Revelation 11

This week we come to the center of the book of Revelation. We see two witnesses called by God, bearing testimony against those God is about to judge. For anyone to be put to death under the law, two witnesses were required. God is following His own law. It is a heavy message they bring, and one not well received. We also see the seventh trumpet, and the resistance and rebellion of man against God's just judgment. However, those in heaven respond to all of this with praise, thanks and worship. May our hearts honor the Lord regardless of the prevailing sentiments of the culture and man. He is worthy.

Revelation 10

     The book of Revelation is certainly a gift of God to those who read it, for it seems we are always filled with questions, even from childhood of "what is going to happen when...?", and it is the word of God that holds many answers that we seek.

     The Bible clearly states that what has been revealed is for us and for our children, but there are also things that God keeps for Himself only to know, or shows us only on a personal level.

     Chapter 10 seems to have all these elements to it: revelation, personal instruction, and mystery. May we welcome it with open hearts.

Revelation 9 (reminder: Daylight Savings Time)

This chapter in Revelation almost reads like science fiction. Great woe is declared to those on earth at the time of the 5th trumpet. At that time, the destruction will not be in the natural realm, but the human, and it comes from spiritual and demonic beings. Though God allows the torment, He at first forbids death. How long-suffering He is! But still people will refuse to repent and turn to Him. These judgments should cause people to repent, but they do not.

What is the lesson for us? What are we worshipping? Anything that is an idol in our hearts needs to be repented of. It can never help us, only hurt us, and pull us away from God.

Revelation 8

This Sunday we look at the first several of the trumpet judgments. When Jesus taught His disciples regarding the time of the end, He told of signs that would occur before: pestilence, earthquakes, wars. These things were originating from man and the consequences of living in a fallen world broken by sin.

The trumpet judgments of Revelation are much different in nature and origin. They are sent from heaven; true "acts of God", not like the natural disasters of our times. What happens in heaven has a direct correlation to what takes place on the earth in chapters 8, 9, and 10. These judgments may make us uncomfortable, but they should cause us to feel an urgency to live purely and share the Gospel with fervency.

Revelation 7

This chapter in Revelation introduces us to two groups of people. One has a very specific number, from the nation of Israel; the other, innumerable and from every nation on earth. The Gospel will still go out, throughout the time of great tribulation and trial on the earth. Even in the midst of the display of God's wrath, He still extends grace.  God rules, and regardless of the chaos on earth, He remains on the throne, governing all. 

Revelation 6

In chapter 6 of Revelation, we see how the things that will take place on the earth are initiated in heaven. It is the action of Jesus, the Lamb of God, that will set in motion the events taking place. These will be catastrophic and tragic events for mankind and creation. Many will perish.

Isaiah 28:21 speaks of how judgment is God's "strange work". We should be in awe and holy fear of Him, as Jesus said, "who after He has killed has the authority to cast into hell; fear Him"(Luke 12:5, Matthew 10:28). May we worship and adore our holy and just, loving and faithful God, "who delights to show mercy" (Micah 7:18).

Revelation 5

This week we are in the midst of the scene in heaven. This scene of worship, of God upon the throne, the absolute authority and power, the center of it all, should serve to re-align us and center us, as we recognize that He deserves much more attention and ascribed value than we often give. May our hearts be lifted up and our minds set on things above, that we will fill our thoughts and opinions with God's greatness more and more, and that our minds will be more consumed with thoughts of Him than of ourselves. He is worthy!