These two chapters of Revelation, the last two chapters in Revelation and the Bible, give us a look into “eternity future”. We will see a description of the “new Jerusalem” the eternal habitation for all “believers" in Jesus Christ.
I will not take the space to re-describe the “new Jerusalem”, you can read what John the “Revelator” wrote about the “city of the future”. However, I would love to point out several unique aspects of this eternal home for you and me.
First, it will be hanging in “space” above the “new earth” for eternity. This is concluded by the fact that Ezekiel 37:26 and 28 tell us that the Temple that Jesus builds will be in the “earthly Jerusalem” on the “new earth” forever.
There will be no Temple in the New Jerusalem, verse 22, because God and Jesus are there. The New Jerusalem will be the eternal home for all Christians, with the “Jewish believers” and “Gentile believers” on the New Earth.
By the way, there are no “streets” of gold in the New Jerusalem. Notice the word “street” is not in the plural, the way so many people speak of them or sing about them. In the New Jerusalem there is only one “street”, Revelation 21:21 and 22:2. Therefore, we all live on “main-street” in the New Jerusalem, not on some “back street”.
There will also be a “tree of life” in the New Jerusalem, 22:2, where we will take “fruit” to eat through eternity. I’m not sure exactly what it means when John wrote, “for the healing of the nations”. What I am excited about is that we will “eat” forever.
There is so much more I could share with you from these two chapters. I do hope that you will read both chapters for your devotional today. Let me close with the Lord repeating one phrase three times. That phrase is, “Behold, I come quickly”.
In Revelation 22:7 He adds to the common phrase, “blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book”. That is a description of “how to live”.
In verse 12 John wrote after the statement that He was coming quickly, “and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. This is why we live according to the book. This verse also tells us how our eternal “eternal job description” is determined.
The last utterance of the “quick coming” of Jesus is found in verse 20, the next to last verse in the Bible. He has John’s response to the “I come quickly”. John offers a prayer 2,000 years ago that has not yet been answered, “Even, so come Lord Jesus”.
That is my prayer as I conclude 2009 and move into 2010. I pray that it is your prayer as well. Remember, John had received all the prophetic passages that will be fulfilled as we lead up to the Second Coming of Jesus, and John’s prayer was for Jesus to come right then. I also want to see Jesus, even so come Lord Jesus.
This chapter of Revelation has three distinct sections from which I want to share some very important insight with you. This chapter also is after the seven year Tribulation.
As I mentioned, there are three different elements to this chapter. Verses 1-3 and 7-10 are the account of Satan being bound, loosed for a “season” and then cast into the “lake of fire”, forever.
Verses 4-6 deal with the 1,000 year Kingdom Period when Jesus Christ, and the “bride of Christ”, the “church”, will “rule and reign” from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This is the “Kingdom” promised to the Jews, Daniel 7:13-14.
The last element of Revelation 20 is the “Great White Throne Judgment”, verses 11-15. The Great White Throne marks the “end of history”. The next two chapters, 21-22, take us into “eternity future”. “History” begins at Genesis 1:1 and concludes with Revelation 20:11.
Notice that Satan will be “bound for 1,000 years, verses 1-2. This will be the very first time that Satan will be “bound”. There is no such event as “bounding” Satan in any other passage, or time in history.
We do not have the “power” to bound Satan. We must “submit ourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from us”, James 4:7. Only God has the power to “bind” Satan.
The Devil will be in the “bottomless pit” for that 1,000 years and then released, verse 7. He will try and gather all those un-believers from the Kingdom Period, ones born in the Kingdom Period, those who reject Jesus even in a “perfect time”.
This “army”, Satan and those he gathers at the end of the Kingdom, will be taken and thrown into the “lake of fire”, verse 10, where the Antichrist (Beast) and the False Prophet, verse 10, have been at this time in history for 2,000 years.
Verses 4-6 reveal the time of the Kingdom and those who will “rule and reign” with Christ for that time period. Those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour down through the ages will be a part of that “ruling party”.
Verses 11-15 are the revelation of the terrible time of judgment for all lost people. This will not be a “judgment” to determine whether someone is “saved or lost”, no one will stand at this judgment unless they are “lost”. This will be the time for “sentencing” the lost to the “lake of fire”, forever.
This passage reveals the “judge”, verse 11, the “judged”, verses 12-13 and the “judgment”, verses 14-15. This truth of the “Great White Throne” leaves me with a “mixed emotion”, happy with the “joy” that comes with serving Jesus, and very “sad” about those who have “rejected” Jesus.
These events, the “binding of Satan”, the “Kingdom Period” and the “Great White Throne” are key in the scheme of God’s plan for the future. But let me remind you that what “triggers” these events is the Rapture.
The next event on “God’s calendar” is the Rapture. This is when Jesus calls us up to be with Him, in the heavens. This event could happen at any moment, therefore, we must be ready ever moment of ever day. PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for supplying us with the scenario that will unfold in the very near future. All the events that lead up to these three elements, the “binding of Satan”, the Kingdom Period with the focus on Jesus Christ reigning on the Temple Mount, are in the process of being fulfilled everyday. Give me the power to live for you every moment of every day.
And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army.
There is a verse in II Peter 1 that helps us in looking at these two portions of scripture, to understand what will happen at the return of Jesus to the earth. II Peter 1:20tells us that there is “no prophecy of the scripture of private interpretation”.
This verse is stating that all scripture must “fit like a hand in a glove” as we read the different passages. No one scripture can contradict any other scripture, both passages must develop the same theme. Therefore, these two passages on the “return” of Jesus Christ to the earth must fit together.
But first, please notice that thefirst six verses of Revelation 19are what I refer to as the “Hallelujah Chorus”.Verses 7-10are the details for the “Marriage and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb”. These two events are another discussion at another time.
Starting inverse 11 and going through verse 21, we see the prophecy of the Return of Jesus and the Campaign of Armageddon, which also includes events revealed to the ancient Jewish Prophet Zechariah in his book,chapter 14, verses 1-5.
The events surrounding the Lord’s return actually begin inZechariah 14, “the armies of the world” gathering at Jerusalem,Zechariah 14:1-2. This is the reason for the term “Campaign of Armageddon”, this final battle ends in the Jezreel Valley, but starts in Jerusalem.
The “armies of the world” gather in Jerusalem where Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet brought them to the city, through the means of “signs, wonders and miracles,Revelation 16:13-16.
Jesus will return to the earth,Zechariah 14:4, to the Mount of Olives, and the “armies of the world” flee to the north of Jerusalem, the Jezreel Valley for the final phase of the “mother of all battles”, the Battle of Armageddon.
This is the time that the “armies which were in heaven” follow Jesus on “white horses”Revelation 19:14. We that are Christians, who had been taken into the heavens at the Rapture, will come with Jesus to join with Him in His “rule and reign” over the earth.
You can read in the extended portion of our devotionals,verses 15-21, to see what happens during this “battle” to come. There are several other passages that will enhance your understanding of how this end times event unfolds, Isaiah 63:1-6andEzekiel 43:1-7.
These events will happen at the end of the Tribulation Period, at least seven years after the Rapture. I would call it “devastation before exaltation”. The “stage is set” for these prophecies to be fulfilled.
The world is watching as all the events called for inRevelation 4 through 19that will take place in the last days are in place. That means we are ever so close to the return of Jesus Christ. Just this reminder, the Rapture is foretold inRevelation 4:1, thus we must be ready for the Rapture to happen at any moment, maybe even today.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, it is amazing as I watch those events foretold in your Word almost at the point of fulfillment, which means that the Rapture, the next event on your agenda, is about to happen. Help me to live my life believing that it will happen at any moment, a life honoring to you.
We come to this 18th chapter of Revelation for our devotional reading for today and find out that we are basically “living” in this portion of scripture. As we share some thoughts on this passage you will see what I mean, and agree that we are closer than ever before to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
In this chapter we can find the word “Babylon” used three times, the word “city” used six times and the word “great” used eight times. The focus of our reading is the “great city of Babylon”.
Babylon is a city that has a 4,500 year old history that dates back to soon after the “flood” of Genesis 6-8 and the times of “Nimrod”, the great grandson of Noah. Nimrod built Babylon in defiance to God who told all of Noah’s family to be fruitful and “re-people” the earth.
Instead, Nimrod went into the valley between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers and on the shores of the Euphrates built a “great city” the city of Babylon that still stands where it was first built.
Babylon has a long history that includes being the headquarters for the Babylonian Empire where Daniel and Ezekiel were taken as captives, along with the Jewish people, 2,500 years ago.
It was also the headquarters for Alexander the Great and the Grecian Empire. Alexander, at 32 years of age had conquered the known world, and after his death at this young age had his empire divided into four parts.
Both of these accounts, which include the city of Babylon, are the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. In fact, the events in history associated with Babylon are “prototypes” of that which will happen in the future, seemingly the very near future.
The actual city of Babylon, which has never been destroyed as called for in Isaiah 13-14 and Jeremiah 50-51, Babylon will be destroyed, as foretold in our devotional reading today. This destruction will come to this the headquarters for another “world leader”, the “Antichrist”.
In the last three and one half years of the Tribulation Period Babylon will come back to power and be the “economic, political, governmental center” of the earth. Antichrist will rule the world from this location on the Euphrates River.
Our key verse, verse 17, along with verses 10 and 19, indicates that the “great city of Babylon” will be destroyed in “one hour”. In Revelation 16:17-21 we see how this unfolds. There will be a “major earthquake”, the largest to ever hit the earth, verse 18.
Also, large “hail” the size of a “talent”, around 75 pounds, will fall on the “city”, verse 21, and devastate this “stronghold of Satan”. Finally, the many prophecies of the destruction of Babylon will be fulfilled, after 4,500 years.
In fact, this destruction of Babylon is the last event to happen before Jesus Christ steps back on earth, Zechariah 14:4, in Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives. I believe these events are near, in light of the events that are unfolding today.
Babylon, Biblical Babylon, is what we know today as Iraq. The war, and now the rebuilding of war-torn Iraq are the “setting of the stage” for these prophecies to be fulfilled. As I said, we are living in the days that will lead up to God’s Word being completed, as it was written.
Once again I remind you that before all of this comes to pass there will be a shout from the heavens to call us up to join Jesus Christ. The Rapture, which can happen at any minute, could happen very soon now as we watch “Babylon” play its role in the end time events as recorded in Bible Prophecy.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, what a day we are living in as we see prophecy coming to pass before our eyes. As we watch current events, in light of Bible prophecy, help us to live these days prepared, pure and productive as we await your shout to join you in the heavens.
We come to this very interesting chapter in the book of Revelation, this 17th chapter, where John reveals the “false church” that will be in place during the first half of the Tribulation Period.
The word “church” is not used in these verses because the “true church”, an assembly of Bible-believing, born-again Christians will have departed from this earth and moved up into the heavenlies to be with Jesus Christ. These Christians leave this place at the Rapture, before the “judgment” begins here on the earth.
This is not the “true church”, but a “false church” that comes to power soon after the Rapture, in the beginning of the seven years of judgment on the earth. There is much we can talk about, information that describes this coming “false church”.
Verse 5 refers to “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots”. This is a reference to Genesis 11:4 where Nimrod establishes a “religion” in Babylon 4,500 years ago, “let us build a tower whose top may reach unto heaven”. This verse is speaking of the “mother-son cult” that was started in Babylon.
This “false religion” was started in Babylon, right after the Flood, and at the fall of the Babylonian Empire in 539BC moved its headquarters to Pergamos in Asia Minor. This is the location where the Roman Emperors were “deified”. They were called “Pope” as their “religious” title.
The “Beast” in this passage is the “Antichrist” and the “whore” is the “false church”. The word “woman” is also referring to this “whore”, the “false church”. The “Revived Roman Empire” is the “ten horns” in this passage.
Verse 9, the reference to “seven heads” in verse 9 is speaking of the “seven-mountained” city of Rome. This city, Rome, is the headquarters for the “one-world false church” under the leadership of the “Antichrist” during the first half of the Tribulation Period.
Verse 16 tells us that the “Revived Roman Empire”, most likely the European Union of today, will rise up and destroy the “False church” at the end of the first three and one half years. Notice that they do this because the Lord put it in their hearts to do His will, verse 17.
There are several thoughts that you might consider, as we conclude our reading for these devotionals. This “false church” is in the “making” today, especially with the “emerging church” movement and the coming together of all types of religious groups.
The lack of the study of “Bible Prophecy” in most churches and even a real study of true “Biblical doctrine”, which is disappearing from our churches, is evidence that we are moving ever so close to the time of this “false church” of Revelation 17.
Please remember, before this “false church” is up and operating in the Tribulation Period the Rapture takes place. The “true Church” will depart this place and go to another, into the presence of Jesus Christ. We are so very close to the Rapture, it could be today, so keep looking up.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, please revive your “true Church” in these last days so that we might reach out to as many as we can before the Rapture. Thank you for the warnings found in your Word to alert us to what is coming. Help us to live expecting you to shout today for us to join you in the heavens.
As we come to this 16th chapter of Revelation we read the prophecy of the last set of seven judgments, the “Vial Judgments”. There are three sets of major judgments in the book of Revelation, the Seals, the Trumpets and the Vials.
These judgments get progressively worse as events proceed through the seven years of Tribulation. The Seal Judgments take place in the first half of the Tribulation and the Trumpet and Vial Judgments in the last half. When the world comes to the Vial Judgments things will be moving very quickly.
If you have already read about the Trumpet Judgments in Revelation 8,9 and 11 you are aware of the “ecological judgments” that have taken place and now John reveals the final acts of judgment on the earth, to bring it under submission.
Bringing the “earth and earth-dwellers” under submission is one of the purposes for the Tribulation so that the God of Heaven can give Jesus Christ, His Son, “dominion”, make Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In our devotional reading, the extended portion, you will notice that we stop with verse 16 and leave out the “seventh vial”. I will deal with the last “vial” judgment in another devotional.
I’ll not take the space to explain the first five vial judgments, they pretty well explain themselves and display the “wrath” of God in His judgment on “unrepentant” man. I will share several thoughts about the sixth vial and the parenthetical portion of the 16th chapter of Revelation.
When the “angel”, the sixth angel, pours out his vial on the earth the focus is the Euphrates River so that this river is dried up to make way for the “Kings of the East” to make their way into the Middle East, in particular the Jewish State of Israel, actually the “City of Jerusalem”.
The sixth vial judgment and the prophecy of verses 13 to 16 go together in that they are talking about all the nations left on the earth, after almost seven years of intense judgment, gathering at Jerusalem for the “Campaign of Armageddon”.
The “Kings of the East” would be at least the nations of China and India, plus many other Far East nations. Remember, almost half of the earth’s population live in that region of the world.
The “River Euphrates” is the natural border that separates the Middle East and the Far East. These nations in the Far East will move towards Jerusalem for the beginning of the “mother of all battles”, the Battle of Armageddon, which I referred to as the “Campaign of Armageddon” because it begins at Jerusalem, not the Jezreel Valley.
The Devil, along with the Beast, Antichrist, and the False Prophet, verse 13, use “demonic deception” and perform “miracles”, verse 14, to gather the “kings of the earth and of the whole world”, to the Middle East, Jerusalem and then the Jezreel Valley for the “war to end all wars”.
This look at most of Revelation 16 should give each of us the evidence that we are quickly moving towards the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Today we have a proliferation of “miracles” around the world, along with “demonic deception” that is preparing for verses 13 to 16 to be fulfilled.
I hasten to remind you that before all of these prophecies are fulfilled the “shout” will come from heaven for the “body of Christ”, the Church, Christians to go to be with Jesus in the heavens. This “shout”, of course, is the Rapture and it can happen at any moment, so keep looking up, it could be today.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, thank you for the “warning” of coming events, contained in Bible prophecy, so that we can recognize the times in which we are living. Help us to live in light of this knowledge and warn the lost of what they most do to prepare for the end times.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six.
This chapter in the book of Revelation is the most detailed chapter in the Bible on the “person” of the “Anti-christ”. Anyone who is interested in knowing about this member of the “Satanic Trinity” must spend some time in the book of Revelation.
The word “Beast” is used in this chapter and through the rest of the book of Revelation and is referring to the “Anti-christ”. This name for the “Satanically energized” world “dictator” in the last days is one of 27 names for this major player in the Tribulation Period.
In verses 1 and 2 we see that the “Beast” comes up out of the “sea” and there is a connection between a “leopard, bear and lion”. These references to these symbols are looking back at Daniel 7 where Daniel has a “dream” and sees these symbols as the coming “Gentile world powers”.
This is basically saying that the “Anti-christ” is a Gentile coming out of the “Revived Roman Empire”, the “ten horns” of verse 1 and Daniel 7:7. The reason the Jews accept a “Messiah”, i.e. “False Messiah”, that is a Gentile is II Thessalonians 2:8-12.
Paul writes that after the Rapture when the Anti-christ appears the Jews will accept this Gentile as their “Messiah” because those that rejected the “love of the truth” that they might get saved, God will send them a strong delusion that they will believe the “lie” of Satan and accept this “False Messiah”.
There is so much more that we could share about this passage. For example, verses 16-17, the part about the need for taking the “mark of the Beast” so that they can buy and sell during the Tribulation. Interestingly, the present “global economic crisis” is setting the stage, world-wide, for this prophetic scenario to be fulfilled (see my CD series “Age of Anti-christ”).
I believe the human male that will be “energized” by Satan and become the Antichrist” is alive and well on Planet Earth and ready to be revealed. Remember, II Thessalonians 2:3 says that the Rapture must happen before the Anti-christ will appear. We are at that point in history right now.
That being the case we all must live as if today is the day that the Lord will shout to call us to be with Him in the heavens. There is not one prophecy that must be fulfilled before the Rapture. Every prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled happens after the Rapture. Today could be the day.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, thank you for the scriptures that inform each of us about the coming days of judgment and the characters that will play a role in this “end-time drama” with the “final act” about to begin. Help me to live as if it could happen at “any moment” because it could.
As we come to this passage in the book of Revelation we see the prophecies of the 5th and 6th Trumpet Judgments. These two judgments are sometimes hard to understand because of the “apocalyptic” literature that is used in the passages.
These two Trumpet Judgments are basically the foretelling of an “invasion from outer space” and the “killing on the earth of one third of the population worldwide at that time in history”.
Verses 1-12 are the 5th Trumpet Judgment and verses 13-21 are the 6th Trumpet Judgment. John writes what he is told to write about these seemingly very strange judgments. Let me see if I can help you to understand what the Lord wants us to know about these judgments.
The appearance on the earth of “locusts”, in the 5th Trumpet, is that invasion by evil angels, from outer space, onto the earth. These are “evil” angels that had been in the “bottomless pit” for almost 6,000 years, from the time they were sent there because of “fornication”, Jude 6 and 7, until this time in the Tribulation.
Now the Lord allows Satan, “with the key to the bottomless pit” to release these 200 million angels, verse 16, upon the earth, to bring judgment on the “earth dwellers” as one of the judgments to bring them under subjection.
By the way, these locusts are not like any locusts that I’ve ever seen, not like regular “grasshoppers”. The text gives a description of the “evil angels” in the form that took upon themselves to invade the earth, verses 7-10.
Verse 18reveals to use the death of one third of the earths population, which means that one half on the total population of humankind will be killed in the Tribulation, Revelation 6:7-8. That would mean there would be three billion people killed, at our present population.
You might ask why I would select this passage for our daily devotionals. First of all, it is the Word of God, which is “profitable”, II Timothy 3:16-17. In addition, it is “prophetic” , it warns us of the judgments to come.
But also, it is “practical”, in that it helps us to know what is ahead so that we can warn our lost friends and love-ones so that they might consider doing what is necessary to escape these judgments to come, by trusting Jesus Christ for salvation, before it eternally to late.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to be a witness today to those that might not know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, before they would have to face these Trumpet Judgments. Thank you for my salvation, which keeps me from this terrible time of judgment.
As we come to our devotional reading for today, in the extended portion, we read of the battle in the heavens between the “good” angels and the “evil” angels. This is a prophecy of what will happen at the midway point of the seven-year Tribulation Period.
God will finally give the order to Michael, the Archangel, who is the “commander-in-chief” of the good angels, to take the “dragon”, verse 9, the Devil, the “commander-in-chief” of the evil angels and all of the evil angels and throw them out of the “heavens” and down to the earth.
Actually, the evil angels, under the direct command of the Devil, will not be in the “third heaven” where God is, but in the “first” and “second” heavens where they have been for around 6,000 years, since Lucifer, the name of the most prominent of all the angels, who rebelled against God was thrown out of the place where God is, the third heaven.
Just this one thought, though all the evil angels don’t have access to the third heaven, their leader, Satan, does. He is there “day and night accusing the brethren before our God”.
When the evil angels and Satan are thrown down on the earth those in the third heaven rejoice, verse 12, but they warn those on the earth that the Devil is coming to the earth with “great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time”.
Verses 13-17reveal that the Devil and his evil angels will do all they can to destroy the Jewish people, “the woman that brought forth the man child”, verse 13. In fact, that has been the Devil’s plan for the last 6,000 years.
Satan knows that if he can destroy the Jews that then God’s plan for the Jewish people will fail, He won’t be able to keep His promises to the Jews and that Satan will win and be the leader of all the earth.
The ever increasing wave of “anti-Semitism” around the world today is a lead up to the last half of the Tribulation when many Jews will be killed to allow Satan to be victor in the world in the last days.
With demonism and Satanic activity also on the increase in our world, we can indeed see how the stage is being set for the final drama to be played out in the very near future. But before all these prophecies are fulfilled Jesus will call us up to be with Him in the heavens. Even so come Lord Jesus.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, thank you for Your victory over Satan and all of his evil angels. Thank You for all that You do for us as we await your call for us to join You in “Your Father’s house”.
However a study of the context in this passage of Scripture indicates that this call from heaven saying to the "two witnesses", "come up hither", takes place at the mid-way point of the seven year Tribulation Period, while the Rapture takes place before the Tribulation Period begins.
This passage reveals the prophecy of the "two witnesses", verse 3, and what is involved in their 1,260 day ministry.
Briefly, there will be "two men" who will give some type of a testimony, which is what a witness does, during the first half of the Tribulation Period. They will be protected by the Lord through various means so that they can reach out from Jerusalem to everybody on earth with the "gospel of the Kingdom", Matthew 24:14.
These two will be kept out of harms way and given miraculous powers so that their ministry will be effective. After these two witnesses are killed, verse 7, and before being resurrected from the dead, verse 11, their dead bodies lay in the Jerusalem streets so that the entire world will see them, via satellite. The "earth dwellers" will "rejoice over them and make merry and bring gifts one to another", verse 10.
The world will "party" and "send gifts", happy that the two witnesses have died. Revelation 7:4-8 tells us that 144,000 Jews from the "twelve tribes of Israel" will be saved and then spread out across the world to reach "all" six billion people on earth with the Gospel message, Matthew 24:14. This evangelism will be as a result of the ministry of these “two witnesses”.
Revelation 7:9 indicates that a large number of people will be saved during these terrible days of judgment. This, all taking place after the Rapture of the Church. Malachi 4:5 tells us that one of the two witnesses is going to be "Elijah". I believe the other is the Old Testament Gentile, Enoch, Genesis 5:19-24.
I believe these two witnesses, who have never died, were transported into the heavens, while still alive. They will return to Jerusalem where they set up their Temple Mount headquarters. Then at the end of their ministry, they die, as every man who has ever lived on earth must do, Hebrews 9:27. Then they will be taken back to heaven at the end of their three and a half years of ministry.
Luke 24:4 records that "two men in white apparel" at the entrance to the tomb of Jesus, saw the resurrection. Acts 1:10 also records that "two men in white apparel" watched as Jesus entered the heavenlies from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. These two, I believe, were Elijah and Enoch who saw the resurrection and the ascension of Christ into heaven telling the disciples the Lord would come back the same way He had just departed.
The "resurrection" and the "Lord's coming" is the message of the “Gospel of the Kingdom”. This will be the message of these two witnesses to the world. Remember, they are the only two witnesses that saw these things happen.
The prophecy pertaining to these two witnesses will be fulfilled, sooner rather than later, maybe today.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to be a witness today of Your soon coming to those who need to know You as Lord and Saviour.
As we come to another chapter in the book of Revelation, we move into the second set of seven judgments, the seven "trumpet judgments". Actually the last of the seven "seal judgments" is found also in chapter 8, verse 1.
The seven "trumpet judgments" come out of the last "seal judgment" as is the case with the seven "vial judgments" coming out of the last, seventh, "trumpet judgment".
Notice, that the seventh "seal judgment" is "silence in heaven about the space of half an hour", verse 1. The reason for the "silence", I believe, is because the "great cloud of witnesses", Hebrews 12:1, is "awestruck" by the six previous "seal judgments" and the seven "trumpet judgments" to follow.
I would like for you to notice what has been termed "ecological judgment" will be released on the earth in these first four "trumpet judgments". The fact is, we hear a lot about "global warming" and "climate change" in the media these days.
I believe "global warming" is impossible because Jesus Christ created the heavens, the earth and all that is in them, Colossians 1:16, and He holds it all together, Colossians 1:17.
God is in charge and nothing can happen to this "earth" unless He allows it to. No act of man can overrule God's plan. However, as our text tells us, there will be "ecological judgments" upon the earth during the time of the seven year Tribulation Period in the future.
The first "trumpet judgment" is a third part of the trees and all the grass on earth burning up. "Trumpet" number two is a third of the sea turning to blood, one-third of the fish in the sea dying and one-third of the ships upon the seas being destroyed.
Next, the third "trumpet judgment”, is one-third of the rivers, ponds, lakes and fountains of water becoming bitter, so much so that many on the earth will die from drinking this water. The judgments now shift to the heavens, the sun, moon and stars lose one-third of their light and there is more darkness than usual upon the earth, which is the fourth "trumpet judgment”.
Verse 13 reveals that from here, continuing into the Tribulation Period, it gets worse. The three "woes" are to follow, which are the last three "trumpet judgments". We'll look at the "woes" in another devotional reading.
You might ask, "Why study about these judgments if at the Rapture we leave this earth and will not be a part of these judgments?" There are several answers to that question, the most important being, so we can warn our friends and loved ones about coming judgment and how they can escape the terrible time to come.
This is an excellent evangelism tool, prophecy. We all must make it a point to give out the gospel to lost people every day. The Rapture could happen, today.
PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord, for keeping me from these judgments to come. Help me to warn others and give them the gospel before it is eternally too late.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
In my prophecy conferences across the United States and around the world, we set aside some time for "Prophecy Q & A". I love this time because it gives me the opportunity to respond to what someone really wants to know about prophecy.
Often I'm asked, "Will there be anyone that can get saved during the Tribulation Period?" Our key verse, verse 9, states that a large number of people will get saved during that time of coming judgment.
In fact, in verses 4-8 it speaks of 144,000 "male, virgin, Jews" who will be saved at the beginning of the Tribulation, a result of the ministry of the "two witnesses", Revelation 11:3-12.
These twelve thousand men from each of the twelve tribes of Israel will have a ministry of "evangelism" during the Tribulation and every person on earth, all six billion, will have an opportunity to hear the "gospel of the Kingdom", Matthew 24:14, and many will be saved.
However, there is a group of people who will not be able to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour. Those people will be the ones who have heard the “gospel” before the Rapture, understood the gospel and rejected the gospel, that’s found in II Thessalonians 2:8-12.
Notice there are three steps, “hear, understand and reject”. There will be no "second chance" to get saved during the Tribulation Period. There may be some who have heard, but never understood the gospel, those will hear and have an opportunity to get saved during the Tribulation.
The Bible truth that I have just explained may not fit with a fictional novel about the second coming. But remember, we don't get "doctrine" from novels, but from God's Holy Word, as found in II Timothy 3:16-17.
Those who get saved during the Tribulation Period are not known as Christians, all Christians leave the earth at the Rapture when the Lord Jesus Christ shouts for us to join Him in the heavenlies.
Those Jews and Gentiles left on earth at the Rapture, who trust Christ during the Tribulation, are called "Tribulation Saints". These Tribulation Saints will "rule and reign" with Jesus in His Kingdom to come, Revelation 20:4.
Peter wrote, in his last letter, II Peter 3:9 and 12 that the only reason Jesus has not called us up to be with Him is because He is not willing that any should perish but all should come to salvation.
II Peter 3:12 seems to say that we can hasten His return by leading people to the Lord. Please let this devotional encourage you to do all that you can to introduce Jesus to those who need Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
PRAYER THOT: Lord, help me to be a soul winner as I await Your soon coming.
This sixth chapter of Revelation is the prophecy of six of the seven Seal Judgments that will come upon the earth and it's inhabitants during the seven year long period of judgment known as the Tribulation Period.
Throughout the entire time of the Tribulation Period there are twenty-one judgments, “three sets of seven” , seven "seal" judgments, seven "trumpet" judgments and seven "vial" judgments that unfold.
These twenty-one judgments get progressively worse and will intensify as the Tribulation Period unfolds. These initial six judgments in Revelation 6 are the beginning of the terrible time to come upon the earth.
A quick look at the six judgments reveal how the seals are broken on the “sealed book”, most likely a single scrolled book, and each seal is broken by the Lamb, verses 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12. The “Lamb”, of course, is the person of Jesus Christ, who will bring these judgments upon the earth in the Tribulation Period.
The judgments are released upon humankind on the earth, after the Rapture. All six of these judgments happen in the first three and a half years of the seven-year long judgment period.
In verses 1 and 2 we see a man on a "white horse", who is the "Antichrist". This satanically energized person is the one who tries to fool the world into believing that he is the long awaited Messiah.
Verses 3 and 4 reveal a man on a "red horse" who comes to take peace from the earth, it's the judgment of "war" released upon humankind.
The man on a black horse, verses 5 and 6, is the judgment of famine, which when it calls for a "measure of wheat" for a "penny" that is referring to enough wheat to make bread for a family of four for one day at the cost of a days wages, a penny.
The fourth seal is depicted as a man on a "pale horse". When this judgment is released "one-fourth of the earth's population is killed." That will mean 1.5 billion people will die as a result of this judgment.
Verses 9 - 11 describe those who will be "martyred" for their testimony. They are not Christians but people who will come to Christ after the Rapture, during the first of the Tribulation Period.
The sixth seal, verses 12 - 14, will be "ecological" judgments upon the earth, earthquakes, and in the heavens.
These judgments that happen early in the Tribulation Period are events that seemingly are in the process of coming about today. Jesus said when you see these things happening, Matthew 24:4-7 and 32-34, you can recognize that this is the time of His return to the earth.
However, remember that the Rapture of the Church takes place seven years before He comes back to earth. The fact that we can see the stage being set for these six seal judgments, indicates that the Rapture could not only happen at any moment but it could happen soon, even today.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to live today as if the Rapture could happen this day.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
The scene is the throne room in the “third heaven” where John sees God the Father on His throne with Jesus at His right side. As John observes from the sidelines he sees that in the right hand of God there is a "book", a sealed book, sealed with "seven seals" and the book has writing within and on the backside.
What a scene. As John stands there a "strong angel" proclaims "who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals", verse 2. This book contains the "seven sealed judgments" as described in Revelation 6 and Revelation 8:1.
These "judgments" will be the first of twenty-one progressively worse judgments that will be released upon the earth during the coming Tribulation Period. However, this book is also the "title deed" to the earth that God the Father will give to Jesus the Son.
All of the judgments, twenty-one of them; seven seals, seven trumpet and seven vial judgments are for the purpose of preparing the Earth and humankind for the "Kingdom" that the Father will give to His Son, Jesus.
That's yet in the future, seven years after the incident found here in Revelation 5. Someone says, "who is worthy to open the "sealed book?" As John looks on from the sidelines he starts to weep when all of a sudden one of the twenty-four elders says "Jesus is worthy to open the sealed book."
Just then Jesus steps to the throne of God, takes the sealed book from His Father and all of the elders, twenty-four of them, and the four beasts, fell down to worship the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who now holds the "sealed book," the "title deed," to not only the Earth but all of Creation.
Then there was singing in the third heaven with the heavenly harmonies of the twenty-four elders and the four “beast”. The sound was expanded when over one hundred million angels joined in, ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, verse 11.
As John listened he heard, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."
Just think, we will be a part of that “heavenly choir”, since the twenty-four elders represent the Church who will be there at this time, the Rapture having taken place earlier, Revelation 4:1-2.
Looking ahead to Revelation 6, we see that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, opens all seven of the sealed judgments to begin the judgment period that brings Jesus to the promised throne in the Temple, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and the establishment of His 1,000 year Kingdom.
There is a mixed emotion within me as I write these words for this devotion. There's "joy" as I think of that time with Jesus and our praise to Him. However, there is "sadness" as I think of family, friends and loved ones who will face that seven years of judgment because they have refused to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour.
We must allow this "mixed emotion" to cause each of us to do what ever it takes to win our friends, family and loved ones to Jesus Christ. Maybe you should sit down at the computer and send those close to you an e-mail with the Gospel in it or maybe make a quick telephone call to them right now. We all need to do this before it's eternally to late.
PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the prospect of that future gathering in the heavenlies to praise You. Help me to win others to You Lord so that they can join us there for that great time of celebration as well.
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
In the fourth chapter of Revelation we see John, first on the "earth," verse 1, and then he is in the presence of God in the "throne room" in heaven,verse 2.
With this in mind, we thus picture the “Rapture of the Church”inverse 1, "the first voice I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me which said come up hither." That would be the Rapture, and the next verse,verse 2, shows John in heaven.
That phrase, "come up hither," may well be the words Jesus will shout at the Rapture, to call us up to join Him in the heavenlies.
As we take our guided tour of the "throne room in heaven" there are many things to notice, like the "rainbow" over the throne reminding us of God's promise that He would never again destroy the earth with water.
Then there are the "twenty-four elders" seated around the throne. Notice they are clothed in "white raiment" and they have "crowns on their heads". These 24 elders represent the "Church". I believe this to be true because the number "twenty-four" is the number of "representation".
Only Christians will wear "white robes" and we Christians will be the only ones who receive "crowns" at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
We also see the "throne room creatures", the four beast which are actually “angels”. They are different than cherubim and seraphim. These four "angelic creatures" sing "holy, holy, holy" 24-7 at the throne of God the Father.
What an awesome place the “throne room” is with God the Father on the throne, and Jesus seated at His right side. John the Revelator has given us a personal tour of the throne room. Before we leave, notice what the twenty-four elders do with the “crowns” that they will have received at the Judgment Seat of Christ, verse 10.
By the way, there are “five crowns” that are possible for us to receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ; the “crown incorruptible,"I Corinthians 9:27, for bringing our bodies under subjection; the "crown of rejoicing," I Thessalonians 2:19, for being a soul-winner; a "crown of life,"James 1:12, for not yielding to temptation; the "crown of glory,"I Peter 5:1-5, for building up the body of Christ; and a "crown of righteousness,"II Timothy 4:8, for eagerly looking for Jesus to appear in the last days.
Notice what the twenty-four elders do with their crowns,verse 10, they “cast them at the feet of Jesus Christ” to honor Him and thank Him for what He has done for each of us as Christians.
What a day that will be; therefore, we must work to receive as many crowns as we possibly can so that we can cast them at His feet.
PRAYER THOT: Help me dear Lord to work in Your power and for Your glory to receive these crowns so I can cast them at Your feet in honor and thanksgiving.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
The passage for today's devotional is actually the letter to the church in Philadelphia, a church in full operation in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, during the life of John the Apostle who recorded Revelation.
I say "recorded" because the book came from God to Jesus to an angel who gave it to John to write it down, Revelation 1:1. InRevelation 2 and 3we have the letters to the Seven Churches in Asia Minor, churches that John had ministered in and had a relationship with over the years.
The church at Philadelphia was one of the two churches of the Seven Churches that received no condemnation from the Lord. The other was the church in Smyrna. It was hard to pick the church letter for our devotionals for today, however, this letter has such great promises to those of us who are Christians and are awaiting the coming of the Lord.
The Rapture of the Church is an event that happens before the terrible time of judgment in the future, the seven-year Tribulation Period. Notice our key verse,verse 10. The Lord promises to those of us who are saved that He will take us up to be with Him before the judgment starts.
The promise is, "I will keep you from, the judgment." He did not say that He would take us out of that time of judgment but He would “keep us from that time”. This means that the Rapture of the Church comes before the Tribulation. That promise is worth the entire letter.
However, there is more in this letter to praise the Lord for. Noticeverse 8. The Lord tells us that He has set an "open door" before us that no man can shut. He then reminds us that we are of “little strength”. At the same time, He commends those in the church at Philadelphia and each of us, as well today, who have kept His word and have not denied His word.
I love the thought inverse 8, that we the "minority," those of little strength; as we stand on the "authority," the Word of God; we can reach the "majority," those people we come in contact with as we go through open doors that only He can shut.
Notice just one more great thought,verse 11. John exhorts us by quoting Jesus who says, He is coming "quickly." When the Rapture starts, it will be quick and therefore, we should live so that no one can take away the “crown” that the Lord will give us.
These are the crowns that we receive at the "Judgment Seat of Christ" for works we have done in His power and for His glory. We must not allow our relationship with any man to take away those crowns.
By the way, the text says "He is coming quickly." I know that it means, it goes quickly when it begins. However, I do believe that His coming is closer than it has ever been and I live and believe that it will happen in my lifetime, and yours. Even so come Lord Jesus.
PRAYER THOT: Thank you, Lord, for the open doors you give us to serve You and also for the promise to call us up to be with You before the terrible judgment comes to the earth.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
As we come in our daily reading to Revelation 2, we begin to look at what Jesus has for the “church”, before the Rapture and after His Second Coming.Revelation 2 and 3are messages to “seven churches” that were alive and active during the first century in the area of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey.
John, the writer of the book of Revelation, had been the pastor of the church in Ephesus and had a close relationship with the other six churches, most likely as a visiting minister on a regular basis.
While on the Isle of Patmos, as a prisoner, John received these messages from Jesus to give to the churches. It will be a great benefit to you, as it has been to me, to spend time reading and studying these seven messages to these seven churches.
In our devotional today, I will only have time and space to look at the one church, the church in Ephesus. However, before I do that, let me remind you that there are similarities between the messages to the seven churches.
Each letter is written to the “angel of the church”. This is the Greek word "angelos" - meaning angel.I Corinthians 11:10reveals that there are “angels” in attendance at each church meeting. Also at the beginning of each message there is a characteristic of Jesus.
Each of the letters reminds the church that the Lord knows of their works. John records the messages from the Lord to "those that are overcomers."I John 5:4-5tells us that "overcomers" are those who know Christ as Lord and Savior.
There is also the phrase in each letter, "he that hath and ear let him hear." This means to pay attention to what is being said. The other similarity is that the Lord promised something to the “overcomers” of each church. These rewards are for us and will be given to us during the “kingdom to come”, after the Lord's return to earth.
That is what I want to look at for those in the “church at Ephesus”. But I must hasten to write that all seven messages are applicable for each of us, including the promise for each of us. In this letter to Ephesus, to those “overcomers”, they shall eat of the “tree of life”,verse 7.
There are several thoughts that we must consider. First, we will all eat of the “tree of life” during that 1,000-year period as Jesus sits upon His throne in Jerusalem. This helps to understand how those with physical bodies who go through the Tribulation Period, having become believers, will live for 1,000 years in that physical body. They will be eating daily of the “tree of life”,Genesis 3:22.
This “tree of life” is different than the one in the "New Jerusalem" in Revelation 22:2. The "tree of life" inRevelation 2:7is located in the “earthly Jerusalem”, in the “paradise of God” which is the Garden of Eden, as it was 6,000 years ago. The Garden of Eden was, and is today, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (see my audio series, "Return to Eden").
Please consider reading the other seven messages to find out what is in store for each of us who are "overcomers", in the future. God is so good.
PRAYER THOT: Help me, Lord, to learn from the messages You sent to the seven churches, through John.
As we come to the book of Revelation for our daily devotions, we have come to the 66th daily devotional since we started January 1st. For tomorrow, we will start with Genesis and go through the Bible again, looking for another devotional with a prophetic prospective.
Once every 66 days we will visit this book of Revelation which is packed full of “end time prophecies”. I am going to encourage you to read through the entire book before we ever will be able to cover the whole book in our devotionals.
By the way, if you will read through Revelation and maybe listen to it on an audio Bible, and then go out into the world and live in light of what you read and hear, then you are promised a blessing, verse 3.
As we look at this last book of the Bible, we see the “resurrected Jesus Christ” as described in the written word,Revelation 1:12-18. God gives the “message” of this book to Jesus. The Lord then gives the contents of this prophecy to an “angel”, who will deliver it to John,verse 1. The title of the book is also found in that first verse, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”.
The first chapter presents Jesus Christ in His “person”, His “power”, and His “program”. The “person” of Jesus Christ is the resurrected, glorified Son of God with white hair,verse 14a. The Lord's “white hair” depicts his purity and his longevity. Verse 14btells of His “eyes” - eyes that see our every activity. The “feet” of Jesus, as described by John, are like brass that has been burned in the furnace,verse 15a,which speaks of Jesus as the coming Judge.
The resurrected Christ has a “voice” like the sound of many waters. That voice spoke the worlds into existence. That voice will shout for us to join Him in the heavenlies. To those who have never been saved, that voice will say, "sorry, I never knew you." Revelation 1:16describes Jesus with the Seven Angels of the Seven Churches in His “hand”, verse 20. In this verse, it depicts His word coming from His mouth as a “two-edged sword” and His “face”, His countenance, as the sun shineth in its strength. The power of Jesus is found inverse 18. The Lord gives testimony of being alive, dead, and now alive. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the manifestation of His strength.
The program of Jesus Christ is found inverse 19where John is told to write about those things in the “past”, those things that are “happening at that time”, and those things, which happen “hereafter”. The things found “hereafter” are found inRevelation 4-22, which we will eventually get to in our devotions.
The “resurrection”, which is the “cornerstone of our faith”, is also the “foundation of Bible prophecy”. The “resurrected” Jesus Christ proves His authority to foretell the future as the authoritative Word of God which does indeed know the future.
PRAYER THOT: Thank You Lord, the One who knows the future, because Your are the “resurrected One”, for revealing the future to me and all that read your “Word”.
These two chapters of Revelation, the last two chapters in Revelation and the Bible, give us a look into “eternity future”. We will see a description of the “new Jerusalem” the eternal habitation for all “believers" in Jesus Christ.
I will not take the space to re-describe the “new Jerusalem”, you can read what John the “Revelator” wrote about the “city of the future”. However, I would love to point out several unique aspects of this eternal home for you and me.
First, it will be hanging in “space” above the “new earth” for eternity. This is concluded by the fact that Ezekiel 37:26 and 28 tell us that the Temple that Jesus builds will be in the “earthly Jerusalem” on the “new earth” forever.
There will be no Temple in the New Jerusalem, verse 22, because God and Jesus are there. The New Jerusalem will be the eternal home for all Christians, with the “Jewish believers” and “Gentile believers” on the New Earth.
By the way, there are no “streets” of gold in the New Jerusalem. Notice the word “street” is as I used it was in the plural, the way so many people speak of them or sing about them. In the New Jerusalem there is only one “street”, Revelation 21:21 and 22:2. Therefore, we all live on “main-street” in the New Jerusalem, not on some “back street”.
There will also be a “tree of life” in the New Jerusalem, 22:2, where we will take “fruit” to eat through eternity. I’m not sure exactly what it means when John wrote, “for the healing of the nations”. What I am excited about is that we will “eat” forever.
There is so much more I could share with you from these two chapters. I do hope that you will read both chapters for your devotional today. Let me close with the Lord repeating one phrase three times. That phrase is, “Behold, I come quickly”.
In Revelation 22:7 He adds to the common phrase, “blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book”. That is a description of “how to live”.
In verse 12 John wrote after the statement that He was coming quickly, “and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. This is why we live according to the book. This verse also tells us how our eternal “eternal job description” is determined.
The last utterance of the “quick coming” of Jesus is found in verse 20, the next to last verse in the Bible. He has John’s response to the “I come quickly”. John offers a prayer 2,000 years ago that has not yet been answered, “Even, so come Lord Jesus”.
That is my prayer as I conclude 2008 and move into 2009. I pray that it is your prayer as well. Remember, John had received all the prophetic passages that will be fulfilled as we lead up to the Second Coming of Jesus, and John’s prayer was for Jesus to come right then. I also want to see Jesus, even so come Lord Jesus.
This chapter of Revelation has three distinct sections from which I want to share some very important insight with you. This chapter also is after the seven year Tribulation.
As I mentioned, there are three different elements to this chapter. Verses 1-3 and 7-10 are the account of Satan being bound, loosed for a “season” and then cast into the “lake of fire”, forever.
Verses 4-6 deal with the 1,000 year Kingdom Period when Jesus Christ, and the “bride of Christ”, the “church”, will “rule and reign” from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This is the “Kingdom” promised to the Jews, Daniel 7:13-14.
The last element of Revelation 20 is the “Great White Throne Judgment”, verses 11-15. The Great White Throne marks the “end of history”. The next two chapters, 21-22, take us into “eternity future”. “History” begins at Genesis 1:1 and concludes with Revelation 20:11.
Notice that Satan will be “bound for 1,000 years, verses 1-2. This will be the very first time that Satan will be “bound”. There is no such event as “bounding” Satan in any other passage.
We do not have the “power” to bound Satan. We must “submit ourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from us”, James 4:7. Only God has the power to “bind” Satan.
The Devil will be in the “bottomless pit” for that 1,000 years and then released, verse 7. He will try and gather all those un-believers from the Kingdom Period, ones born in the Kingdom Period, those who reject Jesus even in a “perfect time”.
This “army”, Satan and those he gathers at the end of the Kingdom, will be taken and thrown into the “lake of fire”, verse 10, where the Antichrist (Beast) and the False Prophet, verse 10, have been at this time in history for 2,000 years.
Verses 4-6 reveal the time of the Kingdom and those who will “rule and reign” with Christ for that time period. Those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour down through the ages will be a part of that “ruling party”.
Verses 11-15 are the revelation of the terrible time of judgment for all lost people. This will not be a “judgment” to determine whether someone is “saved or lost”, no one will stand at this judgment unless they are “lost”. This will be the time for “sentencing” the lost to the “lake of fire”, forever.
This passage reveals the “judge”, verse 11, the “judged”, verses 12-13 and the “judgment”, verses 14-15. This truth of the “Great White Throne” leaves me with a “mixed emotion”, happy with the “joy” that comes with serving Jesus, and very “sad” about those who have “rejected” Jesus.
These events, the “binding of Satan”, the “Kingdom Period” and the “Great White Throne” are key in the scheme of God’s plan for the future. But let me remind you that what “triggers” these events is the Rapture.
The next event on “God’s calendar” is the Rapture. This is when Jesus calls us up to be with Him, in the heavens. This event could happen at any moment, therefore, we must be ready ever moment of ever day. PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for supplying us with the scenario that will unfold in the very near future. All the events that lead up to these three elements, the “binding of Satan”, the Kingdom Period with the focus on Jesus Christ reigning on the Temple Mount, are in the process of being fulfilled everyday. Give me the power to live for you every moment of every day.
And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army.
There is a verse in II Peter 1 that helps us in looking at these two portions of scripture, to understand what will happen at the return of Jesus to the earth. II Peter 1:20tells us that there is “no prophecy of the scripture of private interpretation”.
This verse is stating that all scripture must “fit like a hand in a glove” as we read the different passages. No one scripture can contradict any other scripture, both passages must develop the same theme. Therefore, these two passages on the “return” of Jesus Christ to the earth must fit together.
But first, please notice that thefirst six verses of Revelation 19are what I refer to as the “Halleluiah Chorus”.Verses 7-10are the details for the “Marriage and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb”. These two events are another discussion at another time.
Starting inverse 11 and going through verse 21, we see the prophecy of the Return of Jesus and the Campaign of Armageddon, which also includes events revealed to the ancient Jewish Prophet Zechariah in his book,chapter 14, verses 1-5.
The events surrounding the Lord’s return actually begin inZechariah 14, “the armies of the world” gathering at Jerusalem,Zechariah 14:1-2. This is the reason for the term “Campaign of Armageddon”, this final battle ends in the Jezreel Valley, but starts in Jerusalem.
The “armies of the world” gather in Jerusalem where Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet brought them to the city, through the means of “signs, wonders and miracles,Revelation 16:13-16.
Jesus will return to the earth,Zechariah 14:4, to the Mount of Olives, and the “armies of the world” flee to the north of Jerusalem, the Jezreel Valley for the final phase of the “mother of all battles”, the Battle of Armageddon.
This is the time that the “armies which were in heaven” follow Jesus on “white horses”Revelation 19:14. We that are Christians, who had been taken into the heavens at the Rapture, will come with Jesus to join with Him in His “rule and reign” over the earth.
You can read in the extended portion of our devotionals,verses 15-21, to see what happens during this “battle” to come. There are several other passages that will enhance your understanding of how this end times event unfolds, Isaiah 63:1-6andEzekiel 43:1-7.
These events will happen at the end of the Tribulation Period, at least seven years after the Rapture. I would call it “devastation before exaltation”. The “stage is set” for these prophecies to be fulfilled.
The world is watching as all the events called for inRevelation 4 through 19that will take place in the last days are in place. That means we are ever so close to the return of Jesus Christ. Just this reminder, the Rapture is foretold inRevelation 4:1, thus we must be ready for the Rapture to happen at any moment, maybe even today.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, it is amazing as I watch those events foretold in your Word almost at the point of fulfillment, which means that the Rapture, the next event on your agenda, is about to happen. Help me to live my life believing that it will happen at any moment, a life honoring to you.
We come to this 18th chapter of Revelation for our devotional reading for today and find out that we are basically “living” in this portion of scripture. As we share some thoughts on this passage you will see what I mean, and agree that we are closer than ever before to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
In this chapter we can find the word “Babylon” used three times, the word “city” used six times and the word “great” used eight times. The focus of our reading is the “great city of Babylon”.
Babylon is a city that has a 4,500 year old history that dates back to soon after the “flood” of Genesis 6-8 and the times of “Nimrod”, the great grandson of Noah. Nimrod built Babylon in defiance to God who told all of Noah’s family to be fruitful and “re-people” the earth.
Instead, Nimrod went into the valley between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers and on the shores of the Euphrates built a “great city” the city of Babylon that still stands where it was first built.
Babylon has a long history that includes being the headquarters for the Babylonian Empire where Daniel and Ezekiel were taken as captives, along with the Jewish people, 2,500 years ago.
It was also the headquarters for Alexander the Great and the Grecian Empire. Alexander, at 32 years of age had conquered the known world, and after his death at this young age had his empire divided into four parts.
Both of these accounts, which include the city of Babylon, are the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. In fact, the events in history associated with Babylon are “prototypes” of that which will happen in the future, seemingly the very near future.
The actual city of Babylon, which has never been destroyed as called for in Isaiah 13-14 and Jeremiah 50-51, Babylon will be destroyed, as foretold in our devotional reading today. This destruction will come to this the headquarters for another “world leader”, the “Antichrist”.
In the last three and one half years of the Tribulation Period Babylon will come back to power and be the “economic, political, governmental center” of the earth. Antichrist will rule the world from this location on the Euphrates River.
Our key verse, verse 17, along with verses 10 and 19, indicates that the “great city of Babylon” will be destroyed in “one hour”. In Revelation 16:17-21 we see how this unfolds. There will be a “major earthquake”, the largest to ever hit the earth, verse 18.
Also, large “hail” the size of a “talent”, around 75 pounds, will fall on the “city”, verse 21, and devastate this “stronghold of Satan”. Finally, the many prophecies of the destruction of Babylon will be fulfilled, after 4,500 years.
In fact, this destruction of Babylon is the last event to happen before Jesus Christ steps back on earth, Zechariah 14:4, in Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives. I believe these events are near, in light of the events that are unfolding today.
Babylon, Biblical Babylon, is what we know today as Iraq. The war, and now the rebuilding of war-torn Iraq are the “setting of the stage” for these prophecies to be fulfilled. As I said, we are living in the days that will lead up to God’s Word being completed, as it was written.
Once again I remind you that before all of this comes to pass there will be a shout from the heavens to call us up to join Jesus Christ. The Rapture, which can happen at any minute, could happen very soon now as we watch “Babylon” play its role in the end time events as recorded in Bible Prophecy.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, what a day we are living in as we see prophecy coming to pass before our eyes. As we watch current events, in light of Bible prophecy, help us to live these days prepared, pure and productive as we await your shout to join you in the heavens.
We come to this very interesting chapter in the book of Revelation, this 17th chapter, where John reveals the “false church” that will be in place during the first half of the Tribulation Period.
The word “church” is not used in these verses because the “true church”, an assembly of Bible-believing, born-again Christians will have departed from this earth and moved up into the heavenlies to be with Jesus Christ. These Christians leave this place at the Rapture, before the “judgment” begins here on the earth.
This is not the “true church”, but a “false church” that comes to power soon after the Rapture, in the beginning of the seven years of judgment on the earth. There is much we can talk about, information that describes this coming “false church”.
Verse 5 refers to “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots”. This is a reference to Genesis 11:4 where Nimrod establishes a “religion” in Babylon 4,500 years ago, “let us build a tower whose top may reach unto heaven”. This verse is speaking of the “mother-son cult” that was started in Babylon.
This “false religion” was started in Babylon, right after the Flood, and at the fall of the Babylonian Empire in 539BC moved its headquarters to Pergamos in Asia Minor. This is the location where the Roman Emperors were “deified”. They were called “Pope” as their “religious” title.
The “Beast” in this passage is the “Antichrist” and the “whore” is the “false church”. The word “woman” is also referring to this “whore”, the “false church”. The “Revived Roman Empire” is the “ten horns” in this passage.
Verse 9, the reference to “seven heads” in verse 9 is speaking of the “seven-mountained” city of Rome. This city, Rome, is the headquarters for the “one-world false church” under the leadership of the “Antichrist” during the first half of the Tribulation Period.
Verse 16 tells us that the “Revived Roman Empire”, most likely the European Union of today, will rise up and destroy the “False church” at the end of the first three and one half years. Notice that they do this because the Lord put it in their hearts to do His will, verse 17.
There are several thoughts that you might consider, as we conclude our reading for these devotionals. This “false church” is in the “making” today, especially with the “emerging church” movement and the coming together of all types of religious groups.
The lack of the study of “Bible Prophecy” in most churches and even a real study of true “Biblical doctrine”, which is disappearing from our churches, is evidence that we are moving ever so close to the time of this “false church” of Revelation 17.
Please remember, before this “false church” is up and operating in the Tribulation Period the Rapture takes place. The “true Church” will depart this place and go to another, into the presence of Jesus Christ. We are so very close to the Rapture, it could be today, so keep looking up.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, please revive your “true Church” in these last days so that we might reach out to as many as we can before the Rapture. Thank you for the warnings found in your Word to alert us to what is coming. Help us to live expecting you to shout today for us to join you in the heavens.
As we come to this 16th chapter of Revelation we read the prophecy of the last set of seven judgments, the “Vial Judgments”. There are three sets of major judgments in the book of Revelation, the Seals, the Trumpets and the Vials.
These judgments get progressively worse as events proceed through the seven years of Tribulation. The Seal Judgments take place in the first half of the Tribulation and the Trumpet and Vial Judgments in the last half. When the world comes to the Vial Judgments things will be moving very quickly.
If you have already read about the Trumpet Judgments in Revelation 8,9 and 11 you are aware of the “ecological judgments” that have taken place and now John reveals the final acts of judgment on the earth, to bring it under submission.
Bringing the “earth and earth-dwellers” under submission is one of the purposes for the Tribulation so that the God of Heaven can give Jesus Christ, His Son, “dominion”, make Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In our devotional reading, the extended portion, you will notice that we stop with verse 16 and leave out the “seventh vial”. I will deal with the last “vial” judgment in another devotional.
I’ll not take the space to explain the first five vial judgments, they pretty well explain themselves and display the “wrath” of God in His judgment on “unrepentant” man. I will share several thoughts about the sixth vial and the parenthetical portion of the 16th chapter of Revelation.
When the “angel”, the sixth angel, pours out his vial on the earth the focus is the Euphrates River so that this river is dried up to make way for the “Kings of the East” to make their way into the Middle East, in particular the Jewish State of Israel, actually the “City of Jerusalem”.
The sixth vial judgment and the prophecy of verses 13 to 16 go together in that they are talking about all the nations left on the earth, after almost seven years of intense judgment, gathering at Jerusalem for the “Campaign of Armageddon”.
The “Kings of the East” would be at least the nations of China and India, plus many other Far East nations. Remember, almost half of the earth’s population live in that region of the world.
The “River Euphrates” is the natural border that separates the Middle East and the Far East. These nations in the Far East will move towards Jerusalem for the beginning of the “mother of all battles”, the Battle of Armageddon, which I referred to as the “Campaign of Armageddon” because it begins at Jerusalem, not the Jezreel Valley.
The Devil, along with the Beast, Antichrist, and the False Prophet, verse 13, use “demonic deception” and perform “miracles”, verse 14, to gather the “kings of the earth and of the whole world”, to the Middle East, Jerusalem and then the Jezreel Valley for the “war to end all wars”.
This look at most of Revelation 16 should give each of us the evidence that we are quickly moving towards the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Today we have a proliferation of “miracles” around the world, along with “demonic deception” that is preparing for verses 13 to 16 to be fulfilled.
I hasten to remind you that before all of these prophecies are fulfilled the “shout” will come from heaven for the “body of Christ”, the Church, Christians to go to be with Jesus in the heavens. This “shout”, of course, is the Rapture and it can happen at any moment, so keep looking up, it could be today.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, thank you for the “warning” of coming events, contained in Bible prophecy, so that we can recognize the times in which we are living. Help us to live in light of this knowledge and warn the lost of what they most do to prepare for the end times.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six.
This chapter in the book of Revelation is the most detailed chapter in the Bible on the “person” of the “Anti-christ”. Anyone who is interested in knowing about this member of the “Satanic Trinity” must spend some time in the book of Revelation.
The word “Beast” is used in this chapter and through the rest of the book of Revelation and is referring to the “Anti-christ”. This name for the “Satanically energized” world “dictator” in the last days is one of 27 names for this major player in the Tribulation Period.
In verses 1 and 2 we see that the “Beast” comes up out of the “sea” and there is a connection between a “leopard, bear and lion”. These references to these symbols are looking back at Daniel 7 where Daniel has a “dream” and sees these symbols as the coming “Gentile world powers”.
This is basically saying that the “Anti-christ” is a Gentile coming out of the “Revived Roman Empire”, the “ten horns” of verse 1 and Daniel 7:7. The reason the Jews accept a “Messiah”, i.e. “False Messiah”, that is a Gentile is II Thessalonians 2:8-12.
Paul writes that after the Rapture when the Anti-christ appears the Jews will accept this Gentile as their “Messiah” because those that rejected the “love of the truth” that they might get saved, God will send them a strong delusion that they will believe the “lie” of Satan and accept this “False Messiah”.
There is so much more that we could share about this passage. For example, verses 16-17, the part about the need for taking the “mark of the Beast” so that they can buy and sell during the Tribulation. Interestingly, the present “global economic crisis” is setting the stage, world-wide, for this prophetic scenario to be fulfilled (see my CD series “Age of Anti-christ”).
I believe the human male that will be “energized” by Satan and become the Antichrist” is alive and well on Planet Earth and ready to be revealed. Remember, II Thessalonians 2:3 says that the Rapture must happen before the Anti-christ will appear. We are at that point in history right now.
That being the case we all must live as if today is the day that the Lord will shout to call us to be with Him in the heavens. There is not one prophecy that must be fulfilled before the Rapture. Every prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled happens after the Rapture. Today could be the day.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, thank you for the scriptures that inform each of us about the coming days of judgment and the characters that will play a role in this “end-time drama” with the “final act” about to begin. Help me to live as if it could happen at “any moment” because it could.
As we come to this passage in the book of Revelation we see the prophecies of the 5th and 6th Trumpet Judgments. These two judgments are sometimes hard to understand because of the “apocalyptic” literature that is used in the passages.
These two Trumpet Judgments are basically the foretelling of an “invasion from outer space” and the “killing on the earth of one third of the population worldwide at that time in history”.
Verses 1-12 are the 5th Trumpet Judgment and verses 13-21 are the 6th Trumpet Judgment. John writes what he is told to write about these seemingly very strange judgments. Let me see if I can help you to understand what the Lord wants us to know about these judgments.
The appearance on the earth of “locusts”, in the 5th Trumpet, is that invasion by evil angels, from outer space, onto the earth. These are “evil” angels that had been in the “bottomless pit” for almost 6,000 years, from the time they were sent there because of “fornication”, Jude 6 and 7, until this time in the Tribulation.
Now the Lord allows Satan, “with the key to the bottomless pit” to release these 200 million angels, verse 16, upon the earth, to bring judgment on the “earth dwellers” as one of the judgments to bring them under subjection.
By the way, these locusts are not like any locusts that I’ve ever seen, not like regular “grasshoppers”. The text gives a description of the “evil angels” in the form that took upon themselves to invade the earth, verses 7-10.
Verse 18reveals to use the death of one third of the earths population, which means that one half on the total population of humankind will be killed in the Tribulation, Revelation 6:7-8. That would mean there would be three billion people killed, at our present population.
You might ask why I would select this passage for our daily devotionals. First of all, it is the Word of God, which is “profitable”, II Timothy 3:16-17. In addition, it is “prophetic” , it warns us of the judgments to come.
But also, it is “practical”, in that it helps us to know what is ahead so that we can warn our lost friends and love-ones so that they might consider doing what is necessary to escape these judgments to come, by trusting Jesus Christ for salvation, before it eternally to late.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to be a witness today to those that might not know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, before they would have to face these Trumpet Judgments. Thank you for my salvation, which keeps me from this terrible time of judgment.
As we come to our devotional reading for today, in the extended portion, we read of the battle in the heavens between the “good” angels and the “evil” angels. This is a prophecy of what will happen at the midway point of the seven-year Tribulation Period.
God will finally give the order to Michael, the Archangel, who is the “commander-in-chief” of the good angels, to take the “dragon”, verse 9, the Devil, the “commander-in-chief” of the evil angels and all of the evil angels and throw them out of the “heavens” and down to the earth.
Actually, the evil angels, under the direct command of the Devil, will not be in the “third heaven” where God is, but in the “first” and “second” heavens where they have been for around 6,000 years, since Lucifer, the name of the most prominent of all the angels, who rebelled against God was thrown out of the place where God is, the third heaven.
Just this one thought, though all the evil angels don’t have access to the third heaven, their leader, Satan, does. He is there “day and night accusing the brethren before our God”.
When the evil angels and Satan are thrown down on the earth those in the third heaven rejoice, verse 12, but they warn those on the earth that the Devil is coming to the earth with “great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time”.
Verses 13-17reveal that the Devil and his evil angels will do all they can to destroy the Jewish people, “the woman that brought forth the man child”, verse 13. In fact, that has been the Devil’s plan for the last 6,000 years.
Satan knows that if he can destroy the Jews that then God’s plan for the Jewish people will fail, He won’t be able to keep His promises to the Jews and that Satan will win and be the leader of all the earth.
The ever increasing wave of “anti-Semitism” around the world today is a lead up to the last half of the Tribulation when many Jews will be killed to allow Satan to be victor in the world in the last days.
With demonism and Satanic activity also on the increase in our world, we can indeed see how the stage is being set for the final drama to be played out in the very near future. But before all these prophecies are fulfilled Jesus will call us up to be with Him in the heavens. Even so come Lord Jesus.
PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, thank you for Your victory over Satan and all of his evil angels. Thank You for all that You do for us as we await your call for us to join You in “Your Father’s house”.
However a study of the context in this passage of Scripture indicates that this call from heaven saying to the "two witnesses", "come up hither", takes place at the mid-way point of the seven year Tribulation Period, while the Rapture takes place before the Tribulation Period begins.
This passage reveals the prophecy of the "two witnesses", verse 3, and what is involved in their 1,260 day ministry.
Briefly, there will be "two men" who will give some type of a testimony, which is what a witness does, during the first half of the Tribulation Period. They will be protected by the Lord through various means so that they can reach out from Jerusalem to everybody on earth with the "gospel of the Kingdom", Matthew 24:14.
These two will be kept out of harms way and given miraculous powers so that their ministry will be effective. After these two witnesses are killed, verse 7, and before being resurrected from the dead, verse 11, their dead bodies lay in the Jerusalem streets so that the entire world will see them, via satellite. The "earth dwellers" will "rejoice over them and make merry and bring gifts one to another", verse 10.
The world will "party" and "send gifts", happy that the two witnesses have died. Revelation 7:4-8 tells us that 144,000 Jews from the "twelve tribes of Israel" will be saved and then spread out across the world to reach "all" six billion people on earth with the Gospel message, Matthew 24:14. This evangelism will be as a result of the ministry of these “two witnesses”.
Revelation 7:9 indicates that a large number of people will be saved during these terrible days of judgment. This, all taking place after the Rapture of the Church. Malachi 4:5 tells us that one of the two witnesses is going to be "Elijah". I believe the other is the Old Testament Gentile, Enoch, Genesis 5:19-24.
I believe these two witnesses, who have never died, were transported into the heavens, while still alive. They will return to Jerusalem where they set up their Temple Mount headquarters. Then at the end of their ministry, they die, as every man who has ever lived on earth must do, Hebrews 9:27. Then they will be taken back to heaven at the end of their three and a half years of ministry.
Luke 24:4 records that "two men in white apparel" at the entrance to the tomb of Jesus, saw the resurrection. Acts 1:10 also records that "two men in white apparel" watched as Jesus entered the heavenlies from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. These two, I believe, were Elijah and Enoch who saw the resurrection and the ascension of Christ into heaven telling the disciples the Lord would come back the same way He had just departed.
The "resurrection" and the "Lord's coming" is the message of the “Gospel of the Kingdom”. This will be the message of these two witnesses to the world. Remember, they are the only two witnesses that saw these things happen.
The prophecy pertaining to these two witnesses will be fulfilled, sooner rather than later, maybe today.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to be a witness today of Your soon coming to those who need to know You as Lord and Saviour.
As we come to another chapter in the book of Revelation, we move into the second set of seven judgments, the seven "trumpet judgments". Actually the last of the seven "seal judgments" is found also in chapter 8, verse 1.
The seven "trumpet judgments" come out of the last "seal judgment" as is the case with the seven "vial judgments" coming out of the last, seventh, "trumpet judgment".
Notice, that the seventh "seal judgment" is "silence in heaven about the space of half an hour", verse 1. The reason for the "silence", I believe, is because the "great cloud of witnesses", Hebrews 12:1, is "awestruck" by the six previous "seal judgments" and the seven "trumpet judgments" to follow.
I would like for you to notice what has been termed "ecological judgment" will be released on the earth in these first four "trumpet judgments". The fact is, we hear a lot about "global warming" and "climate change" in the media these days.
I believe "global warming" is impossible because Jesus Christ created the heavens, the earth and all that is in them, Colossians 1:16, and He holds it all together, Colossians 1:17.
God is in charge and nothing can happen to this "earth" unless He allows it to. No act of man can overrule God's plan. However, as our text tells us, there will be "ecological judgments" upon the earth during the time of the seven year Tribulation Period in the future.
The first "trumpet judgment" is a third part of the trees and all the grass on earth burning up. "Trumpet" number two is a third of the sea turning to blood, one-third of the fish in the sea dying and one-third of the ships upon the seas being destroyed.
Next, the third "trumpet judgment”, is one-third of the rivers, ponds, lakes and fountains of water becoming bitter, so much so that many on the earth will die from drinking this water. The judgments now shift to the heavens, the sun, moon and stars lose one-third of their light and there is more darkness than usual upon the earth, which is the fourth "trumpet judgment”.
Verse 13 reveals that from here, continuing into the Tribulation Period, it gets worse. The three "woes" are to follow, which are the last three "trumpet judgments". We'll look at the "woes" in another devotional reading.
You might ask, "Why study about these judgments if at the Rapture we leave this earth and will not be a part of these judgments?" There are several answers to that question, the most important being, so we can warn our friends and loved ones about coming judgment and how they can escape the terrible time to come.
This is an excellent evangelism tool, prophecy. We all must make it a point to give out the gospel to lost people every day. The Rapture could happen, today.
PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord, for keeping me from these judgments to come. Help me to warn others and give them the gospel before it is eternally too late.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
In my prophecy conferences across the United States and around the world, we set aside some time for "Prophecy Q & A". I love this time because it gives me the opportunity to respond to what someone really wants to know about prophecy.
Often I'm asked, "Will there be anyone that can get saved during the Tribulation Period?" Our key verse, verse 9, states that a large number of people will get saved during that time of coming judgment.
In fact, in verses 4-8 it speaks of 144,000 "male, virgin, Jews" who will be saved at the beginning of the Tribulation, a result of the ministry of the "two witnesses", Revelation 11:3-12.
These twelve thousand men from each of the twelve tribes of Israel will have a ministry of "evangelism" during the Tribulation and every person on earth, all six billion, will have an opportunity to hear the "gospel of the Kingdom", Matthew 24:14, and many will be saved.
However, there is a group of people who will not be able to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour. Those people will be the ones who have heard the “gospel” before the Rapture, understood the gospel and rejected the gospel, that’s found in II Thessalonians 2:8-12.
Notice there are three steps, “hear, understand and reject”. There will be no "second chance" to get saved during the Tribulation Period. There may be some who have heard, but never understood the gospel, those will hear and have an opportunity to get saved during the Tribulation.
The Bible truth that I have just explained may not fit with a fictional novel about the second coming. But remember, we don't get "doctrine" from novels, but from God's Holy Word, as found in II Timothy 3:16-17.
Those who get saved during the Tribulation Period are not known as Christians, all Christians leave the earth at the Rapture when the Lord Jesus Christ shouts for us to join Him in the heavenlies.
Those Jews and Gentiles left on earth at the Rapture, who trust Christ during the Tribulation, are called "Tribulation Saints". These Tribulation Saints will "rule and reign" with Jesus in His Kingdom to come, Revelation 20:4.
Peter wrote, in his last letter, II Peter 3:9 and 12 that the only reason Jesus has not called us up to be with Him is because He is not willing that any should perish but all should come to salvation.
II Peter 3:12 seems to say that we can hasten His return by leading people to the Lord. Please let this devotional encourage you to do all that you can to introduce Jesus to those who need Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
PRAYER THOT: Lord, help me to be a soul winner as I await Your soon coming.
This sixth chapter of Revelation is the prophecy of six of the seven Seal Judgments that will come upon the earth and it's inhabitants during the seven year long period of judgment known as the Tribulation Period.
Throughout the entire time of the Tribulation Period there are twenty-one judgments, “three sets of seven” , seven "seal" judgments, seven "trumpet" judgments and seven "vial" judgments that unfold.
These twenty-one judgments get progressively worse and will intensify as the Tribulation Period unfolds. These initial six judgments in Revelation 6 are the beginning of the terrible time to come upon the earth.
A quick look at the six judgments reveal how the seals are broken on the “sealed book”, most likely a single scrolled book, and each seal is broken by the Lamb, verses 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12. The “Lamb”, of course, is the person of Jesus Christ, who will bring these judgments upon the earth in the Tribulation Period.
The judgments are released upon humankind on the earth, after the Rapture. All six of these judgments happen in the first three and a half years of the seven-year long judgment period.
In verses 1 and 2 we see a man on a "white horse", who is the "Antichrist". This satanically energized person is the one who tries to fool the world into believing that he is the long awaited Messiah.
Verses 3 and 4 reveal a man on a "red horse" who comes to take peace from the earth, it's the judgment of "war" released upon humankind.
The man on a black horse, verses 5 and 6, is the judgment of famine, which when it calls for a "measure of wheat" for a "penny" that is referring to enough wheat to make bread for a family of four for one day at the cost of a days wages, a penny.
The fourth seal is depicted as a man on a "pale horse". When this judgment is released "one-fourth of the earth's population is killed." That will be 1.5 billion people.
Verses 9 - 11 describe those who will be "martyred" for their testimony. They are not Christians but people who will come to Christ after the Rapture, during the first of the Tribulation Period.
The sixth seal, verses 12 - 14, will be "ecological" judgments upon the earth, earthquakes, and in the heavens.
These judgments that happen early in the Tribulation Period are events that seemingly are in the process of coming about today. Jesus said when you see these things happening, Matthew 24:4-7 and 32-34, you can recognize that this is the time of His return to the earth.
However, remember that the Rapture of the Church takes place seven years before He comes back to earth. The fact that we can see the stage being set for these six seal judgments, indicates that the Rapture could not only happen at any moment but it could happen soon, even today.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to live today as if the Rapture could happen this day.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
The scene is the throne room in the “third heaven” where John sees God the Father on His throne with Jesus at His right side. As John observes from the sidelines he sees that in the right hand of God there is a "book", a sealed book, sealed with "seven seals" and the book has writing within and on the backside.
What a scene. As John stands there a "strong angel" proclaims "who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals", verse 2. This book contains the "seven sealed judgments" as described in Revelation 6 and Revelation 8:1.
These "judgments" will be the first of twenty-one progressively worse judgments that will be released upon the earth during the coming Tribulation Period. However, this book is also the "title deed" to the earth that God the Father will give to Jesus the Son.
All of the judgments, twenty-one of them; seven seals, seven trumpet and seven vial judgments are for the purpose of preparing the Earth and humankind for the "Kingdom" that the Father will give to His Son, Jesus.
That's yet in the future, seven years after the incident found here in Revelation 5. Someone says, "who is worthy to open the "sealed book?" As John looks on from the sidelines he starts to weep when all of a sudden one of the twenty-four elders says "Jesus is worthy to open the sealed book."
Just then Jesus steps to the throne of God, takes the sealed book from His Father and all of the elders, twenty-four of them, and the four beasts, fell down to worship the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who now holds the "sealed book," the "title deed," to not only the Earth but all of Creation.
Then there was singing in the third heaven with the heavenly harmonies of the twenty-four elders and the four “beast”. The sound was expanded when over one hundred million angels joined in, ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, verse 11.
As John listened he heard, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."
Just think, we will be a part of that “heavenly choir”, since the twenty-four elders represent the Church who will be there at this time, the Rapture having taken place earlier, Revelation 4:1-2.
Looking ahead to Revelation 6, we see that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, opens all seven of the sealed judgments to begin the judgment period that brings Jesus to the promised throne in the Temple, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and the establishment of His 1,000 year Kingdom.
There is a mixed emotion within me as I write these words for this devotion. There's "joy" as I think of that time with Jesus and our praise to Him. However, there is "sadness" as I think of family, friends and loved ones who will face that seven years of judgment because they have refused to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour.
We must allow this "mixed emotion" to cause each of us to do what ever it takes to win our friends, family and loved ones to Jesus Christ. Maybe you should sit down at the computer and send those close to you an e-mail with the Gospel in it or maybe make a quick telephone call to them right now. We all need to do this before it's eternally to late.
PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the prospect of that future gathering in the heavenlies to praise You. Help me to win others to You Lord so that they can join us there for that great time of celebration as well.
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
In the fourth chapter of Revelation we see John, first on the "earth," verse 1, and then he is in the presence of God in the "throne room" in heaven,verse 2.
With this in mind, we thus picture the “Rapture of the Church”inverse 1, "the first voice I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me which said come up hither." That would be the Rapture, and the next verse,verse 2, shows John in heaven.
That phrase, "come up hither," may well be the words Jesus will shout at the Rapture, to call us up to join Him in the heavenlies.
As we take our guided tour of the "throne room in heaven" there are many things to notice, like the "rainbow" over the throne reminding us of God's promise that He would never again destroy the earth with water.
Then there are the "twenty-four elders" seated around the throne. Notice they are clothed in "white raiment" and they have "crowns on their heads". These 24 elders represent the "Church". I believe this to be true because the number "twenty-four" is the number of "representation".
Only Christians will wear "white robes" and we Christians will be the only ones who receive "crowns" at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
We also see the "throne room creatures", the four beast which are actually “angels”. They are different than cherubim and seraphim. These four "angelic creatures" sing "holy, holy, holy" 24-7 at the throne of God the Father.
What an awesome place the “throne room” is with God the Father on the throne, and Jesus seated at His right side. John the Revelator has given us a personal tour of the throne room. Before we leave, notice what the twenty-four elders do with the “crowns” that they will have received at the Judgment Seat of Christ, verse 10.
By the way, there are “five crowns” that are possible for us to receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ; the “crown incorruptible,"I Corinthians 9:27, for bringing our bodies under subjection; the "crown of rejoicing," I Thessalonians 2:19, for being a soul-winner; a "crown of life,"James 1:12, for not yielding to temptation; the "crown of glory,"I Peter 5:1-5, for building up the body of Christ; and a "crown of righteousness,"II Timothy 4:8, for eagerly looking for Jesus to appear in the last days.
Notice what the twenty-four elders do with their crowns,verse 10, they “cast them at the feet of Jesus Christ” to honor Him and thank Him for what He has done for each of us as Christians.
What a day that will be; therefore, we must work to receive as many crowns as we possibly can so that we can cast them at His feet.
PRAYER THOT: Help me dear Lord to work in Your power and for Your glory to receive these crowns so I can cast them at Your feet in honor and thanksgiving.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
