KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

When Christ came the first time, He would humbly ride on a donkey into Jerusalem where He would be crucified. When He comes the second time, He will gloriously ride on a horse into Jerusalem where He will be crowned. 

We read in Revelation 19:11-16 of CHRIST’S TITLES. He bears three titles that are revealed in Revelation 19:11-16. 

First, Christ is called, “Faithful and True,”  (v. 11). He is utterly faithful. He cannot be otherwise. His promises are all, “Yes, and in Him Amen,” (2 Cor. 1:20). He is absolutely true. He is the full expression of truth, for He is, “the Truth,” (John 14:6).  It has been 2000 years since the Lord promised He would return. Rest assured—He will keep His word.

Second, He is called, “The Word of God,” (v. 13).  It is a favored expression of the Apostle John, found in His Gospel, His first Epistle, and now, in Revelation. If you want to know what the Father is like, all you need do is look at the Son, for He is the communication of the invisible God in manifest form. Open the Bible and study Him, for Jesus is on every page, the Living Word in the written Word.

Third, Jesus is called, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS,” (v. 16).  This is His sovereignty—the undisputed, undefeated champion of all. The first time He came, He was rejected, but the second time He comes, He will reign. Paul put it:

“who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬‬).

Did you notice Paul mentioned that the Lord will bear a name, “which is above every name”? John wrote of a fourth title of the returning Lord, “He has a name written that no one knew except Himself,” (v. 12). While it is folly to try to speculate on when Christ will return, it is likewise impossible to know the name that is above all names. One thing we do know—that title will be infinitely and immeasurably glorious for it will be the supreme title that encompasses all titles!

Also, in Revelation 19, we read of CHRIST’S TRIUMPH. There are five descriptive terms that portray the victorious King at His second advent.

We read of His virtue. There is His, “righteousness,” (v. 11). All He is, says, and does and is fully manifest righteousness. 

We read of His verdict. Jesus, “judges,” (v. 11), and His verdict is final. He presides over the eternal Supreme Court.

We read of His vision. “His eyes were like a flame of fire,” (v. 12). You cannot hide from Him. You cannot fool Him. He sees all and through all.

We read of His voice. “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations,” (v. 15). See the power of His Word. The One who spoke and the storm ceased will speak and the strife ends.

We read of His victory. Jesus, “makes war,” (v. 11) and “on His head were many crowns,” (v. 12). It is a war He cannot lose. The enemy is vanquished, “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (V. 14-16).

The first time, He would be crowned with thorns in agony, but the second time, Christ will be crowned with triumph in glory. What a day that will be, and for the church, we will ride with Him—in “the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean…on white horses,” (v. 14)!

WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

 

Revelation 11 presents two men who will be powerful witnesses to the world in the last days before Christ returns to earth to establish His Kingdom. 

There is an eschatological meaning. I believe that during the Great Tribulation—the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation period—these two prophets will arise to witness for truth against the Lie, incarnated as the Antichrist, (2 Thess. 2:9-12). While some see these as literally Moses and Elijah returned to earth, my understanding is that they are two prophets in the spirit of Moses and Elijah—as was John the Baptist, (Matt.11:7-15). Again, as I interpret Revelation, I believe the church has been raptured before seven years of tribulation—judgments on a Christ-rejecting world—yet, even so, God never leaves Himself without witnesses to the world.

Though there are others who interpret Revelation in other ways, what we ought to agree on is the practical message. These words had application for the first-century saints who received them and now twenty-first century servants who read them. All God’s people are to be witnesses to the world. In whatever age we live, there is the Gospel to proclaim. I want to focus on Revelation 11:4, where we see the Triune God involved in our mission and message. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.“

First, consider THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR WITNESS, “These are the two olive trees…”. Their light shines because it is fed by the olive oil. In Scripture, the oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that it would be the Spirit who would inspire and empower His servants to witness to the world. To the teacher that stands in the Sunday School class tomorrow—you need to be filled with the Spirit. You may prepare a lesson, but you can only be prepared to present it, if the Teacher—God’s Holy Spirit—enables you. Preacher, will you be filled with the Spirit? You may put together a message, but as you stand behind that sacred desk to deliver it, there must be that Divine flow of Oil, as the Spirit equips you to proclaim it.

Second, note THE ILLUMINATION IN OUR WITNESS, “These are…the two lampstands…”. The light of our witness is about the Savior who declared Himself to be, “The Light of the World,” (John 9:5). As He now indwells us, we are to reflect His light, since the Lord has called us, “You are the light of the world,” (Matt. 5:14). As a disciple, I am to show Jesus in my life and share Jesus with my lips. This is our witness to the world. Christ is our model and our message. The old hymn by P. P. Bliss states it:

1 Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2 Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3 Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! 

Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Trying now to make the harbor,

Third, observe THE IMPLICATION OF OUR WITNESS, “These are…standing before the God of the earth.”  This implies that one day we will all stand in judgment before the Sovereign. His children will give an answer to the Father. He is keeping track of what we do and say. Are we faithful to His mission. The judgment for us is not to determine our entrance into heaven for that is settled when we receive Christ, but it will be about our enjoyment of heaven—the degree of reward we will receive there. 

The gravity of this for the lost, however, is the most severe implication. Judgment for them is to hear the decree of eternal fire and the degree of suffering based on how much light they had and evil they have done. This ought to motivate the believer’s witness to the world. It did Paul who said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).

THE STUBBORNNESS OF SINFULNESS

Trumpets of terror will sound in the future time of tribulation coming on the earth. When the Lamb opens the seventh seal, seven trumpet judgments are unleashed. The first four are described in Revelation 8. The fifth and sixth are presented in chapter 9. The final three are so terrible as to be called, “woe.” Indeed, when the angel sounds the seventh trumpet, seven bowls of wrath will be poured out on the earth as that final woe, (Rev. 16). 

Of all the horrors pictured here, I don’t know that anything is worse than what we are told in Revelation 9:20-21, “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

This is the stubbornness of sinfulness!  Despite the torment and terror that generation of rebels against God will experience, they will still not bow to Christ. The pain of the plagues will lead them to curse God in fury and not to call upon Him for forgiveness. They had rather remain in their sin, than repent and be saved. Such is the utter depravity of the human heart. 

Recently, I was in the hospital after surgery and in such intense pain—unlike any I have experienced—so that I was screaming. I was unashamedly calling on the Lord to deliver me, and thankfully He did!  But, that is the inclination of a regenerate heart—a repentant and contrite one. But, for the wicked, they seethe with rage and are fixed in rebellion.

Certainly, to die without Christ is to die without hope. The heart-breaking tragedy, however, is that some—as those described in Revelation 9–have already fixed their fate. They are sinners today, they will be sinners tomorrow, and even when cast into Hell, they will seethe with stubborn sinfulness and rage against God. For Hell is defined as not only a place of sorrow, where there is weeping, but a place of anger, where there is gnashing of teeth.

There is urgency to our evangelism. The longer sinners rebel and reject the Gospel, they may come to the place where it is not that God would not save them, but their hearts are so hardened that they will not repent.

I think of Paul’s witness to the Roman governor, Felix and his wife, Drusilla, as the Apostle was on trial. “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ ” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬-‭25‬‬).  Though under conviction for his sin, Felix refused to repent, and so far as we know his procrastination would bring him to perdition!

Let us call people to decision!  I realize it is not our task to emotionally manipulate someone to mouth a prayer they do not mean from a heart that has not surrendered to Christ. But, neither is it right that we should not call people to salvation today, for tomorrow may never come, and even if it does, the conviction they feel tomorrow may not be as intense as what is known today. 

The Word of God that is preached this Lord’s Day will have an effect. Its power will either draw sinners who will receive it, or drive them farther away, if they reject it.

Later, when Paul would appear before King Agrippa, and a new governor, Festus, we have this account of Paul’s urgency and the king’s intransigency. “But he said, ‘I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.’ Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’ And Paul said, ‘I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.’ ” (Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭25‬-‭29‬‬)

To be almost saved is to be altogether lost!

THE DEPRAVITY OF HUMANITY

Psalm 14 declares the depravity of humanity. Every person is born tainted with sin (cf. Rom.3:23). The Psalmist says, “there is none who does good,” (v.1b), “there is none who does good, not even one,” (v.3b). This does not mean that all are as bad as they might be, but that even what men call good in comparison to others is still contaminated by sin in comparison to God’s perfect standard—falling short of His glory (Rom.3:23). 

This depravity affects OUR COMPREHENSION (v.1a, 2). So that the question is, “Have they no knowledge…?”  They are fools who deny God’s existence. The word does not mean people who are mentally deficient (they may be highly educated), but morally deviant. They choose to reject the evidence for God in order to avoid thinking of judgment. They are free then to pursue their own wicked ways—to eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow they die, and that’s that.

Depravity produces OUR CORRUPTION (v.1b, 3). The rottenness of who we are permeates every facet of our being. It perverts our thinking and it pollutes our passions.  From a wicked heart flows vile conversation and vicious conduct. Sin is woven into the fabric of our fleshly existence.

Such depravity is seen in OUR CONSUMPTION (v.4). We use and abuse others—chewing them up and spitting them out when we have consumed all they can do for us. We are by nature takers and not givers. Life revolves around us. We craft our own plans and refuse to call on the name of the Lord. 

William Henley’s poem, “Invictus,” displays this attitude:

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

Depravity leads to OUR CONDEMNATION (v.5). The fear of death hangs like the shadow of a gallows over humanity. The terror of hell awaits all sinners.

Yet, we read of others that God calls, “My people,” (v.4), “the generation of the righteous,” (v.5), and “the poor,” (v.6). Who would these be?

Depravity is overcome by OUR CONVERSION (v.6-7). While we cannot fix ourselves, God can convert us from sinners to saints. From what we all are as, “the children of man,” (v.2a) we can become the children of God through regeneration (cf. John 1:12-12). It is the discarding of the filthy rags of self-righteousness (cf. Isa.64:6) and being clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith through repentance (cf. Phil.3:7-9). We run to God for “refuge” (v.6b) and trust Him for “salvation,” (v.7a). 

The converted acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy as “the poor,” (v.6) for Jesus promised, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” (Matt.5:3). To those God then “restores the fortunes of his people,” (v.7) by the riches of His grace in Christ Jesus (cf. Eph.1:7). Rather than everlasting regret and grief in hell, there can be eternal rejoicing and gladness in heaven (v.7b)!

In connection with conversion, it is fascinating that the names, “Jacob,” and “Israel,” are used here. Those were the names of the same man. Jacob  (meaning supplanter) was a cheat, a scoundrel, a man always seeking to climb the ladder by pulling others down—a model of depravity. Yet, he met God and surrendered to Him. The Lord changed his name to Israel (prince with power with God) indicating his conversion.  Has that happened to you?

GOD IS JUST TO PUNISH THE SINNERS WITH WRATH

We are all sinners. It is the nature with which we are born and is reinforced by the rebellious choices we make in disobeying God. All of us deserve the wrath of God and He would not be unjust to condemn us all. God in His grace and mercy, however, has made provision in the cross of Christ for sinners to be saved.

Who will be condemned?  “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess.1:8)

They are “those who do not know God.”  Now, they may know about God, but do not know Him personally. Here is how Jesus described the saved, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (‭‭John‬ ‭17:3‬)

The condemned are also “those who do not obey the gospel.” The Gospel is faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ that will save us.  We obey when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior.

Some think God will not cast sinners into hell because God is love.  But, His love means He hates sin.  Love cannot be coerced, so a loving God will not force us to love Him back.  A good judge must punish criminals or he is evil.

What is the punishment?

There will be painful tribulation, “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,” (2 Thess.1:6). Even as they have made the people of God suffer, the wicked will reap what they have sown. The punishment fits the crime.

There will be infernal retribution, “in flaming fire,” (2 Thess.1:8a). This is hell—the Lake of Fire.  “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev.20:15‬).

There will be eternal destruction, “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,” (2 Thess.1:9). A million years later, the wicked will still be in hell, and a trillion trillion, and forever.

But, you don’t have to go there. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved (Rom.10:13).

HOLY FIRE

“For our God is a consuming fire.” (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:29‬‬)

Seven simple words—and yet they have such profound implications.  Fire is to be respected. It is a powerful force that can create comfort or cause catastrophe.  Thus, it serves as a graphic image of the holiness of God.

Several years ago we had devastating fires in several areas of these western North Carolina mountains I live in. Yet, the amazing thing is that when the fire passes, it leads to the regenerating of the forest.  New green shoots push up through the gray ash and past the blackened embers. God will do that someday as He brings the final judgment on this old world order, and from that establish the eternal one.  Peter speaks of it:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter‬ ‭3:10-13‬)

The holy fire of God should have a refining effect on us—consuming the dross from our life, so that only the purest gold of faith remains. It ought to compel us with urgency to seek to reach those threatened by the flames of wrath to come.

God appeared in the fire of burning bush, a pillar of fire in the wilderness, in the fire that glowed between the cherubim in the ark of the covenant, and in the fire that fell at Pentecost. In each case that fire conveyed the holy comfort of God’s presence among His people. As fire warms the home in winter, so the heart-warming presence of God abides with us.

But, there is also the fire that fell on Sodom, destroying that wicked city and its perverse populace. Consider, also, the holy fire that consumed Nadab and Abihu.  They put an unholy fire in the censers as they ministered as priests—rebelling against God’s clear direction and profaning His worship.  You can read of it in Leviticus 10. Most horrible of all is the Lake of Fire—the final state of the wicked.

Have you repented of your sins and received Christ by faith?  If you have not, there is no more urgent matter.  If you have, then you know others who have not—reach out to them in love!

CHRIST’S REIGN: Ruling in Majesty

Read Revelation 20.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” He was not teasing us. There is literally a time coming when Christ will return and bring the Kingdom of God to earth and the will of God to be done for a thousand golden years. Jesus will sit on the throne of global dominion and rule in majesty.

The Millennium—the thousand year reign of Christ on earth—means that Satan will be bound (v.1-3). When the Serpent slithered into Eden, paradise was lost. Then paradise is regained as he is chained and cast into the bottomless pit.

It will be a time when saints will be enthroned (v.4-6). The people of God will be delegated areas of responsibility during the Millennium. The church—raptured from earth and glorified—returns with Christ to reign. Then the Tribulation martyrs are raised, as well as the Old Testament saints, so all the people of God reign with Christ.

There will be people who survive the horrors of the Tribulation, who bowing to Christ, will be welcomed into the Millennium. These will have children as earth is repopulated. As wonderful as the conditions—Christ reigning and Satan removed—these must still deal with their fallen nature, and sadly some will rebel and face the consequences.  In fact, when Satan is released, many will follow him (v.7-10). That rebellion is quickly crushed and Satan joins the Beast and False Prophet in Hell.
It is then time for all the wicked dead to be raised and judged (v.11-15). They will be given bodies suited for their eternal state of torment—the second death, in dying and being unable to die as they are cast into the lake of fire.

Paradise or punishment?  Where will you spend eternity?

MYSTERIES REVEALED: Words to the Wise

Read Matthew 25.

I had a school teacher, who would tell you what to study for the test, and when the test would be, then close with this warning, “A word to the wise should be sufficient.”  Then would come the time of the test and the results revealed some were wise and some were foolish.

We may debate the details of prophecy. Among Bible preachers and seminary professors, you will find differing schools of thought.  But, one thing all who believe the Word of God will agree on is the purpose of prophetic truth being presented in Scripture—to be ready for Jesus is coming.

To that end, Jesus concludes His great prophetic discourse in Matthew 24-25 with three descriptions of the end times as a wedding (25:1-13), a stewardship (25:14-30), and a judgment (25:31-46).  In each the point is the same—make preparation.

There is much to be learned in the study of prophecy. We ought not neglect it because some texts are intricate and difficult.  We need not become frustrated at the many differing viewpoints we will see presented.  It is a major portion of Scripture and you will have to avoid much of the Bible, if you skip the prophetic passages.

Ultimately, remember this—it isn’t about gaining information, though much can be learned. It is not about inspiration—although the hope we have of a world set right one day is thrilling. The bottom line is that the return of Christ is about preparation—being ready.

A word to the wise should be sufficient.

MYSTERIES REVEALED: The Kingdom Parables

Read Matthew 13.

Jesus taught the parables in Matthew 13 as a means of separating the faithful followers from the false followers.  Those who were saved would have the mysteries of the kingdom revealed to them, while those who were lost would be unable to grasp the teaching (v.10-17).

There is the parable of the soils (v.1-9). This one is explained (v.18-23).  Four types of soil indicate the four responses that people make to the Gospel. Only one soil that produces fruit symbolizes those who have true faith.

There is the parable of the wheat and tares (v.24-30), with the explanation (v.36-43). The course of the age will feature both true believers and false converts within Christendom. Satan will see to it that he infiltrates the church, but in the end the truth is revealed in judgment.

There is the parable of the mustard seed (v.31-32).  The course of Christendom has been one of numerical expansion—from a small beginning of only 120 in the Upper Room, to the millions of those who profess Christianity today.  Yet, the birds are there to remind us that Satan is active in this church.

There is the parable of the leaven (v.33). This continues the theme of a mixture of evil with good in Christendom.  Leaven represents sin in Scripture.  False teaching will eventually permeate the kingdom resulting in a false church at the end of the age.

The last three point to the three great works God will do among three classes of people—Jews, Gentiles, and the church of God (see 1 Cor.10:32).

There is the parable of the hidden treasure (v.44) the pearl of great price (v.45-46), and the dragnet (v.47-52).  The hidden treasure is the nation of Israel. God has made covenant promises to the Jews which He will ultimately fulfill in the end times.  The pearl of great price is the church which Christ has purchased with His blood. The dragnet is the missions movement in the world, as God calls us to fish for men. As in the other parables we see a mixture of the true and false are brought into Christendom, to be separated in the end.

ETERNAL HOPE; EVERLASTING HOME

Unless Christ rose from the dead, I am wasting my time writing this and you are wasting your time reading.  Thankfully, He lives!  There are so many implications to that truth.    For one, it establishes eternal hope and provides an everlasting home.  Paul talks about this in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10.

Life is relentless—it just keeps coming at you, like the waves of the restless sea.  At times, those waves become tsunamis of trouble.  It is easy to lose heart.
 
Yet, we need not.  Paul reminds us here that although the pain of earth is real, the promise of eternity is far superior.  Outwardly, our strength and health will decline over time—this physical frame eventually grows frail and will fail.  Inwardly, the real person that is housed in a body, can grow stronger and stronger, and with it, the magnetic appeal of heaven overcomes the bonds of earth and we are lifted up to real home in glory.

Paul knew what it was like to suffer.  Do you hear him whining?  His tone is one of triumph.  Far from affliction overwhelming him, he sees how pain aids him—the knowledge that God uses the sorrows of this world to shape us into Christlikeness—that the weight of glory is incomparable when placed on the scales of our soul, in relation to the lightness of difficulty. What we see is temporary, as this material universe passes away, while what we know by faith concerning the spiritual, invisible Kingdom of God is eternally fixed.

For now, we groan.  Today we abide in a tent—a temporary structure that houses our souls.  Someday it will be exchanged for a permanent dwelling in a resurrection body.  Our groans give way to glory!  Our homesickness for heaven will eventually be met with a happy homecoming.  God’s Spirit within the child of God gives us that tug heavenward and His presence assures us of ultimate arrival.

So, let us walk by faith, and not by sight.  Looking around us will burden us.  Looking above us will bless us!  The moment we die, gazing into the face of Jesus will make every heartache forgotten.

Some have accused Christians of, “being so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly good.”  Not so!  Paul tells us that a correct perspective of eternity brings a compelling passion on earth.  Living in light of eternity makes us into difference-makers!  We labor for the Lord as those who must give account at the judgment seat of Christ.  Lord, make us faithful that in the judgment we may be declared fruitful!

THE PARTY’S OVER!

Read Jeremiah 13:12-17.

When Herbert Hoover ran for President in 1928, his campaign promised, “A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage.”  At the time, it was a slogan indicating that the economy would boom and people would prosper under a Hoover administration.  Instead, eight months into his presidency, the stock market crashed and the United States entered the Great Depression.

God makes a similar promise to Judah.  It was a familiar expression for prosperity at the time: “Every bottle shall be filled with wine.”  It was spoken with sarcasm, but the Jews missed the meaning, and in their pride said, “Do we not certainly know that...?”  So smug were they, that even though Jeremiah had been warning them of judgment, they were singing, “Happy days are here again!”

Our economy seems to be booming at the time—and we should be grateful to God.  But, let us refrain from the folly that thinks we may sin with impunity—drunk with pride, power, and prosperity—lest unhappy days of God’s wrath descend.  The wine bottles would be full in Jerusalem, but the people would empty the contents and become filled with wine in celebration.  They would stagger into one another and fall down to their hurt.  In the midst of the celebration, God would essentially say, “The party’s over!”

Will we listen?  Will we learn?  Will Americans repent of their pride and give glory to God alone?  If we do not them we can expect the same end to “our shining city on a hill” as befell Jerusalem. The lights will be turned out and darkness will cover the land.  If you look from space as night blankets the United States, you can see an America where lights shine like beacons across the continent.  Do you know what would happen, if a low yield nuclear weapon emitting an electro-magnetic pulse was exploded above us?  The electrical grid would fail.  All electronics and computers would be wiped out.  Deep darkness would descend.

Jeremiah wept for what was coming to his nation.  Repentant lamentation should supplant raucous laughter in America, or there will be weeping and wailing surpassing anything we have known as judgment falls.

PEACE ON EARTH

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.  Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.  (Revelation 20:1-10)

That first silent night was suddenly shattered by spectacular sights and sounds, as angels said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  The heavenly messengers announced the fulfillment of the messianic promises of the Old Testament.  For example, Isaiah called Jesus, “the Prince of Peace,” and said that in His reign the nations would beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, with war and violence banished from the earth.  Yet, as we end this Christmas season and stand on the threshold of a new year, we see a world filled with bloodshed and fear the threat of terrorism.  Still, the child of God can submit such fear to the promises of a sovereign God and supplant them with faith in His supreme purposes.  There may be horror today, but there is hope for tomorrow.  Jesus is coming again and He will put things right in this world.  That is what the twentieth chapter of Revelation proclaims.

This chapter commences with the seven-year tribulation period concluded.  All the terrible judgments described in the bulk of the book reached their climax with the Lord Jesus coming with heaven’s armies to wipe out the Antichrist and his military.  The global economic system of the Beast and the worldwide ecclesiastical system of the False Prophet have been destroyed and the demonically driven duo cast into the Lake of Fire.  Next in Revelation 20:1-3, we read that the third member of that terrible trinity of terror—Satan himself—will be bound with chains and imprisoned in the bottomless pit.  The world will be liberated by the Lord!

This will inaugurate 1000 years of heaven on earth (v.4-6).  The church will reign with Christ—in all probability from the New Jerusalem which is suspended above the earth.  We will have freedom of movement throughout the universe in our glorified bodies.  John writes of the first resurrection.  It is the first of its class—a resurrection to life.  Blessed are all those of the first resurrection order for they are all those who have died in faith.  The second kind of resurrection is that of the wicked who will be raised to stand before the Great White throne and sentenced to everlasting damnation (v.11-15).  We say that these are two classes of resurrection in that several resurrections of the first order have already occurred at this point—Jesus, a handful of Old Testament saints with Him, the dead in Christ at the rapture of the church, and the two witnesses in Revelation 11.  As the millennial reign of Christ begins the tribulation martyrs are raised, and I believe the rest of the Old Testament saints as well.  The latter group will reign, I think, from the old Jerusalem—possibly with David sitting on his former throne as Christ’s regent on earth.

We will need to reign, for as strange as it seems, even in this environment, the evil hearts of humans will need to be governed.  Those who survive the tribulation and are converted will repopulate the earth and their offspring will need to be saved.  Many will reject Christ and at last, when Satan in released, will follow him to their doom (v.7-10).  Such is the depraved heart of man!  I am glad I am part of the first resurrection class!

THE TASTE OF TRUTH

Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.  (Revelation 10:10)

One of the metaphors the Bible offers for itself is that of food.  Proverbs 9:1-5 pictures God’s wisdom as a meal set before us.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3 of the milk of the Word.  Hebrews 5:14 describes the meat of the Word.  Just as the Jews were fed manna from heaven each day in the wilderness, so God has daily sustenance for us as we walk in the spiritual wilderness of this world.  “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”  (Matt.4:4)  The Psalmist declared God’s Word to be, “Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”  (Ps.19:10)  John, in Revelation 10, tasted the sweetness of that truth, but then it turned bitter on his stomach.  We will explore this further.

We are first arrested by the appearance of an awesome angel (v.1-3).  He is not named, and his characteristics have led some to conclude this is Jesus Christ.  There are Old Testament manifestations of Jesus as the Angel of the LORD.  This was Christ’s way of revealing Himself to men before His incarnation in Bethlehem.  While we cannot say with certainty, this seems to be more than an angel, even an archangel, but instead the Angel of the LORD—Jesus Christ.

While we may speculate on the angel’s identity, we have no idea about the message that He carried (v.4).  John was forbidden to write it, and so we do not know it.  Paul was given revelations when he was caught up into the third heaven that he, also, was barred from sharing.  There are some things we are not meant to know this side of eternity.  We walk by faith and not by sight.  Now, we see through a glass darkly.  In some of the inexplicable heartaches of life, I can be comforted in knowing this: 

           Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand

All the ways that God would lead us to that blessed Promised Land;

But He’ll guide us with His eye and we’ll follow till we die;

We will understand it better by and by.” 

Whatever the nature of the message, the nearness of it is highlighted (v.5-7).  Revelation is a book that describes the return of Jesus Christ and the consummation of the age.  When this message is proclaimed there have always been those who mocked, “Where is the promise of His coming?”  (2 Pet.3:4a)  My answer is: “A lot closer than ever!”  When the judgments of the last days begin, they will rapidly cascade and be completed in only seven years.  Indeed, the sounding of the seventh trumpet (v.7) will bring the final three and one-half years of the Great Tribulation—a time of trial so intense, that Jesus said that if it were not short in duration, all life would become extinct (Matt.24:22).

John ingests the truth and it is sweet to him (v.8-10a).  Honey is such a wondrous food.  It promotes health and imparts energy.  Don’t we find that to be true of the Word of God!  But, when John digests the truth it becomes sour to his stomach (v.10b-11).  The Apostle of Love was preaching a message of judgment.  While He was thankful for the salvation of those who received it, he was tearful for those who rejected it—such a bitter end for them!

CHRIST UNVEILED

 

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man….  (Revelation 1:12-13a)

Artists through the years have tried to capture the image of Jesus Christ on canvas.  The Bible never tells us what the Carpenter of Nazareth looked like then, but we know what He looks like now—for John saw Him and was overwhelmed.  In the first chapter of Revelation we behold Christ unveiled.

Consider His WORTH (v.11a).  Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  He is the first and last letters and all those in between.  Twenty-six letters are used in the English language to form all our words.  That's all you need—Jesus is all you need.  His worth is also suggested in Rev.1:13 where He is "girded about the chest with a golden band."  Gold is a precious metal, the symbol of riches.  John falls, deeply sensing his own unworthiness in the presence of One so worthy.

Hear His WORD.  Throughout the text, stress is laid upon what the Eternal Word of God is saying.

He speaks with A TRUMPET VOICE (v.10).  One cannot read this without thinking of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 where the trumpet of God sounds.  Just as He cried with a loud voice before the tomb of Lazarus, "Lazarus, come forth!" so the saints who slumber will arise.

It is also A THUNDEROUS VOICE (v.15b).  John heard the thundering waves dashing on the rocks of Patmos.  The voice of Christ drowned out the surf.  “John, these waters may separate you from human companionship, but your Heavenly Companion will never leave you, nor forsake You!”

His is A TESTING VOICE (v.16b).  The test of true faith is the Word of God.  "He who rejects Me, and does not receive my words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."  (John 12:48)

However, it is also A TENDER VOICE (v.17b).  I am most grateful.  These are words of grace that dispel all fear.

Christ speaks with A TRIUMPHANT VOICE (v.18).  Keys stand for authority. Acts 2:24 says, "And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." The hymn expressed it,

Death could not keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord.

Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign.

Note His WALK (v.13a,20; 2:1).  He walks among His people.  It is a walk where He is sifting us and evaluating us.  His feet are as brass in a furnace (v.15a).  This is a picture of judgment.  He is going to confront His churches in chapters 2-3.

Observe His WORK. 

He is THE INTERCEDING PRIEST (v.13).  His robes are those of the High Priest who went into the temple and stood before the golden lampstand, and so we see Jesus in an even greater way.  He ever lives to intercede for us.

He is THE INTERROGATING JUDGE (v.14-15).  Here are the piercing eyes of the Ancient of Days. You can't pull the wool over those eyes!

He is THE ILLUMINATING LIGHT (v.16b).  He is the Light of the world.  

He is THE INVINCIBLE KING (v.18).  He holds the keys of authority as King of kings and Lord of lords!

IS THERE HOPE FOR AMERICA?

You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.  (Psalm 115:11

Is there hope for America?  We are bleeding to death from self-inflicted wounds.  The patient is in critical condition.  If we do not turn from our wicked ways and seek the Lord urgently, then our condition will be terminal.  Psalm 115 points us to the cure.

WE MUST SEE OUR NEED (v.1-2).  Unless a person responds to his or her symptoms by seeking a physician, there is no hope for them.  The psalmist cries out in desperation and intercedes for his nation. 

Our ultimate concern must be for the glory of God—and that is the heartbeat of the writer.  God’s glorious name was being besmirched because of the evil ways of His children.  This is not a self-centered prayer at all.  The heathen mock that glorious name.  It must not be!  We do not want America to be great for her name, but for God’s glory!  America will only be great again, when she is good again. 

Based on a passion for God’s glory, Psalm 115 pleads with God for mercy and truth to be magnified.  The Lord is merciful and would spare us from judgment, but He is also truthful and had ordained this, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”  (Ps.9:17)  Our only hope is in an urgent expression of contrition that seeks God’s mercy and a return to living by the truth of Scripture.

WE MUST TURN FROM IDOLS (v.3-8).  The danger is that a nation in trouble will seek help in a god of our own making.  We worship that which we trust in.  Man foolishly looks to government rather than God to meet his needs.  People trust in science and technology to bring a cure.  Somehow we think that the elite in education have the answers.  All we need is more money, more programs, more studies, and such—we can work it out.  This is the false religion of utopianism—that began with Babel in Genesis and ends with it centered in Babylon again in the last days as described in Revelation.  In both cases, it brings down God’s judgment.  What fools we are, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (2 Tim.3:7)

There is but one God—sovereign and omnipotent.  He will work out His will and nothing can thwart it (v.3).  The question is not whether God is on our side, but are we on His?  In contrast, the gods we fashion to save us will always fail.  They are powerless to do otherwise (v.4-7).  They are blind, deaf, lifeless—and those who worship such become like them—spiritually dead (v.8).

WE MUST TRUST IN GOD (v.9-15).  This is repeated three times in these closing verses.  Turning from idols, we trust in God—and there is the hope of our nation! 

God will shield us (v.9-11).  He is our Defender.  There will be none to terrorize us, from without or within, if we trust in God.

God will bless us (v.12-16).  He is our Provider.  The economy does not have to crash, if we will seek the Lord.  He will keep His promises, if we trust Him.

The day of decision is here.  Time is running out.  The choice is before us (v.17-18).  We can choose life or death.  Let us, as the people of God, fervently and faithfully seek the glory of God—pleading that mercy and truth will be restored!