Revelation 19 Matthew 28 v 18-20
Do we ever feel like evil is winning?
Like when bad people get away with rape and murder and good people suffer?
John, the writer of Revelation may at times have felt no less.
His Master Jesus had risen from the dead and given the Holy Spirit to His followers, sending them out to share the good news of forgiveness and new life with the world. John had done that, preaching the Gospel, making more disciples, establishing churches but at times it was hard going.
This was near the end of the 1st century, around 50/60 years since the Lord had given His instructions. The nation of Israel had largely rejected their testimony and the Roman Emperors saw Christians as a threat and persecuted them ruthlessly. John would be aware that Peter and Paul had been executed as was his own brother James. Despite the spreading light of the grace of God and goodness of Jesus the ancient world was still a corrupt and very cruel place. It wouldn’t be unusual to become discouraged.
So Jesus encouraged His loyal servant John with this ‘revelation’ to assure him of who was really in control and that the end of things was in safe hands. Some people find this book of Revelation uncomfortable. Some of its images seem strange or even frightening but if we understand that it’s actually overall a message of encouragement then it’s well worth studying.
Some of the middle chapters describe how the devil uses his limited power to stir up opposition to the church. Certain human leaders and systems are portrayed as proud and brutal, like OT Babylon or 1st century Rome with Emperors like Nebuchadnezzar or Nero. They seemed powerful, invincible and God’s people so vulnerable but who would win in the end?
As Revelation moves to its climax we’re shown heaven standing open and a Rider on a white horse leading a heavenly army. He is called Faithful and True, two attributes which in the Bible belong to God. He has many crowns, universal authority in heaven and on earth. He is uniquely authorised to judge for he has won victory by shedding His blood at Calvary. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, the living Word of God, He is Jesus, the risen, reigning Lamb. Here is the Winner! He returns on clouds of glory and evil is finally, utterly defeated.
Sometimes in history or popular culture the hero is pictured on a white horse. We might think of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings coming to the rescue of Helm’s Deep, or the Lone Ranger. Here is the one who will overcome the enemy and save us! The image comes originally from the Bible, from Revelation, from this picture of Jesus returning victorious to rule and to judge.
The devil and the beastlike human persecutors he has inspired are thrown into a lake of fire. Those who have proudly opposed Christ are overthrown and punished and His church who have suffered persecution are welcomed to heavenly comfort and reward which is pictured like a great wedding reception. Jesus is the Groom, His Church is His beloved Bride.
The vision is elaborate, spectacular, daunting and at times John feels quite overwhelmed but essentially this book of Revelation is our Lord and Saviour gently reaching down to John and every believer in every age, whatever challenges we may be facing, laying His hand of reassurance on us and saying, ‘Don’t be afraid and don’t give up. This difficulty will pass and evil won’t win. I’m with you, you’ll find the help you need. I’ll help you finish the earthly race I’ve set for you. I’m coming for you soon, your inheritance with me is secure. Don’t worry, I’ve got you!’
Now this is truth and for believers it is wonderfully comforting but people of the world hate the truth, they love darkness because they want to do their own often evil deeds. The world resents the thought of a Creator to Whom we must answer so it has developed the modern myth of the universe somehow evolving on its own. No different from the authorities in Jerusalem faced with an empty tomb. Refusing to believe in a crucified, risen Messiah they paid the guards to do a cover up. When the One Who sees and knows all things returns in power to judge all people there will be no covering up. All will be revealed.
How then should Christians live?
Let’s understand that those who are forgiven, saved and comforted by Jesus are also commissioned by Him to be His Spirit empowered witnesses making more disciples to the ends of the earth. Until He comes this is our calling.
So when the majestic Rider appears let His people be found serving.
When the Bridegroom arrives let His Bride be found ready.
Do we ever feel like evil is winning?
Like when bad people get away with rape and murder and good people suffer?
John, the writer of Revelation may at times have felt no less.
His Master Jesus had risen from the dead and given the Holy Spirit to His followers, sending them out to share the good news of forgiveness and new life with the world. John had done that, preaching the Gospel, making more disciples, establishing churches but at times it was hard going.
This was near the end of the 1st century, around 50/60 years since the Lord had given His instructions. The nation of Israel had largely rejected their testimony and the Roman Emperors saw Christians as a threat and persecuted them ruthlessly. John would be aware that Peter and Paul had been executed as was his own brother James. Despite the spreading light of the grace of God and goodness of Jesus the ancient world was still a corrupt and very cruel place. It wouldn’t be unusual to become discouraged.
So Jesus encouraged His loyal servant John with this ‘revelation’ to assure him of who was really in control and that the end of things was in safe hands. Some people find this book of Revelation uncomfortable. Some of its images seem strange or even frightening but if we understand that it’s actually overall a message of encouragement then it’s well worth studying.
Some of the middle chapters describe how the devil uses his limited power to stir up opposition to the church. Certain human leaders and systems are portrayed as proud and brutal, like OT Babylon or 1st century Rome with Emperors like Nebuchadnezzar or Nero. They seemed powerful, invincible and God’s people so vulnerable but who would win in the end?
As Revelation moves to its climax we’re shown heaven standing open and a Rider on a white horse leading a heavenly army. He is called Faithful and True, two attributes which in the Bible belong to God. He has many crowns, universal authority in heaven and on earth. He is uniquely authorised to judge for he has won victory by shedding His blood at Calvary. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, the living Word of God, He is Jesus, the risen, reigning Lamb. Here is the Winner! He returns on clouds of glory and evil is finally, utterly defeated.
Sometimes in history or popular culture the hero is pictured on a white horse. We might think of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings coming to the rescue of Helm’s Deep, or the Lone Ranger. Here is the one who will overcome the enemy and save us! The image comes originally from the Bible, from Revelation, from this picture of Jesus returning victorious to rule and to judge.
The devil and the beastlike human persecutors he has inspired are thrown into a lake of fire. Those who have proudly opposed Christ are overthrown and punished and His church who have suffered persecution are welcomed to heavenly comfort and reward which is pictured like a great wedding reception. Jesus is the Groom, His Church is His beloved Bride.
The vision is elaborate, spectacular, daunting and at times John feels quite overwhelmed but essentially this book of Revelation is our Lord and Saviour gently reaching down to John and every believer in every age, whatever challenges we may be facing, laying His hand of reassurance on us and saying, ‘Don’t be afraid and don’t give up. This difficulty will pass and evil won’t win. I’m with you, you’ll find the help you need. I’ll help you finish the earthly race I’ve set for you. I’m coming for you soon, your inheritance with me is secure. Don’t worry, I’ve got you!’
Now this is truth and for believers it is wonderfully comforting but people of the world hate the truth, they love darkness because they want to do their own often evil deeds. The world resents the thought of a Creator to Whom we must answer so it has developed the modern myth of the universe somehow evolving on its own. No different from the authorities in Jerusalem faced with an empty tomb. Refusing to believe in a crucified, risen Messiah they paid the guards to do a cover up. When the One Who sees and knows all things returns in power to judge all people there will be no covering up. All will be revealed.
How then should Christians live?
Let’s understand that those who are forgiven, saved and comforted by Jesus are also commissioned by Him to be His Spirit empowered witnesses making more disciples to the ends of the earth. Until He comes this is our calling.
So when the majestic Rider appears let His people be found serving.
When the Bridegroom arrives let His Bride be found ready.
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