The end is at hand, the end is at hand!
Revelation 17: The Lamb will defeat them, proof that he is Lord over all lords, King over all kings.
John's mysterious journey continues with disturbing scenes and promises of divine judgment. He sees a woman riding a beast. She's branded as Babylon, but he's told that that, too, is a riddle name, and the city, Rome, is described. In John's day, seeing Rome as the seat of evil in the world makes a lot of sense. Some continue to take the woman, Babylon, and description of the riddle to add up to the literal Rome, carrying with it lots of religious overtones. Frankly, it's beyond me (seems I've been saying that a lot lately). If it isn't to be taken literally, it may be that the "Babylon" represents a current world power that dominants the world as Rome did in John's day. All of this is the set up for the big battle. This world power will rally the nations of the world to battle against the Lamb of God. Then, before the battle is even described, we're told the outcome of it. The Lamb wins. In the end, there will be no doubt as to his high standing: Lord over all lords, King over all kings. The descriptions of judgment, war, and destruction are soon to give way to victory, worship, and the exaltation of the Lamb of God.
Take Away: We don't have to understand everything to understand this: in the end, the Lamb reigns.
Revelation 14: Blessed are those who die in the Master from now on; how blessed to die that way!
Take Away: Live the right way so you can die the right way.
Revelation 12: She was giving birth to a Child.
John's vision shifts to new images including that of a dragon and war in heaven. It's my guess that his original readers better understand the symbolism than we do. Interpretations are all over the map but due to the fact this book is written to be read by first century Christians I lean toward understandings of it that keep their perspective in mind. Also, there's such a strong parallel to the story of the birth of Christ that I tend to think that John's using that well known story to illustrate something more. Mary, the most blessed of women, gives birth to the Son of God. Immediately, Satan tries to have him killed but, being warned in a dream, his earthly father, Joseph, takes them and flees to the desert, Egypt. Throughout his ministry there's a war for the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls. Ultimately, though, Satan's defeated as Jesus goes to the cross, winning the ultimate victory for all who will come to him. It all fits, kind of. The question for Bible scholars is "What does it illustrate?" Most say that the woman represents the Church and that the battle represents the war waged by the enemy of our souls in an attempt to defeat the Church. If that's right the message here is one of divine protection and ultimate victory. Even readers like me, in spite of my struggles in understanding the passage, can conclude that, whatever the exact meaning here, God will protect his people and that ultimately, in Christ, victory is ours. I know I don't get everything that's going on here, but that's a pretty good place to start.
Take Away: We don't have to understand everything to have a firm grasp on the fact of the Lord's provision for, and protection of, us.
Revelation 7: Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?
As the worship scene in heaven unfolds John sees more and more worshipers. First, there are 144,000 people from the family trees of Israel. Then, he sees thousands and thousands from "all nations and tribes." The number is too vast to count and they all begin singing praise to God and to the Lamb. John is transfixed by the scene but his focus is interrupted when one of the Elders asks him a question. He asks John who they are, this white robed, too-vast-to-be-counted throng of worshipers. John doesn't know, but the Elder answers his own question. These are those who have come through the great tribulation. This huge multitude isn't made up of everyone in heaven, just of those who faithfully serve Christ right at the end, as earth's history is being wrapped up. A couple of things come to mind at this point. First, heaven won't be a lonely place. In spite of "many called, few chosen" the "few" comprise a huge number. Second, as bad as the time of tribulation might be, by God's power his people can overcome, not just surviving, barely limping in, but thriving in numbers too great to count, coming through clean and rejoicing. This is a testimony, not to human perseverance, but to God's power at work in the lives of his people.
Take Away: By the grace of the Lord, by his power in our lives…by the Lord, we can hold fast in our faith and receive a glorious entrance into the place he's prepared for us.
Ephesians 6: Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own.
Several years ago a popular song included the phrase "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden." Know what? That's life in general and, in light of this passage, the Christian life in particular. Paul writes this passage from jail. He warns his readers that they have an enemy who's intent on destroying them. Their spiritual journey is no game and how they live in the here and now has eternal consequences. If a person starts out living for the Lord thinking it's going to be a stroll in a rose garden they're in for some unpleasant surprises. The Apostle focuses on spiritual adversaries, unseen but real. It's not unreasonable to add the common inconveniences and out and out tragedies of life to this mix. I'm not to be naive about all this. There are times when it becomes clear that I'm up against far more than I can handle. Happily, the Lord hasn't put us out here in real life without some resources. Paul urges us to take advantage of many powerful resources that are at our fingertips. He reminds us that "Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words." He directs us to God's Word and prayer. It's no rose garden, but I have everything I need to live a victorious, overcoming life.
Take Away: Life isn't always easy but it's important to remember the Lord's faithful provision for us.
John 11: Lazarus, come out!
I've heard it said that Jesus specified that Lazarus "come out" of the grave because, had he just given the command to "come out" that there would have been a general resurrection. Personally, I think that's more of a poetical take on this remarkable event than a realistic one. Still, I understand the statement of faith in that concept. This is an act of absolute authority over death. Jesus doesn't even touch the dead body. He, in fact, never enters the tomb. From outside, after a public prayer, Jesus merely shouts out the command and Lazarus is resurrected. I can't imagine any more powerful demonstration of authority over death than this one. Well, almost. Soon, an even more convincing event will take place. For now though, I'm happy to be reminded of this wonderful truth. Any time Jesus faces death, Jesus wins. Glory!
Take Away: One hope of all Christians is the hope of life after death.
2 Samuel 22: I stood there saved — surprised to be loved!
As a conclusion to David's story we're given what is probably a favorite song from the great king. We might call this a displaced Psalm. With characteristic passion and absolute honesty David praises God but also tells of dejection and fear. God answers with earth shaking power. He rescues the one he loves and puts him back on his feet, giving him victory. From that experience, David says he's learned some things about God. The Lord sticks by people who stick by him. When I turn to him, I find he's already turned to me. And, even when I know I'm unworthy, I'm surprised by his wonderful love for me. David concludes, "That's why I'm singing songs that rhyme your name." I see why the writer of these books of Samuel likes this song!
Take Away: The Lord is good to us and we have every reason to sing his praises.
2 Samuel 8: God gave victory to David wherever he marched.
David is now firmly established as king of Israel. He undertakes the great mission of retaking territory that has been lost and subduing or destroying their enemies. War isn't pretty and the best I can do here is to simply read the historical account and see it as descriptive of what David is able to do by the power of the Lord. These events are distant from me in time and culture. For David, this is about making Israel safe, secure, and firmly established. The lesson here is not that God will help me inflict pain and death on my enemies, but instead, that God will help me live in victory over those things that would destroy me.
Take Away: By the Lord's help I can defeat all that would defeat me.