Revelation 9

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Nov 22: Revelation 9

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving!

Since it’s the holiday, I’ll keep it brief today. Chapter 9 continues to describe the terrors that befall the earth at the blast of the angelic trumpets. Interpretation may vary here, but the idea comes back to this: life on earth is full of strife and adversity — and it’s been this way since the beginning. Through all of this, and especially in light of the terrors of the last days, humanity seems always bent toward rebellion. With such terrifying images coming through John’s vision, we’re surprised when we read that the participants in this vision refuse to repent: “The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts,” (v20-21).

Repentance. This is one of the hallmarks of the people of God, especially in the last days. Good food for thought today. The church should always be asking the question, “What does repentance look like?”

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Revelation 8

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Nov 21: Revelation 8

With the opening of the final seal, we see vivid descriptions of God’s judgment. Silence in heaven precedes the opening of this final seal (v1), which is appropriate (see Zeph. 1:7 and Zech. 2:13). But prior to this final image, John will remind us once again of something he alluded to in chapter 5: the prayers of the church matter. In fact, they matter greatly. In John’s vision, an angel emerges with incense and the prayers of the saints. This angel offers these prayers on the golden altar before the throne and they rise before God. God’s judgment that follows is presumably in response to these prayers, the prayers of the saints accumulated in the golden bowls of 5:8, but also the prayers of the martyrs who have assembled before the throne, asking God, “How long before you will judge and avenge our blood?” (6:10).

Here’s the takeaway: when the church prays, God hears. These prayers have an effect; they cause things to happen here on earth. Through our worship and prayer, we participate in the worship of heaven. But that worship intersects the present sphere. We may not always be delivered from historical troubles; in fact, many more have been martyred since John penned these words for our encouragement. But the ultimate reality is that God hears our cry and He promises to act in due time to make things right. We stand in a long line of believers who have cried out to God for deliverance (Exodus 2:23-24; Exodus 3:7; Habakkuk 1:2-4; Matthew 27:46). But we should be buoyed in our prayer life, knowing that God in heaven hears and responds in His sovereign wisdom.

The Exodus story is important to keep in mind here as we read of the trumpets being blown in judgment. Here we will see hail and fire (8:7; Exod. 9:23-25); the sea becoming blood (8:8-9; Exod. 7:20); darkness (8:12; Exod. 10:21); and locust (9:1-12; Exod. 10:12). This is helpful for our understanding. We can see these trumpet blasts as more than simply “judgment”; we can see them as the Israelites would have understood the Exodus — as God’s act of liberation. Even these trumpet blasts can be seen as good news…because the ultimate Exodus is about to occur!

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Revelation 7

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Nov 20: Revelation 7

Prior to the opening of the seventh seal, John’s vision shifts yet again. We might do well to think of this chapter as the answer to the cryptic question that closed out ch6: “Who can stand?”

Angels are poised to bring destruction, angels who have been given power to harm (v2). But a decree is issued: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads,” (v3). The notion of sealing is God’s way of signifying His people (see, for example, Ezekiel 9:1-6). And so a multitude from the 12 tribes are marked with this seal. And yet, as the scene progresses, the number of the sealed seems to swell, so much so that it cannot be numbered:

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (v9-10).

Some will argue that the 144,000 represents the true number of the faithful, but this is reading too much into the first part of the vision. Also, John’s vision is absolutely majestic in scope; the cosmic reaches of the Kingdom of God know no bounds, at least in this vision John shares with us. The nations (we should hear this as an inclusionary statement regarding those of us who are Gentile Christians) gather before the throne of God, clothed in white robes (indicative of the grace lavished upon them). Palm branches in their hands represents the victory John has been writing about — the victory of “the one who conquers” as we saw in chapters 2&3. But it should be noted that these martyrs / witnesses are not victorious simply through the shedding of their own blood. These are the ones who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v14).

And the song of praise that follows is a song of victory and praise to the God of salvation!

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One Step Closer to “Grown Up”

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Jason

Well, today is the day.

It’s a day I’ve had to prepare myself for, but even so, I’m not sure I’m there. At least not all the way.

Today, my daughter is getting her ears pierced.

Now, I understand that to some people, this may not be a big deal. But you have to understand…I’ve been resistant to this for quite a while. It seems a lot of little girls her age have already had their ears pierced. In fact, my unscientific survey leads me to conclude that most of them have. Still, there’s something about the whole thing that I’ve wanted to keep at bay. I think we push our kids to grow up too quickly. And this is a huge bridge to cross, at least to me. She’s been BEGGING me to get this done. And I know I’ve been fighting a losing battle. It’s one of those inevitable steps. But I still don’t like it. It’s just one step closer to “grown up”.

I’m certainly not trying to pass judgment on those parents who’ve chosen to do this at a younger age. I’m just saying that as my daughter’s father, I’ve not wanted to accelerate her movement toward young adulthood. And for me, this is a HUGE step. I know it’s inevitable and that I’m just being sentimental. But if you can’t be sentimental when it comes to your daughter, then something is deeply wrong with you.

Last night we watched some old home videos of the kids. My daughter and her twin brother were so small, their voices so tiny. In the video, she had those fat little cheeks that I remember. Blond curly hair. In the video, I could scoop her up with one arm and spin her around. She’s right there in our living room, wearing her PJ’s and saying the books of the Bible. I can still hear her little voice as she struggles to say “Doo-Ter-On-Ah-Meee”, as she beams with pride saying the Pledge of Allegiance. And when she’s done, she comes running to my arms, Daddy’s Little Girl.

And now, we’re about to go to Claire’s (wherever that is) and I’ll pay good money so some stranger can jab a needle in her earlobe.

Sigh.

Like I said, I knew this day would come. It’s a milestone for her. But it’s a milestone for me, too.

If she’s one step closer to “grown up”, then I’m one step closer to letting her go.

And that’s hard when she’s “Daddy’s Little Girl.”

I’ll probably have to watch that video again tonight.

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Revelation 5

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, Nov 16: Revelation 5

The worship scene of ch4 is interrupted at the beginning of our chapter today, as an angel emerges with a scroll and a question: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (v2). This scroll is representative of the will of God. We know from what we’ve just seen in ch4 that God is to be praised for His worthiness (4:11), so it’s no surprise to see the Lion of Judah, a messianic image in Israel’s tradition, step to the forefront to answer the call.

What IS surprising is the transformation of the Lion of Judah into a slain Lamb. The Lion who conquers (v5) has become the Lamb who has been slain (v6). John’s vision is another glimpse at a deeper reality. In Revelation, all is not as it seems. The image of the slaughtered Lamb is cause for mourning on earth; the disciples lock themselves up, fearful that the same fate might await them. But fitted with the lenses John receives here, we are able to see this sacrificial death as the key moment of victory. Evil and death are truly conquered in this moment. This Lamb is worthy to open the scroll “for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God and they shall reign on the earth,” (v9-10). Human blood will no longer have any status in evaluating and organizing people; only the blood of the Lamb is relevant here.

The response to this is tremendous, staggering in scope: “Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands…” (v11). And once again, a song of worthiness and praise spills forth from creation:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (v12)

And every creature — in heaven and on earth and under the earth — declares “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

May we live as a kingdom of priests, mediating this Truth through our praise!

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Revelation 4

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Nov 15: Revelation 4

I have to say up front: this is a little long. But some places require greater explanation. I hope you’ll join in the discussion.

With this chapter, John’s vision extends beyond the isle of Patmos to an altogether transcendent scene: the courts of heaven. John responds to the Voice that calls out to him: “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this,” (v1). The Spirit whisks John to a scene of glory unfolding before the throne of God. As we mentioned in yesterday’s study, this throne will be one of the crucial images of John’s vision. We read all that follows in light of what is here: God, seated on His eternal throne, reigning over His creation.

The throne of God is surrounded by 24 “lesser” thrones, representing the completion of God’s covenant promises mediated through the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of the New Covenant. We discern this as a demonstration of completion, further signified by the seven torches / spirits (seven being commonly understood as the number of completion, drawing on the creation narrative of Genesis 1).

Four living creatures surround the throne of God: one in the image of a lion, another in the likeness of a ox, the third with the face of a man, and the fourth a flying eagle. These strange images call to mind the fullness of the created order. All living creatures are represented here in their proper state of worship, crying out the confession of God’s holy nature:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (v8)

At this, the 24 elders bow down in worship before the One “who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever” (v10). As they cast their crowns before him, they sing:

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they existed and were created,” (v11).

What are we to make of this beautiful scene?

We live in a broken world. Genesis 3 tells of the tragic, systemic consequences of sin being unleashed in the cosmos. As Paul has reminded us, all creation is awaiting a glorious redemption, the final frame when things are set right once again. Read this from Romans 8:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from the bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.” (Romans 8:18-24)

All creation is animated toward this glorious conclusion when God is to be praised for all eternity. In our times of trouble and adversity, this truth groans from our lips. Intrinsically, we know something is wrong. But we hold fast to the hope of this final scene. We trust that evil and sin do not have the last word. We believe in the God who reigns eternally from His throne. In hard times, we ask ourselves, “Who is in charge here, anyway?” John’s glimpse into the inevitable reality of all things buoys us with hope that God reigns eternal, in spite of circumstances that at times seem to declare a contrary experience.

Hang on to this image, John whispers to us.
The image of the Eternal One, seated on His throne.

This is how all of this ends.

And glory of glories, the ending has intersected the middle.

And we revel in hope.

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An Old Friend…A New Blog

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Jason

I want to make you aware of a new blog that you’ll want to add to your regular blog perusal. Taylor Hammett is one of my favorite people in the world. I had the joy of serving with Taylor here at Mayfair for several years before he and his family moved to Atlanta while Taylor pursued graduate training in theology and patristics. Taylor has started a new blog called “re|purpose” and he is sharing some of his thoughts and insights into the human condition and the redemptive purposes of God through Christ. You can access his blog here or in the “Community” sidebar on this page. I hope you’ll check out this wise, thoughtful and thought-provoking work. Trust me, you’ll be blessed by what you find there.

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Revelation 6

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, Nov 19: Revelation 6

Chapter 6 details the events surrounding the opening of six of the seven seals we were introduced to in the previous chapter. Horrifying images accompany the opening of these seals, representing the present day reality of life on earth. The four horsemen are similar to the vision of Zechariah 6:1-8. The white horseman, armed with bow and crown, represents international military conflict; the red, bent on taking peace, represents civil war and violence; the black horseman’s pair of scales indicates economic exploitation of the poor; and the pale green horse is Death, accompanied by Hades, representative of the human desire to usurp the authority and power of God.

Rather than describing some sort of future event, it seems to me that John is using these horsemen to encapsulate the entirety of human history in all its violence, corruption, greed, and death. To struggling, suffering churches in the first century, these images are intended to contextualize present adversity within the grand scope of God’s redemptive activity in human history.

As the fifth seal is opened, the scene shifts back to heaven and the souls that have congregated under the altar. They cry out, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (v10). This martyr’s cry represents the desire for God to act justly, to make right all wrongs. From Abel to the present, this number of martyrs continues to grow and their cry continues to swell in heaven. But the answer they are given is comforting: they are each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer (v11). God is in control and He will bring recompense in due time.

As the sixth seal is opened, John sees the collapse of the cosmos: an earthquake (not considered a “natural phenomenon” in the ancient world, but rather a sign of God’s judgment), the sun becomes black, the moon as blood. Mountains quake and all creation takes cover. The cryptic words that close this chapter seem to capture well the fearful emotions such a vision evokes: “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (v16-17)

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Revelation 3

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Nov 14: Revelation 3

John continues with these letters to the seven churches:

Sardis – This is a hard message: “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead,” (v1). All is not as it seems, which is a primary theme that we’ll discuss moving through Revelation. This seemingly healthy church is in need of reformation. In fact, five of these seven churches receive words of warning. Jesus rebukes them, admonishing them to remove their soiled clothing. “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his nae out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels,” (v5; see Matt. 10:32).

Philadelphia – These believers are known to Jesus by their works: “I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name,” (v8). Here we see a church pushed to the margins of society. But this is an opportunity for the church to flourish in faithfulness, despite persecution. The Philadelphians do not seek to acquire position or amass resources to deploy in the culture wars. Instead, they seek simple and authentic faithfulness. This is a timely message for our day. Listen to the promise: “The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven…” (v12). As we will see, this image of the new Jerusalem will be integral to the final vision John shares with us.

Laodicea – Jesus addresses these words as “The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation,” (v14). In Jesus, we have the Amen, the final Word on it all, the faithful witness that inspires our own faithfulness. But this church is condemned for being lukewarm. Both hot and cold water have their unique purposes. But lukewarm water is good for nothing. The Laodiceans are chastised here for failing to produce good works. Once again, the call is toward repentance. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me,” (v20). Jesus closes with a final nod toward the conquering life: “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne,” (v21).

As we read through these letters to these churches, it becomes clear that Jesus wants these believers to embrace the victory He has won on their behalf. The victims have become the victors! The opposition we face from an unbelieving world pales in comparison to what God has done for us in Christ. Let’s look once more at the promises to the conquering believer:
1. Eats from the Tree of Life (2:7)
2. Receives the crown of life (2:10-11)
3. Receives hidden manna (sustenance) and a new name (2:17)
4. Authority in the reign of God (2:26)
5. Clothed in white garments of heaven (3:5)
6. Becomes a pillar of faithfulness in the temple of God (3:12)
7. Sits on the throne w/ God, participates in exultation (3:21)

The image of the throne of God segues into the next section of the letter. In fact, this image will be the dominant image throughout the book, an image of victory and triumph that the church clings to in the midst of trying times.

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Revelation 2

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Nov 13: Revelation 2

With this chapter, John moves us to Jesus’ seven letters to the churches of Asia. It is an intriguing thought: what would Jesus say in correspondence with us? Would He have words of encouragement? Surely. But would He also surprise us with His words of rebuke? I suspect so. But this is more than mere literary innovation on John’s part. There are deeply theological reasons for this writing. These churches are either praised or reprimanded for their faithfulness or lack thereof. The primary question for Revelation isn’t “When is Christ coming again?”, much to the chagrin of the Jenkins / LaHaye crowd. The primary question Revelation is concerned with is this one: “How is God’s nearness embodied in everyday faithful practices?” Let’s look at the four churches addressed in this chapter as a means of fleshing this question out more fully:

Ephesus – Jesus praises this church’s patient endurance (v2), for not growing weary amid pressing evil (v3). “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first,” (v4). Love forsaken, promises forgotten. Jesus prescribes a remedy for the Ephesian condition: repentance (v5). And the promise of renewal still stands: “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God,” (v7).

Smyrna – These brothers and sisters face tribulation and poverty, yet they are not defined by either. In fact, Jesus admonishes them to think of themselves as rich (v9). “Do not fear what you are about to suffer…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life,” (v10). Only Jesus has this prerogative; only He is fit to make this promise: “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death,” (v11).

Pergamum – This church resides in the shadow of Satan’s throne (v13), yet they continue as steadfast and faithful witnesses. False teaching threatens their relationship with the Lord, however. “Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth,” (v16). But the promise is again extended, the promise of nourishment and renewal: “To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it,” (v17).

Thyatira – Again, praise for this church’s love, faith, and service (v19). “But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols,” (v20). It’s interesting that Thyatira is condemned for espousing what we consider to be the highest virtue in our culture. But again, the cure for what ails is repentance (v22). Jesus says, “The one who conquers and who keeps my words until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,” (v26).

As we’ll see when we finish with the next chapter, John has much to say about “the one who conquers”. This is to be our way of identifying ourselves — claiming victory in light of what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf. We’ll have more to say about that tomorrow.

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