Day #364

Sermon - Audio
Revelation 12-18 - Reading
Revelation 12-18 - Audio

Daily Insights - Please Comment

Rev 12

In verse 7 we see that there is a "war in heaven." This reflects the battle that has already been fought on the cross (see John 12:31, Col 2:15) and Jesus' victory in His resurrection and ascension. After this we see in verses 13-17 that the the gentile Christians that were persecuted were identified as such because they, "obeyed God's commandments and held to the testimony of Jesus." As Christ followers we should be easily identified as such. We should love our King more than holding fast to our own lives.

Rev 13

At first glance we see that these beasts have a lot in common with God, however they are a complete corruption of God's attributes. They are the anti-gods. The things of Satan are promoted by these beasts, and we see a world that is being persecuted. We should not be surprised by suffering or corruption in this world. What should be our response? How can we make sure that when suffering is present, we will place it in God's hands? How can we suffer well?

Rev 14

In verse 6 we see the "eternal gospel" proclaimed. Too often we think of the gospel message as just being "forgiven." However, we see here that it also includes the reconciliation of relationship and the coming of God's kingdom to earth. How does this reality mold and shape the places we live? How we live?

Rev 15

How does the suffering for our faith mold and strengthen us? How does it further God's kingdom? How can we make sure to remain faithful?

Rev 16

In this chapter we see God's final wrath being poured out upon the world. Sometimes God's judgment is a hard concept to grasp and accept. However, God must ultimately oppose and destroy evil, otherwise He is not a loving and just God. We must be careful not to place our own human ideas and agendas upon God. People don't just reject "God," but they reject everything that comes along with that (rejecting truth, love, justice, mercy, etc).

Rev 17

This "new Babylon" is seen as the anti-city to God's New City. In this anti-city the people have corrupted all of God's good gifts to creation. They abuse alcohol, sex, power, possessions, etc. Later in the chapter we see that other cities/empires have fallen as well on behalf of these things. We see a different kind of city in Rev 21, one that will not be ruled over by anyone other than our King. Within it, all things have been restored and are being used to glorify God.

Rev 18

We see that many have been consumers of this "new Babylon." This will cause them to go to their destruction. God calls us out of the consumer mentality of the city and asks us to create a new way for people, one that reflects our Creator. Our we, as Christians, just consuming what the culture gives us, or are we entering those places in culture and showing/creating a new way...a better way? Or, are we just helping lead people to their own destruction by ideally standing by?