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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Rev. 12-13
I am trying to figure out what we are supposed to glean from this revelation passed on to us through John. We are looking at the seventh trumpet blast; the third woe to mankind. What is it we need to know about this woman, the two beasts, and the dragon? One thing is obvious to me – these images depict a great battle for dominion over the nations. What I don’t know is whether this is a battle that is yet to come or one that is currently raging. I tend to think it is actually a little bit of both.
It is impossible for us finite human beings to comprehend an infinite God. Timelines and order of events always trip us up. But the Bible indicates that God knew the end from the beginning. That is a truth we simply do not have the capacity to parse out. In its simplest form, however, I see the basic storyline of the Bible in all of this chaos. I see the promise of a Son, “who is going to rule (or shepherd) all nations with an iron rod.” (Rev. 12:5b). And I see a division in heaven, resulting in the so-called fall of Satan. Furthermore, I see a division among men, between those who worship and take the mark of the deceiving beast of the earth and those whose names are, “written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.” (Rev. 13:8b).
God knew the end from the beginning. But for now, for us, the battle rages on. The angry dragon pursues the brothers and sisters of Christ – “those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus.” (Rev. 12:17b). And I think the point of it all is a message we see throughout the New Testament. “This calls for endurance and faithfulness form the saints.” (Rev. 13:10b). We know we are headed for the Promised Land. We also know the way from here to there is difficult and dangerous. But because we have the assurance that our destination is both glorious and certain, it makes the journey worth it. So we stay on course because we have faith that our hope in the Promise will be fulfilled.
Rev. 14-15
Sometime early in year two of this musing adventure of mine, I commented on the word “gospel”. I discovered that the word means more than merely good news. It is, more specifically, an announcement of good news, or victory, for a kingdom. Thus, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the announcement of the victory of God’s kingdom through Him.
This falls right in line with what I read in Revelation 14:6-7. “Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with the eternal gospel to announce to the inhabitants of the earth – to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He spoke with a loud voice: ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” That is a message of kingdom victory for all those who endured the persecutions and deceptions of the beast. This gospel is the reason for our hope as we patiently await the day when God will destroy the destroyer for good.