Reading For Thursday Revelation 19:1-20:15

This chapter begins with the voice of a great multitude responding to God’s judgement on Babylon. They are praising God for his judgment which is irrevocable. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fall down in worship. Heaven celebrates the judgement of God. This celebration leads to rejoicing over the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His bride, the church, is clothed in righteousness enjoy the blessing of participating in this wonderful event. When the angel explained this, John fell at his feet to worship him, but he refuses the worship and identifies himself as a fellow servant. Angels cannot receive worship because only God is worthy of worship.

John sees heaven opened and the vision is of a rider on a white horse with the names Faithful and True. He is coming for war with his eyes like fire which see everything. He wears crowns, and he bears a name that only he knows. His robe is dipped in the blood of his enemies because his victory is sure. He leads the armies of heaven to follow him riding white horses as well. The king bears a sharp sword that comes out of his mouth with which he will strike the nations and rule over them. He treads the winepress of God’s wrath and fury. He will crush and trample the wicked like grapes. This is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. An angel calls for birds to gather for supper. They will gorge themselves on kings, captains, mighty men, horses, riders, and all men. All the enemies of God come together in a fierce rebellion against Christ and his army. Jesus' victory over his enemies is swift, and the beast, as well as the false prophet, are thrown alive into the lake of fire. 

Next, an angel from heaven appears with a key and a chain. The key is to the bottomless pit, and the chain is for binding Satan and casting him into the pit. The enemy will not deceive the nations anymore for a thousand years. Imagine the scene as one angel binds the fallen angel, casts him into the pit, and seals it. Those that had been martyred were a part of the first resurrection because they will reign with Christ and the second death will have no effect on them. Satan will be released for one final, terrible assault. During this time, he will be allowed to do what he had previously been unable to do, namely deceive the nations and gathers them once again for a battle. They will be like the sand of the sea. Satan’s final rebellion will end in him being cast eternally into the lake of fire. After that, John saw a great throne occupied by the one from whom the earth and sky fled away without any place to go, and everyone will be there. The final judgement will show that judgement belongs to Christ, that people will be judged by what is done in this life, and that Jesus is just in all his dealings. 

Every deed which a man has ever performed, every word he has ever spoken, every thought he has ever conceived, every ambition he has ever cherished, and every motive that has ever prompted him to action or to inaction, will be laid bare, for himself and for all to see. –William Hendriksen

The book of life contains the names of all those who know the Lord and for those whose names are not there, they will suffer everlasting punishment. 

Things To Consider:

  • Why does God judge sin?
  • Why is worship continual in the presence of the Lord?
  • Why do angels refuse worship?
  • How are we fellow servants with angels?
  • Is it difficult to think of Jesus as a warrior? Why or why not?
  • When you think of sin, do you see it as destructive and devastating?
  • Imagine the power and majesty of Jesus as you picture the final overthrow of Satan. Praise him for his power.
  • How do you feel about the description of the great white throne judgment? Why?
  • Thank Jesus for escaping condemnation through his sacrifice.

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