphire is blue, chalcedony is green or greenish blue, emerald is bright green, sardonyx has layers of red and white, Sardis is blood red, chrysolite is yellow, beryl is blue or blue green, topaz is golden, chrysoprase is apple green, Jacinth is blue or bluish purple, and amethyst is purple or violet. It is interesting that things that are precious and luxurious on earth are considered building materials in heaven.
 
There will be no temple in the new Jerusalem because the Father and the Son will be there. Christ referred to His body as a temple and the church called itself a temple of God. This may seem like a conflict with earlier visions but keep in mind each vision in the book is a separate symbolic representation of God’s presence. Now that God is dwelling with His people there is no need for a temple. The vitality, energy, and life of the city are not in institutions or physical sources of light and power. They come from the Lamb and the glory of God. The sun and moon were features of the first creation, but Jesus is the Light of the world. With the statement that the nations will walk in its light God’s promise to Abraham is fulfilled. From all the nations Christ’s redeemed will enter the city in all their glory. This glory is God’s glory which is reflected in people who have repented and walk with God. The city gates are never closed because there is no night. This is in contrast to the ancient days when the city gates would be shut right at night to keep the residents safe and the enemies out. But now all the enemies of God and His people have been destroyed and there is no night. Therefore, the gates never need to be closed. Gold people will enjoy peace in His supremacy. There is no more fear or failure. There will be nothing evil or unclean there either. Evil here refers to things that are dishonest and idolatrous. Those whose names are not in the Lamb’s Book of Life will not be in the city.
John’s vision of the city also deals with God’s provision of water and food for His people. Although God originally made a garden of delight for His people, Adam and Eve, they were disobedient and lost it. Now Eden is refashioned and united to the celestial city as God’s marvelous gift for his faithful people. The river flowing with the water of life is reminiscent of the water coming from the temple in Ezekiel 47, as well as Jesus’ expression of rivers of living water in John 7:38 symbolizing the new covenant ministry of the Holy Spirit. And, although humans were denied access to the tree of life after they sinned it is now freely available. The tree on each side of the rivers shows that there is no wrong side of the river in heaven. The tree produces 12 crops of fruit each month, demonstrating God’s constant provision . The leaves of the tree are a healing balm for the nations. Everyone will be made whole. Ever since the first sin humanity has been cursed because of their rebellion against God. Now the rebellion, sin, and the curse are gone forever. His servants will worship Him there. Revelation gives us glimpses of authentic worship. Before sin came into the world, God went to the garden of Eden in the cool of the evening to walk with Adam and Eve. The first sin destroyed that and even Moses didn’t see the Lord’s face. Now, when all sin and evil is gone, we will see God face to face. Paul said we now see in a mirror dimly but then face to face. The human fears of death and of seeing God will be removed. God’s people will bear His name. The glory of God will shine forever, and the eternal inhabitants of the New Jerusalem will reign forever with the Lord as implied in 1:6 and stated in Daniel 7:18,27.
 
The rest of chapter 22 is the epilogue. There are utterances by an angel followed by a concluding plea for Christ’s return, and a closing benediction. The epilogue has a number of direct verbal connections with the introduction to the book (1:1-11) and it sums up important themes such as encouraging faithful perseverance, warning evildoers, affirming the authenticity of the prophetic message, and restating the nearness of Christ return. The visions of Revelation are meant to inform the servants of God, the believers who will serve and reign with the Lord eternally as to what could take place very soon. Everything that John records in Revelation is trustworthy and true because God who has all authority has sent the messenger. However, this does not mean the visions are easy to understand. Verse 7 brings the sixth of the beatitudes found in the Book of Revelation. The blessed here are those who are obedient. John is still awestruck at what he has seen, and he falls down at the feet of the angel who has showed all these things to him. Again, John is chastised and warned to worship only God. Instead of sealing up what he has written, John is instructed to not seal up the words because the time is near, the time of fulfillment is potentially close. Some things have been sealed, like the seven thunders, because God does not reveal everything. This is serious business here. We are encouraged to be ready when the Lord returns and if we are waiting for later, or for when we think we are closer to our end, we could well be in trouble. Eternal life is guaranteed for believers but there are no guarantees about tomorrow or even the rest of today. If we are not right with the Lord, now is the time.
 
Vile people who refuse to accept God’s forgiveness will continue to be vile. But John reminds the righteous to maintain their integrity. This verse (11) is a warning to evildoers. It also calls on the righteous to recognize the crucial significance of Christ’s return relative to their commitments and actions. Christ is coming soon to repay people for their actions, be they good, bad, or indifferent. Not every statement of belief is genuine, and faith will show itself in actions. We are indeed saved by grace and the power of God in Jesus Christ. Our works do not save us, but they indicate the seriousness of our confession and provide a just basis for our ultimate reward or punishment. Verse 14 brings the seventh and last beatitude. In response to the connection between actions and ultimate results, this beatitude promises acceptance for those who wash their robes. These are those who have been purified by trusting in Christ and following Him faithfully. These folks will enter the gates of the holy city and eat of the fruit from the tree of life.
 
Outside the city gates is a very different story. Verse 15 lists those not allowed into the city. This contrasts with those who enter in listed in verse 14. These unrepentant sinners remain outside the city, though it is unclear just where outside the city. It is yet another warning to those who do not repent that they will not be allowed to enter the city of God. The reference to sinners as dogs was a familiar Jewish designation for rejected outsiders. Jews still used this term for Gentiles in John’s day. Jesus sent the angel to bring John this message for the church. Jesus validates the message of the Book of Revelation. He is both the root and offspring of David. He is also the bright morning star which was a prophetic name for the Messiah. Come! Is a repeated invitation. The bride is the church, the Lamb’s wife, the people of God. The thirsty can drink freely from God’s provision. Verses 18-19 are a solemn declaration. John issues an oath to protect the integrity of the Book of Revelation. He declared a curse upon anyone who alters the contents of the book or message. The curse contrasts with the statement of blessing on all who read aloud, listen to, and obey the prophecy. At the time Revelation was written, scribes would sometimes alter books to suit their own viewpoint. Early Christians quickly developed their own means of authenticating both messages and messengers. Here is the promise: “I am coming soon!” The response is amen, meaning yes it shall be so. Revelation closes with a benediction similar to those in Paul’s letters. The fitting final sentence invokes the grace of the Lord Jesus, the foundation of our forgiveness and the basis of our eternal hope. Amen
 
In His Grip,
Pastor Matt W.

​Today is our last free day in our 2021 journey of a lifetime reading. If you have made it this far CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now you have the reading schedule so you can choose a different Bible and begin reading all over again. Perhaps you want to read chronologically this time. I have a few copies of the chronological daily walk Bible if anyone is interested. This is the Living Word of God, and each read through, God reveals different things for us to ponder and embrace. And if your old reading sheet is a bit tattered, we have more. It has been a great journey in a challenging year. But God is good all the time and all the time God is good. So here are some final thoughts.
 
Rome has played a sizable part in the Book of Revelation. Economic gain was the driving force of Rome’s imperial expansion. Egypt for instance supplied much of the grain for Rome, while Judea provided items such as fish and balsam wood. Colonial governance, military peacekeeping efforts and the extensive system of Roman roads were all designed for Rome’s material benefit. Local people who joined forces with Rome also profited from the imperial enterprise. So it makes perfect sense that the merchants would weep and mourn over Babylon because no one would purchase their cargo or goods any longer. In Revelation John was especially concerned about Roman economic exploitation through the trade in luxury goods. John’s list of goods in verses 18:12-13 was modeled on the listing of cargoes mentioned in the lament for the city of Tyre in Ezekiel 27. John adapted it to the realities of the Roman Empire. Items like gold, silver, cinnamon, and citron wood were luxuries, not necessities for the Roman elite. Taken in this light, Revelation was not only a prediction of doom for the wicked kingdom of Babylon but also a challenge to any nation that focuses on wealth and luxury while rejecting the rule of God.
 
Interpreting Revelation has caused and continues to cause much debate. At least four standard methods for interpreting the book have developed. Preterists view the book as referring almost exclusively to first century events, like the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. Historicists view the book as referring to the unfolding of church history until Christ’s second coming. Idealists see the book as symbolizing the eternal conflict between good and evil. Futurists see the book as mainly about the end times. Sometimes interpreters blend two or more of these approaches. There are the premillennialists who believe that the current age between Christ’s first and second comings will end when He returns to inaugurate a literal 1,000-year rule on earth with His holy people. After that Christ will execute the final judgement and inaugurate His eternal kingdom. The amillennialists believe the 1,000 years represents the current age between Christ’s first and second comings, in which Christ reigns spiritually with His people. At the end of this age, Christ will return, execute the final judgement, and inaugurate His eternal kingdom. The postmillennialists believe during the current age following Christ’s first coming, Christ will establish through the church an age of peace on earth, represented by 1,000 years. Then Christ will return, execute the final judgement, and inaugurate His eternal kingdom. Differences over these different perspectives have caused conflict among Christians. Regardless of where you fall in what all of this means all believers can agree on the message of Revelation. Christ will visibly return and rule in an actual new heaven and earth. A real spiritual warfare is taking place. Hell, like heaven, is real and all people will be judged by God’s standards. The prophecies of Revelation offer hope to God’s people in the midst of pain, suffering, and confusion in the world.
 
We have seen many judgements in the Book of Revelation, and they are there for a purpose. They are not just about destruction thought it may seem like it. There were many tormented sufferers with the fifth trumpet but instead of turning to God, they sought death. Many prefer to die rather than admit their sin. But this judgement was a chance for people to repent and turn to God. In the sixth seal the people cried for rocks to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. By seeking escape from judgement, they showed fear rather than trust in God. At the end of the sixth seal, in spite of all the plagues, people still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. For some people, it doesn’t matter what happens to them. They won’t change, even under pressure. Revelation emphasizes the ultimate justice of God and the principle of retribution. Believers and unbelievers alike will receive exactly what they deserve. The judgements are a part of God’s mission and offer a last chance to repent. The judgements, like the plagues in Egypt, disprove the power of the earthly gods and of God’s enemies. The judgements are God’s partial answer to the prayers of the Saints for retribution. Judgement occurs in God’s time, not ours. Even though God has made it clear that sin is wrong and judgement is coming, many people still refuse to repent and accept God’s grace. Even in the final days, when Gods sends His witness to prophesy concerning the coming destruction, many people will prefer to align themselves with evil forces and will gloat over the demise of God’s prophets. Those who so oppose God and flee from Him will eventually be excluded from His presence. Judgement against disobedience and evil ways is inevitable, even in the church. God, however, patiently waits for repentance and offers His grace.
 
Much has been made of the Roman rulers during the first century so here is a snapshot of eight of them. Octavian ruled from 27BC-14AD. He was given the name Augustus. This was Caesar Augustus who was in power when Jesus was born. He became the first Roman emperor after defeating Marc Antony at the battle of Actium in 27BC. The title Augustus initiated emperor worship. He was succeeded by his adopted son Tiberius who reigned from 14-37 AD. He was a wise and humble ruler. It was Tiberius who appointed Pontus Pilate as governor of Judea. Next was Gaius or Caligula. He was the son of Augustus’s general Germanicus. Caligula was nicknamed “little boots” for his military attire. He went insane, squandered the treasury, ruled as a despot, and was assassinated. He was followed by Claudius. He ruled from 41-54 AD. He was Tiberius’s nephew, proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula’s death. He was a friend of Herod Agrippa I. He ended the persecution of Jews in Alexandria but in 49AD he expelled all the Jews from Rome. He married Nero’s mother Agrippina, who poisoned him. Nero comes next. He was adopted by Claudius and succeeded him. Nero ruled from 54-68 AD. He spent his time on pleasure. He loved to build things and set the city of Rome in fire in 64 AD so he could rebuild it the way he wanted. Paul appealed to him, but Paul also instructed the Romans to submit to him. Later Nero murdered his wife and his mother. He was the first persecutor of Christians. Nero was succeeded by Vespasian who ruled from 69-79 AD. He was a successful legate (general) and the son of a tax collector. Vespasian began the Jewish war by invading Galilee in 67 AD. As emperor he reformed Rome’s finances, reorganized the armies, and ruled with a reputation for justice. He also began the construction of the colosseum. Vespasian died of an illness. Titus was the son of Vespasian. He ruled from 79-81 AD. Titus ended the Jewish war with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. As the emperor he completed the colosseum, gave disaster relief after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and a fire in Rome in 80 AD. He died of a fever. Domitian was the younger son of Vespasian who grew up in Titus’s shadow. Domitian coveted power. He was a capable administrator. He rebuilt damaged parts of Rome. He proclaimed himself divine and demanded to be worshiped as god. He also extorted new taxes and relentlessly persecuted Christians. He was the ruler when John wrote Revelation. Domitian died by assassination.
 
As the last book of the Bible, Revelation draws on all that has gone before and depicts the ascended and heavenly Jesus in the splendor God the Father promised to Him and to those who trust in Him. The visions of Revelation show that God’s people will face suffering in this sinful world. Christ will return in judgement. He will rescue all who call on His name. Scripture repeatedly underscores that one of the greatest blessings of the new heavens and new earth is that restored humankind will once again behold God face to face and live in His immediate presence. How awesome is that?!
 
In His Grip,
Pastor Matt W.

The true Lamb and His followers stand in stark contrast to the evil trinity we have just seen. The lamb is standing on Mount Zion. This is a synonym for the earthly Jerusalem, focusing on the hill where the temple was built. In the Old Testament, Mount Zion was the first fortress of the Pre-Israelite city of Jerusalem. In both Hebrews 12:22 and here in Revelation there is debate as to whether this is a reference to the earthly or heavenly Mount Zion. With the Lamb were the 144,000. They had on their foreheads the name of the Father. This is a contrast to those who followed the beast and were marked with his name. Some debate whether or not this sign or name was visible to all or only to those in heaven and in the new earth and heaven. Again, John heard a great and mighty sound, this time like the roar of ocean waves, or the rolling of loud thunder. And there were many harpists playing their harps. This was the sound of a great choir, singing a new song. It was most likely the one that we saw in 5:9-10 that was sung before God’s throne. Since that song is about redemption and victory in Christ only those already in heaven and those redeemed from the earth, like the 144,000 are allowed to learn it.
 
These 144,000 are the ones not defiled with women. These warriors are ritually pure or unpolluted, and morally without blame. They have kept themselves as pure as virgins. Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God’s people. This image could refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ. It also suggests that the church constitutes soldiers in a holy war that are required to keep themselves chaste. They are a reminder that redeemed believers will not compromise with evil. They will reject false doctrine and refuse to worship the beast. In the New Testament the first fruits are the first part of a crop to be gathered, implying a much larger harvest to come later. At such times, the term emphasizes only the sanctified nature of a sacrifice. The commitment of the 144,000 to God emphasizes that they are the holy ones, set apart to God. However, the continuing offer of the gospel and the harvest imagery also implies that many others will come to faith in Jesus Christ. These faithful people are a special offering who have been purchased for God. They have told no lies. John teaches that liars never enter heaven. (John 8:44, Revelation 21:8,27, 22:15). These 144,000 were not sinless in their earthly lives but they were without deceit and fault with regards to their testimony regarding Christ. In particular they did not participate in falsehood because they rejected the lie of the antichrist. They were without fault or blemish because they refused the mark of the beast.
 
From verses 6-13 three angels are flying through the sky with messages from God. The first angel proclaims the Good News, which includes the message that God will sit as judge. The end Is near, so this message provides a last chance summons to repent and believe. This angel who preaches to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people helps to fulfill God’s promise that the gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations (Matthew 24:14) before Christ returns. The word gospel, which means Good News, is used only here in the Book of Revelation. But look; even at this late stage in God’s judgement He continues to offer everlasting life to the world. The gospel message at this point begs unbelievers to fear God and give glory to Him so they can escape the hour of His judgement. Some responded to the miracle of the resurrection of the two witnesses. Some believe the activity of this angel is occurring behind the scenes, prompting a worldwide proclamation of the gospel by those who will declare the truth even at the cost of their lives. The angel also tells people again what God has done in creating the heavens, earth, sea, and all the springs of water.
 
Another angel proclaims part of the bad news of judgement to those among all nations who will not receive the good news of the gospel. Babylon is first mentioned in Revelation here and it becomes the focus of God’s judgement in the following section (16-18). Babylon is no doubt a cryptic description for Rome, and it represents earthly power and corruption. The coming of God as judge includes the end of earthly powers. Here the great city is Babylon. Earlier the great city was most likely Jerusalem. Next comes a third angel. This angel announces with a loud voice, God’s judgement on the counterfeit worship of the beast and his statue. This is the tragic eternal destiny of the one who rejects the offer of the gospel and worships the beast. God’s response to the rebellion against His reign is anger or wrath, pictured as a cup of bitter wine. It is poured full strength. This is significant because in the first century world wine was mixed with water because the water quality was so horrible. Only when someone wanted to get drunk did they drink wine without water. Now God’s wrath will be experienced full strength by those who follow the beast. This is the worst possible outcome for non-believers. Even worse, their torment will also include fire, burning sulfur and smoke. This description of judgement echoes God’s judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah. Those condemned to a fiery end will suffer for all of eternity and in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The torment will never end. The threat of persecution and death was very real to the Christians first reading this letter so John calls God’s people to obedience and faithfulness. The patience of the Saints here echoes 13:10. Those who patiently keep the faith of Jesus and the commandments of God even in very difficult times will receive a special divine blessing.
 
Again, a dramatic voice from heaven instructs John to write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” God desires that those who endure persecution be with Him and enjoy His blessings and rest. This is the second of seven beatitudes in Revelation. Six of the seven are clustered in the latter third of the book, perhaps as promises to encourage exemplary Christian response in the extremely difficult circumstances of the end times. The mention of hard work and good deeds in connection with eternal reward foreshadows the assigning of rewards based on works. “From now on” may mean from the point in the tribulation John is referring to, or from the time John was writing to the original readers. Spiritual rest is available to anyone who comes to Jesus Christ in faith. The martyrs under the fifth seal had been told by the Lord to rest a little while longer until God’s plan was complete. Here the believers who have died are also told to rest from their labors, in the knowledge that their good works will  be remembered and rewarded.
 
What follows is the harvest of the earth. The reference to the Son of Man with a gold crown on His head indicates this figure is Jesus Christ. A gold crown is a symbol of status or power, clearly distinguishing Jesus from the angels. Some hesitate to make this identification because it seems strange that another angel gives the one like the Son of Man the command to reap. But there is no impropriety in having a representative of God the Father entrust judgement to the Son of Man. The sharp sickle was the primary tool for harvesting in the ancient world. Since the 144,000 have been received by God as the first fruits of His harvest, the rest of the harvest of the earth is surely ripe for salvation, as well as judgement. Here the temple and altar represent God’s presence. The power of the Son of Man(Jesus Christ) is shown in that with one thrust of His sickle, the harvest of the earth is reaped. This pictures the events of chapters 16-19 as parts of one rapid succession of judgement. This judgement is experienced by inhabitants of the entire world.
 
Another angel came from the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. He is placed in charge of the harvest of the clusters of grapes that are also ripe, meaning worthy of judgement. There is another angel at the altar who has power over fire. This could well be the angel in 8:3-5. Perhaps the fire will burn the tares separated in the harvest. A wine press was a trough in which workers trampled grapes with their bare feet, causing the juice to flow down into a vat. This common Old Testament sign of God’s wrath and judgement also explains how the “wine of God’s wrath” is produced. Wine presses were built outside cities and towns and here the city is Jerusalem. The image of the wine press is symbolic of an unbelievable quantity of blood shed which points to an unparalleled slaughter of life. The bloody River of death stretched nearly 180 miles and it was deep as a horse’s bridle was high. This is mass destruction. God’s enemies do not stand a chance when the Son of Man comes in judgement. The carnage here is linked closely with the final battle in Revelation 19:17-21. God is just and fair in giving people exactly what they deserve.
 
Chapters 15-16 form the third and final cycle of seven judgements. They are introduced with a vision of God’s victorious people singing a hymn of praise. Then a scene of the temple is presented from which angels emerge carrying the bowls of God’s judgement upon the earth. This cycle of seven last plagues brings God’s wrath against His enemies to completion. John calls this another sign of great significance. A sea of glass is mentioned in 4:6 as a place of worship before the throne of God. Here it is seen mingled with fire, often a sign of God’s judgement. The fire shows that the wrath of God acting in judgement has reached its zenith. The sea of glass also serves as a victory stand for all of the overcomers. Those who have victory over the beast are believing martyrs who “did not love their lives to death.” Others see the sea mixed with fire as victory through testing. Those who had been victorious over the beast hold harps that represent ultimate peace. Their place on the glass sea symbolizes their endurance in the fire of persecution. The song of Moses and the Lamb signifies that God’s will is united in the old and new covenants. The song is a reference to Exodus 15:1-18. This remembered the great Old Testament redemption of Gods people from slavery in Egypt. The song of the Lamb compares the completed redemptive work of Jesus Christ with God’s deliverance in the Exodus. The song recognizes that God is  all powerful. For persecuted Christians this is a message that brings comfort and security. The fact that John uses three names for the Lord places great emphasis on just how mighty and powerful He really is. John also reminds people that God is both just and true. This is the foundation of human integrity in the midst of a confused, unjust, and dishonest world. God is the King of the nations…all of them. He is not some localized deity attached to one nation or a human monarch with limited ability. Verse 4 begins with a rhetorical question that assumes that only a fool would fail to do so. God alone is holy and that is the basis for our worship and salvation. All nations will worship God. Some will be forced to acknowledge God, but all will recognize that God’s deeds and judgements have been revealed and are righteous and just.
 
God’s tabernacle implies His presence and even the plagues have their source in God’s presence. Christ’s sacrifice removed the veil between God and humanity. Now those who do not belong to Christ experience the full force of God’s presence. The heavenly temple of the tabernacle links the powerful imagery of heavenly temple with the strong parallels in chapter 15 to the Exodus period when the majestic presence of God is seen clearly in the tabernacle. In the new heaven and earth, the tabernacle of God will be with believers because He will dwell eternally with them. Seven angels came forward to administer the seven plagues, which are the last plagues God will send forth before Christ returns. These angels were wearing robes of bright white linen with gold sashes across their chests. White linen is a symbol of purity. It was also worn by the priests when performing their duties. These angels are not about intercession. They have come as agents of judgement. The linen therefore represents the purity and justice of God’s judgement. The gold sashes symbolize their divine mission as ministers of justice on God’s behalf. The gold bowls were like the offering pans that were used in ancient worship and were similar to those holding incense representing the prayers of the people. The smoke that filled the temple had its source in the power and glory of God and it prohibited access into the most holy place.
 
In chapter 16 we see all seven bowls of the seven final plagues of God’s judgement and wrath. With the seventh bowl “it is finished” is shouted from God’s throne. These are the same words Jesus used just before He died on the cross. The loud voice that begins this chapter Is God’s. No one was allowed into the temple until the seven plagues had been poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants.
 
The first bowl is poured out and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who bore the mark of the beast. This is very similar to the sixth plague in Egypt. (Exodus 9:9-11) Just as God’s great power could not be denied by the Egyptians and their magicians, so unbelieving people will be unable to deny God’s sovereign justice as the bowls of God’s judgements rapidly progress.
 
The second and third bowls are similar to the first plague in Egypt where water was turned to blood. Perhaps John had in mind that much of Rome’s food and wealth came by way of the sea. After Julius Caesar rid the sea of pirates, shipping became Rome’s lifeblood. Its end would mean economic ruin for the empire. The second bowl turns the sea to blood just like the second trumpet but then only one third of the water was affected. This bowl brings about the death of every living creature in the sea. The scope here is global. The third bowl is also like the third trumpet and targets springs and rivers. The effect here is also worldwide. The angel who had authority over the waters may well have been the same angel who poured out the third bowl. Angels and archangels are portrayed  as having special roles in the hierarchy of heaven. This angel confirms these judgements as coming from God, who is both just and holy. Punishment of God’s enemies is just reward because they killed God’s holy people and prophets. Because they have shed blood, now they must drink blood. The principle of “lex talionis” , the law of retribution, was the basis of both Roman and Jewish jurisprudence. This means God is completely   just in judging and rewarding people on the basis of what they have done. The voice from the altar was an antiphonal response to the angel’s proclamation in verses 5-6. This affirms God’s authority and justice. This doxology in the midst of judgement reminds persecuted Christians that God truly cares about His suffering servants and fulfills His own  purpose in everything.
 
The fourth bowl is unlike any of the plagues of Egypt or the earlier seals or trumpets. Everyone was burned by the powers and fire of the sun. Unlike the fourth trumpet where the sun is diminished, here it is intensified. However, the people refused to repent of their sins. They would not turn to God or give Him glory. The evil one wields great power and once he gets his claws into people it is very difficult to get away. In fact, the people who were burned by the sun actually cursed God. Wow! They cannot argue against the power of God or His existence, but they will not acknowledge Him.
 
The fifth bowl is focused against the throne of the beast referring to his worldwide kingdom and authority. This is the only place in Revelation where the throne isn’t referring to the one the Lord sits on. John could be referring to Rome here, the political power at that time. Rome’s empire spanned the sea and ruled the world. This plague caused the beast’s kingdom to be plunged into darkness, similar to the ninth plague in Egypt and to the fourth trumpet though this is much more extensive. The evil one’s subjects literally ground their teeth and gnawed their tongues in anguish. Some of these pains and sores may have been similar to the five months a of scorpion sting during the fifth trumpet judgement. But again, they cursed God in heaven for their pains and did not repent.
 
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River and dried it up. This was the largest River in Mesopotamia and it stood between Babylon and Israel, and it also formed the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire. If it dried up it would allow kings from the east to move their armies westward with little resistance. From John’s Jewish perspective these armies would always be identified with Mesopotamia rather than China or India which were farther east. The sixth trumpet also involved the Euphrates. Both judgements deal with demonically inspired military forces. The army of 200 million will kill a third of all humankind (9:18), and the army here will do battle against God. This plague brought three evil or demonic spirits that looked like frogs. They are agents of deceit and represent the demonic role of the evil trinity. These three evil spirits had the authoritative words of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. There is great deception in their signs that are used to persuade the kings of the earth to gather together for battle against the Lord. It is interesting to note that in 6:15-16 the kings of the earth recoil in fear before the judgement of the Lamb. Now the kings of the earth no longer fear the Lord. They are ready to fight Him. In verse 15 readers are warned to look! because the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night. Being ready for His coming requires preparation. Those who are not prepared will miss out. This is followed by the third beatitude. Those who are blessed are the ones who are ready so they will not be caught unprepared. The demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to one place; called Armageddon or Harmagedon. This is most likely from the Hebrew “har” meaning mountain or hill, and Megiddo which was one of the three cities Solomon fortified. The fortress of Megiddo stood on a hill in the largest pass through the Carmel Mountain range, strategically guarding the Jezreel Valley. Many armies used this route and the site became a bloody battlefield. It became a symbolic term epitomizing the final conflict between God and the forces of evil. Some believe that this is not an actual place but a symbol of the final battle between good and evil.
 
The seventh bowl is the climax of all of Revelation’s judgements. A mighty shout came from the throne saying, “it is finished!” just like Jesus on the cross. This is God’s final act of judgement before Christ comes. The enemies of God had assembled themselves for battle but when the moment comes God announced it was done. Judgement was complete. NO ONE can fight God. So, this scene pictures an end to rebellion against God. What remains are various descriptions of the end. The catastrophic events of this judgement scene recapitulate (summarize and state again) the scenes portraying the destruction of the world. They also foreshadow the final judgement when the earth will be dismantled to make way for the new creation. The great city of Babylon seems to be the epicenter of the most destructive earthquake the world will ever see. The quake seems to be worldwide wreaking havoc on the cities of the nations. Babylon had not been forgotten before God. Here God acts on His earlier promise that Babylon would fall and that the cup of His wrath would be dispensed. Babylon here could refer to several different things. It may refer to the ancient city rebuilt, or it can be a symbolic name for Rome. It may also refer to any proud human society that attempts to exist apart from God. Babylon’s classic manifestations of rebellion against God are the Tower of Babel and the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. In addition to the massiveness of the earthquake, huge hailstones fell from heaven, weighing 75 pounds, which is a talent. And, despite the severity of these plagues the people of the world still refused to worship God, cursing Him instead. The terrible hailstorm is a reminder of the seventh plague on Egypt. Seventy-five pound hailstones would be phenomenally destructive.
 
In His Grip,
Pastor Matt W.

After the first six seals were broken there was an interlude. In fact all of chapter seven is the first of three interludes in the Book of Revelation. They serve to define the place of God’s holy people and to give perspective on the previous scenes. In chapter seven there are two visions that communicate how God protects His people and assures them of His calling. The visions are of the 144,000 servants of God and the innumerable multitude in heaven. The four angels seem to be God’s divine agents associated with judgement and the four winds represent destructive forces from every direction. Keep in mind that some of these angels we see have been created for very specific purposes. These four angels were created just to hold back the winds. Remember, angels are created beings just like us although they have been created for very different purposes and they serve in very different places. Before the judgements are unleashed God prepared to seal 144,000 of His servants on their foreheads. Seals are the sign of ownership or authority that in ancient times were stamped onto a document by pressing a signet or cylinder into a lump of clay at the point where the document was opened and closed. God called for a temporary halt by the four angels of destruction until the angel carrying the seal could finish his job. The $64,000 question here is who exactly are the 144,000. John listed the twelve tribes of Israel but that doesn’t necessarily correlate with the twelve tribes. Instead it communicates that God knows exactly which people on earth belong to Him. By the time John wrote in the 90’s AD Israel’s twelve tribes no longer existed. The ten tribes of the northern kingdom were dispersed in 722 BC when Assyria conquered them. The early Christian church regarded itself symbolically as the Israel of God. Often in the Book of Revelation numbers are symbolic. Keep that in mind. It is quite possible that the 144,000 represents all faithful Christians. It is a number that symbolizes completeness (12X12X1000), a reference to all who will be saved. There are traditions who firmly believe that there will only be 144,000 in heaven. That is an erroneous assumption. The list of tribes begins appropriately with the tribe of Judah which is the royal tribe of Jesus but you will notice that the tribe of Dan is omitted and Manasseh, one of Joseph’s two sons is in their place. The tribe of Dan fell into idolatry and early Christians looked at that tribe as the epitome of evil. Ephraim is also omitted for the same reason. But Joseph and Levi are added.
 
The second vision shows heaven with an innumerable crowd rejoicing because they are secure in Christ and all tears and sorrows have ended. This crowd of believers is too vast to count, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham of descendants too numerous to count. This great multitude, in addition to praising God and the Lamb will later glorify God for judging Babylon. They will also proclaim the marriage of the Lamb. White robes and palm branches are ancient symbols of victory and success, adding to the celebration that occurs after God ends the hostile world. White robes are the garments of overcoming believers or martyrs. And people waved palm branches at victory celebrations. Ancient victory parades, heralded the accomplishments of conquerors, and included loud chants and shouts. The angels, elders, and four living creatures all prostrated themselves before God and responded together in a sevenfold, which means complete and extensive, doxology that recognized God’s eternal nature. This Doxology is book ended by the word Amen. Amen word means “yes, it shall be so”. Here it is a powerful affirmation of God’s resounding victory. It is interesting that one of the 24 elders asked John who the ones clad in white were and John’s response is revealing. It seemed to be an almost rhetorical question, you sir are the one who knows. Verse 14 tells us. This vast multitude has come out of the tribulation, a reference to the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world. In view of the great loss of life here martyrdom was most likely their means of escape. There was tribulation in  John’s day but nothing like he great tribulation will bring. This will be a time of horrible and distressing events. Having their robes washed in the blood of the Lamb signifies Christ’s redeeming death for all of us.  It may also imply martyrdom. Making them white speaks to their victory over sin and death and their acceptance by God into eternal life. Serving God day and night shows that we are called to serve Him as a continual duty. The great multitude will serve the Lamb day and night. The 144,000 are later described as the ones who follow the lamb wherever He goes. To serve here indicates priestly service before the Lord. The priesthood of Christians will enter a new phase in the presence of God in heaven. God’s temple symbolizes His presence  and it refers to the inner  sanctuary of the temple rather than the outer courts. Dwelling here can be translated as to live in a tent or “to tabernacle”. This verse echoes John 1:14. Believers who didn’t see Christ when He lived on this earth in His first coming, will go to heaven where He will dwell among them. For desert dwellers, life giving water and relief from scorching heat would represent paradise. This is an amazing picture of God’s provision for His people. And the Lord who is the shepherd from Psalm 23 is equated with the Lamb here. Both King David and the multitude will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Christ’s designation as the Good Shepherd of God’s people means that He protects and provides for the sheep, bringing hope and salvation to His people. The water of life is freely available for all those who choose to come to Christ.
 
Now it is time to open the seventh seal! This is like the end of the first act and it brings a dramatic silence. This points to the mystery of God  in his dealings with His world. It is possible that the silence here mimics  the rest of the seventh day of creation. It was silent for about half an hour. It is a brief silence but it preceded the unfolding of the second act of divine judgement when God will answer the prayers of His people. This is also the eerie silence that comes just before the storm. From 8:2-11:19 we see the second cycle of judgement that is structured around seven trumpets, and like the first cycle this one also includes an interlude. It ends with a glimpse of God’s eternal kingdom. The trumpet judgements are similar to the ten plagues in Egypt. They have the same purpose, to show the powerlessness of earthly gods and/or evil powers. They demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt the power and sovereignty of God. Verses 2-6 is a scene of preparation that introduces the seven trumpets, and continues the theme of God’s receiving and answering prayer. The sound of the trumpets is intended to get people’s attention and it signals an approaching end. The sound of the trumpet in the Old Testament had more than one significance. It was used to gather the Lord’s people, assemble the Lord’s army, announce a new king, and proclaim the year of  jubilee. In this context the sounding of the trumpet is most likely a declaration of war.
 
The prayers of God’s people ask for His ultimate judgement and justice. The seven angels standing before the Lord are likely the seven angels of the seven churches. It is interesting that the prayers of the Saints have a part in the judgement of God. The mixture of prayers and incense that reaches God’s presence shows that God hears their prayers and is prepared to act. The golden altar reflects the splendor of the heavenly throne room. Just like incense was added to the offerings and sacrifices to make them acceptable to the Lord in ancient days, so too here incense is added to the prayers to make them acceptable before the throne. The psalmist the in 141:2 “ Let my prayers rise before you as incense, the lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Our prayers have always come before the Lord. When the silence is broken God responds with thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. These are earthly things that remind us of God’s power, presence, and judgement. After all this the angels with the trumpets prepared to sound them. Each of the first four trumpets affects one third of its intended target. The point here isn’t that this isn’t  an exact measurement. This indicates that God’s judgement had begun but it hasn’t reached its full power yet. It is as though God is just warming up. Together the first four trumpets form a unified message of judgement on the entire physical world. Just like the first four seals, the first four trumpets are sounded in rapid succession. However, the effects of the trumpets are much more devastating. One third of all tress and grass, a third of the sea and the ships in the sea, a third of the rivers and springs of water, and evidently a third of all daylight and moonlight are affected.
 
When the first angel blows his trumpet a torrent of hail, fire, and blood breaks forth. It signals the destruction of plant life, just like the seventh plague in Egypt. Nothing escapes God’s judgement.  All of the green grass is burned. Again, we cannot look at this as sequential. Each scene is self contained and communicates its own message.
 
The second angel blows his trumpet.  A great mountain burning suggests a massive inland volcano that erupts explosively over a vast area of the ocean waters. But, the description of the effects on the sea indicates that this is probably more destruction from the wind blown pollution from volcanic ash. The water becoming blood mirrors the first plague in Egypt.
 
With the blowing of the third trumpet a great star fell from the sky. The name of the star was wormwood, literally bitterness. Wormwood is a shrubby plant that yields a bitter extract. It is not normally poisonous but the plague involves effects far more potent than the taste of the bitter plant. Many men die from the water. The rapid pollution of one third of the world’s drinking water would set off a chaotic crisis. Bitter water is connected with judgement from early in Israel’s national experience.  The message: wide scale judgement has begun. Some believe the falling star is symbolic rather than physical. Others believe this is a huge asteroid that falls from heaven to earth, burning like a torch as it enters the atmosphere. It could fall on a third of the rivers and springs by disintegrating as it passes through the earth’s atmosphere.
 
The fourth trumpet blast caused one third of the sun, moon, and stars to be struck and they became dark. That meant that a third of both the day and the night were totally dark. This is like the ninth plague in Egypt. It is also like the heavenly disturbances involved in Christ’s description of his second coming.   It could also be that one third of each day and night was completely dark, or it could be that there was one third less light because of cosmic and atmospheric disturbances.
 
Ancients regarded the eagle as a symbolic messenger of God. The three woes would be recognized as a message from God. The woes would sound like an eagles screech and are directed at the humans of this world who were not among God’s faithful people. There are three woes and three remaining trumpet judgements. The third woe is said to be coming quickly.
 
Chapter nine brings us the fifth and sixth trumpet judgements. Just like the seals, there is an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. These two trumpets demonstrate how God’s judgement impacts the people of the world and how futile it is to resist  God. While these judgements should lead to repentance, they don’t. Sin has such control over the people that they choose to worship the evil forces that torture and murder them rather than repent and turn to God. The fifth trumpet, the first of the three woes’ sees a star that fell from heaven to earth. Some think this is a demon and others believe it is the evil one himself. It could also be an angel that was serving God. The bottomless pit is the interim jail for some demons. It is also the place of origin of the beast. And, it will be the place where the evil one is imprisoned during Christ’s reign. The key goes to the bottomless pit which is also known as the abyss and the underworld. When this one unlocked the pit thick dark smoke  came pouring out. There was so much thick dark smoke the sun and air turned dark because of it. However, this wasn’t just smoke. Out of the smoke came locusts, multitudes of them. But unlike most locusts, these didn’t eat plants. These locusts were given scorpion like power to sting people. There were locusts in the plagues but they ate vegetation. These locusts attacked people and stung  them with their tails. However, they didn’t sting everybody. They only went after those people who did not have the seal of God. These are not ordinary locusts. They didn’t kill those who were unmarked; they only tortured them…for five months. First, that is the normal lifespan of a locust. This suggests that their entire purpose was to torture people. Second, five is a symbolically complete number based on the fingers of a hand. In that time people will seek death but it will be nowhere to be found. There will be no escape from them. None.  The description of these locusts is somewhat disturbing. In fact, their description is intended to cause revulsion and terror. It seems they had some sort of armor, like a battle horse would wear. They had what looked like gold crowns on their heads. That indicates that their torture dominates much of the earth. It might also mean they had a high rank among the demons but below their king, Abaddon. The king of the locusts is described in three ways: an angel from the bottomless pit who unlocked the pit rather than coming from it, as abaddon whose name means destruction, and Apollyon, the destroyer. John doesn’t make any direct connection between the evil one and this king of the locusts, but the prince of demons is linked with the evil one in the gospels. The evil one is also called the prince of this world and the prince of the power of the air. There is also a connection with the roman emperor Domitian, whose patron god was Apollo, symbolized by the locust.
 
Having hair like a woman’s teeth may be a reference to their long antennae and teeth like a lion indicates strength and cruelty. Their wings sounded like chariots with many horses who were running  into battle. The angel of the bottomless pit is demonic and controls the demonic locusts. If this angel serves God this is one more example of the demons activity and, that of the evil one is under God’s control. This is the end of the first woe.
 
The sixth trumpet also brings terror. John heard a voice speaking from the four horns of the gold altar. The voice carries the authority of God. This indicates it is the voice of the Lamb who was slain and has redeemed His people. He commands the four angels who are bound at the Euphrates. Because they are bound it suggests these four angels are evil. Their location at the Euphrates points to both Assyria and Babylon, empires that had devastated the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The angels were symbols of destruction. Once again we see that God is in control and the angels are released at the right time…God’s time. Because there was a fourfold time designation; hour, day, month, and year we see even evil forces have to observe God’s timing. They were released to kill one third of the people on the earth. And their army was ginormous, 200 million mounted troops. The four angels relationship to these troops is uncertain. The number, 200 million is innumerable. At its greatest strength the Roman army numbered about 126,000 soldiers. To put this in perspective, the 2020 population of the United States was 329.5 million.  One third of the people could number in  the billions. Combined with the former destruction of one fourth of humanity, over half of the worlds population will have been killed. There was widespread killing after the opening of the fourth seal and many died during the catastrophes of the first three trumpets.
 
There were riders on the horses and their armor color matched the plagues of their horses; red for fire, blue for smoke, and yellow for sulfur. All of these are signs of judgement in scripture. Although it is the horsemen for whom the number of 200 million is given, the horses they ride and their killing power are primarily described. There are some similarities between the horses of the sixth trumpet and the locusts shaped like horses of the fifth trumpet. Remember though, the locusts are given power only to torture, not to kill. These horses are given authority to kill one third of mankind. The amazing thing here is that those who were left felt no need or desire to repent. Their unwillingness or desire to repent is like that of pharaoh when the plagues came upon Egypt.
 
In His Grip
Pastor Matt W

​Today instead of looking back at what we have read I am going to look forward. We are about to embark on a journey through the apocalyptic Book of Revelation and I want to spend some time on the introduction. This is a book that scares many people. Some avoid it altogether. But this is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is a book full of hope and I have read the end. We win!!! This will be longer than any other introduction I have done but there is good stuff here. So, here goes.
 
Jesus Christ is the divine author of this Revelation and He has described the coming events to His servant John, the disciple whom He loved. This is John the son of Zebedee, brother of James, and the same John who  wrote the gospel that bears his name along with 1, 2, and 3 John. He was imprisoned on the island of Patmos because he had been preaching Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead. The date for this writing is most likely in the mid 90’s AD. This book is addressed to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia which is modern day turkey; a place where Christianity is now illegal and dangerous for believers. Though the message was directed to these churches, the message is for all churches and believers of all times. Roman persecution at the time was becoming severe. This had started under the emperor Nero and reached a fervor under emperor Domitian who ruled from 81-96AD. This was a time when Roman rulers demanded to be worshiped as gods, but Christians who believed that there was only one true God faced persecution, including martyrdom. Some Christians were advocating compromise with the Roman government. John wrote to encourage believers to stand firm in the trials that lay ahead. Here is a fun fact. The ancients believed in religious statues that could speak. Sometimes the image at a shrine would be hollow. This allowed a pagan priest to climb inside the statue and speak for that particular god.
 
John’s apocalypse is an amazing example of the salvation that is available to believers in Jesus Christ. This blesses all who read it and ponder, and it warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News He brings. The unfolding drama of the Revelation will stretch your imagination. It will also bolster your faith as you witness God’s supreme power. The visions you will read describe the struggles and trials of Christians. It details God’s judgements on those who persecute them, and shows the magnificence of the eternal hope and promise that God had made for His faithful people. John uses words and pictures to attempt to show us the things of God using human words. The word apocalyptic means to uncover or reveal. Here God is revealing in great detail what will happen in the end times. This type of writings is often found during times of great stress or persecution. This book has been used throughout history by believers who have suffered much at the hands of others. During WWII many clung to the hope in the Book of Revelation. Slaves in early America also used this book to bring comfort amid their harsh treatment and having been wrenched away from their homes, families and countries. Apocalyptic writing often uses symbols, symbolic names, codes, and numbers so that outside readers, especially enemies, would not be able to understand what was being written. Apocalyptic literature is not just found in the New Testament. Parts of the Books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah contain this literature as well. These revelations gave seers, dreamers, interpreters, and prophets messages of hope and salvation for God’s people and messages of judgement on God’s enemies. The prophets were obligated to share these messages with others, especially God’s people who were under persecution and distress. Readers understood that these promises would not be filled immediately, but they brought hope that God would  act and that He is still in control. In the meantime, God’s people were to remain faithful. They were to persevere in the face of their suffering and trials. God would deliver them soon. All of this can be found in the Book of Revelation. John referred to the Revelation as prophecy, not because it was just a prediction of what was to come but because it was a message from God to be proclaimed. This message is addressed to God’s people and it is intended to show that God’s answer in distressing times will not be fully realized until the end of history when Jesus Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead.
 
The Book of Revelation speaks through visions, images, and figurative language rather than logical reasoning. Sometimes we see both the literal and symbolic together, in intriguing combinations. Reading Revelation requires imagination. It is like entering the realm of dreams with God and discovering that they contain amazing messages from Him. It will be nothing but frustrating if we read expecting  everything to be in a logical order. Try looking at it as pictures instead. For instance we read in 8:7 that “all the green grass was burned” but in 9:4 we read that the locusts are not to harm the grass. This seems like a contradiction. But what we really have is different visions or parts of visions that aren’t necessarily sequential. Keep in mind that John saw the entire revelation in one revelation. There is no”s” at the end of Revelation.   The Greek this book is written with is horrible. Perhaps John was dictating at such a speed that the writer could not keep up. Maybe John was writing as he witnessed all of this. Or it could be that he wrote after the revelation and couldn’t get the words on paper fast enough. Whatever the reason, this is a lot to remember. What John saw is meant to show God’s message in pictures. We cannot read one vision into another. Instead we read, concentrating on the main point of each vision.
 
Revelation portrays the stark nature of evil all while emphasizing how God is always present and at work to accomplish His purposes for His people. Evil can only do what God allows. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the Lord over all of history from beginning to the end and ultimately the powers of sin and evil are futile. The evil one has already lost the war. Now all he can do is try to wrench people away from the Lord. Revelation shows us that what is done in earth has eternal consequences. And it reminds us that the Great victory over the powers of evil had already been won at the cross. Revelation moves forward in a series of repeating cycles. It is not organized topically or chronologically. This books pictures of Jesus’ victory, its symbolic descriptions of His purposes, and His second coming brought and still bring deep comfort to those Christians experiencing persecution. We often think that the persecution of Christians stopped long ago but that is not the case. There are 51 countries today where Christianity is illegal and hazardous to your health if you practice. And, if you add up the number of  Christians killed for their faith in the twentieth century, that number totals more than the number of all the martyrs of the previous nineteen centuries combined. The evil one is still running rampant but despite all of his hatred and the misery God’s people have endured for the name of Jesus, the victory is already Christ’s. And because it is His, it is ours as well. As we move towards the end times there is nothing in scripture that says this will be easy. In fact it will be just the opposite. There will be hardship but we have this promise from Jesus: “in the world you will have troubles. But take heart, I have overcome the world .” John 16:33.
 
When you read Revelation you will notice that Jesus is at the center of everything. John wrote in part to reveal Christ in his glory. In the face of severe persecution Revelation dramatically reminds Christians of the source of their hope and vindication, and it challenges them and us to remain faithful. The Christians in the Roman province of Asia may have seemed weak and powerless to the world but Revelation repeatedly reminded them, as it does us today, that we serve a Mighty God. He controls history. He has accomplished our salvation. And He continues to work out His purposes.
 
There are many numbers in the Book of Revelation and those numbers have often inspired wild speculation as to what exactly they mean. When we understand the symbolism in ancient numbers this will help our reading. The symbolism is not rigid or exact so we must take care when we read. And, while some of the numbers in the Bible have symbolic meaning, using numbers to try to speculate when Christ will return is not helpful. Jesus made it clear that ONLY God knows when that will happen. God didn’t intend for the numbers in Revelation to help us predict the future. Instead their symbolic meanings help to explain the significance of the visions. So, here are many of the numbers and their meanings. One refers to God’s oneness. Two is the minimum number of people needed to give a legitimate witness. Three represents the Divine; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Four represents the known world, represented in Genesis by four rivers and in Revelation by  four living creatures, horsemen, winds, and angels. Five is human completeness. Think five fingers on a hand. Six is incompleteness, an implication of evil, as in one short of perfection. It is neither humanly complete which is five, or divinely complete which is seven. Seven is perfection, divine completeness, and fulfillment. It indicates that God and the world are in harmony. Ten is a complete number and a way to indicate many. Twelve represents the tribes of God’s people, the number of disciples, and the number of God’s people. The supreme, ultimate evil is 666. One thousand is the foundational large number and 10,000 is a huge number rather than a precise count. Twelve thousand is a large number of God’s people, and 144,000 is the complete number of the people of God.
 
And one other thing. Many in the first and second centuries placed a heavy emphasis on angels. Angels have a servant role and are not to be worshiped. Jewish tradition had developed the concept of angels as mediators with God. In Pre-Christian Judaism God’s transcendence or otherness was emphasized to such an extent that people felt a need for meditators to communicate with Him. In this context, angels grew in importance. For Christians, Christ has a unique role as mediator between God and humans. Interest in angels or deceased Saints to communicate with God gets in  the way of honoring Christ alone as the mediator between God and humans. Gods still has angelic messengers, but they are creatures who serve Him, not divine beings to be worshiped. Faithful Saints of the past, including Mary, are human beings. They may be honored in our Christian memories but they have no claim to divinity, and they should never be worshiped. God alone is worthy of our prayers and worship.
 
In His Grip
Pastor Matt W