December 20, 2014
Who are these two “prophets” (witnesses)? Since Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture, as a rule, the Old Testament is best understood through the lens of the New Testament. But an understanding of the book of Revelation often requires a reversal of this approach, as it is filled with Old Testament imagery and reference. The description of the “two prophets” is a clear allusion to the “two olive trees” found in Zechariah 4. There, the angel told Zechariah that these two are “the anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth” (Zech. 4:14). Those with a historical view of Revelation have named various heroes of the faith in the early church as the identity of the two witnesses. But holding to a futurist view of Revelation, I believe that these two witnesses are yet to come. Their identity is not named, yet their description brings to mind the ministries of Moses and Elijah. Certainly, they are the two who stood with the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration. Perhaps, they will be the ones who stand for Him again in the future at the end of days.
December 19, 2014
John was given a scroll to “eat” in his vision, just as the prophet Ezekiel had been given one in his (Ezekiel 3:1-3). For both of them, it was as “sweet as honey” when they chewed on it, but unpleasant when they digested the impact of its message. God’s Word is sweet to the believer whose ears are open to hear it, yet it is “sour” as they consider those whose ears will not. Our joy in God’s future plans of judgment is tempered by the realization that many that we love and care about will not escape His divine wrath. We therefore commit to keep chewing on God’s sweet Word, yielding to its work in us, and announcing its message to others. Perhaps, those we love will eventually open their ears to hear. And relieve our soured stomachs.
December 15, 2014
In Revelation 6, John saw Christ the Lamb open six of the seven seals. The first four seals revealed the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The word “apocalypse” comes from the Greek and literally means, “to unveil, to reveal.” Thus, the title of the book, the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The identity of the four horsemen is a matter of much debate. But understanding that the best way to interpret Scripture is by Scripture, a careful comparison of Christ’s description of the last days in Matthew 24 with Revelation 6 is helpful. The first rider has a crown, a bow and rides a white horse. This represents religious deception, those that come claiming to be Christ, deceiving many (Matt. 24:5). The second rider comes with a sword and riding a red horse. This represents the increase of wars in the earth (Matt. 24:6-7 “wars and rumors of wars”). The third rider comes carrying scales and riding a black horse. This represents famine (Matt. 24:7). And the fourth rider comes on a pale (Greek, “chloros” – pale green) horse and represents disease and pestilence (Matt. 24:7). When will these four horsemen appear? I believe they were released when Christ ascended and have roamed the earth in ever-increasing ways ever since. Yet, we should not be afraid, for Christ the Lamb has revealed this to us, so that we would love His appearing.
December 13, 2014
This is what John heard the four beings continually saying of the One seated on the heavenly throne. These four beings (other translations: “beasts, living creatures”) have been variously interpreted to represent the four evangelists, or four gospels of Matthew (Lion), Mark (Ox), Luke (Man), and John (Eagle). Or they are seen to represent all of creation. It is also interesting to note that these four images were on the banners of the tribes of Israel’s wilderness encampment that camped according to the four points of the compass (Judah/East/Lion, Ephraim/West/Ox, Reuben/South/Man, Dan/North/Eagle). John does not comment on their identity. He only records what they continually repeated– that God is three times holy, omnipotent and eternal. And surely the phrase “still to come” points to Christ’s soon return.
December 12, 2014
These are the words that Jesus told John to write to the “lukewarm” church at Laodicea. He asked them to listen for his gentle knocking at their door. Christ expressed that he was ready to “spit” (Literally, “vomit”) them out for their lukewarm commitment. But then he offered to come and abide with them, if they would only open their hearts and listen to his Word. Has your lukewarm commitment locked Jesus outside your church?
December 9, 2014
The apostle John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos for preaching the gospel. There, on a Sunday, the revelation of Jesus Christ came to him while he was in worship. The early church fathers reported that John was in a cave on Patmos when the Lord spoke to him. Was John singing worship songs? He had no hymnbook nor choir. Was he sitting under preaching? There was no preacher. Was he reading Scripture? He probably had no access to his scrolls and parchments. How was he worshiping? “In the Spirit,” he said. You could beat him, boil him in oil or exile him from his fellow believers on a rock in the Mediterranean Sea, but you couldn’t keep him from worshiping Jesus. It was on that day that Jesus called to John in a voice as loud and penetrating as a trumpet. It was on that day that Jesus gave His revelation to John.
December 25, 2013
“Advent” means “coming.” We remember that Christ has come and we prepare for His coming again. Just as He first came in the fulness of time (As a child is born in the 9th month), so His return will be after creation itself finishes its labor pains. A wise mother-to-be is already packed and ready for the water’s breaking. As the day approaches, her watching is all the more intense. Likewise, we are to be prepared for Christ’s sudden return.
December 21, 2013
John saw a “great sign” appear in heaven. There is much here to consider and a daily devotional thought offers not enough space. Yet consider this as we approach Christmas: Just as Satan through the paranoid earthly king Herod sought to murder the infant Jesus, so he continues to try and devour those born again into the body of Christ. As his time grows short, he becomes more furious in his pursuit because he knows his days are numbered. Therefore rejoice! For just as the Christ overcame, so we who are in Him will overcome.
December 17, 2013
John saw Christ open the 7th and final seal and as the scroll unfolded, silence fell over heaven. Was this the silence of expectation, awaiting the reading of the scroll’s content? Or was the silence part of the message? Perhaps it was a kind of intermission between scenes? Or a time of prayerful meditation awaiting the final unfolding of God’s revelation? Regardless, there was silence… made more profound by its suddenness and length. Even John held his tongue and did not interrupt with questions. All was silent. Perhaps this is the silence that will precede the creation of the new heaven and the new earth. Just like the silence that preceded the original creation. And the silent night that fell before our Savior’s birth.
December 14, 2013
John wept because no one was found that could open the scroll with the seven seals. Then, one of the elders (possibly Peter or Matthew, since both were already martyred), pointed out One that was standing between the Throne and four living creatures. This One was both the “Root” and the “Branch” (Isaiah 11:1) of David, pointing to both His preexistence and incarnation. He was the “Lion of Judah” reflecting His royal birthright. Yet even more significant was His identity as the One who had “conquered,” defeating sin, death and the grave by His sacrificial death and resurrection. When John saw Him take the scroll, he witnessed the most wonderful worship erupt in heaven as they all sang, “Worthy is the Lamb!” And his tears turned to joy!