Prophecy – Revelation 18-22

We come to the climax of the Bible today as we finish the book of Revelation!

How do you feel after reading through the Book of Revelation?  Worried?  Down hearted?  Excited?  Anxious?  Scared?  Joyous?

Indeed – as I read slowly the words of Revelation and consider the various things recorded, I do feel this mixed cauldron of emotions (learned this phrase from a sister (: ).  Tell me what do you feel after reading today’s passage…

Bible Passage:  Revelation 18-22

Fittingly, we end the year with words concerning the last days.  These are a few things that stood out for me….

Occult, Magic, Sorcery and a Dashing Vampire

There is today a growing interest in occult beliefs and practices, such as fortune telling, witch craft, feng shui and astrology.  More and more people are attracted to the dark side and evil is glorified in movies, books and television shows.

Vampires are cool, pale, rakishly handsome love torn romeos .  The devil is seen as a witty, funny and sometimes bumbling do-gooder.  Werewolves are celebrated villians.  The list just goes on….

But John reveals that the true nature of the occult when he writes that the sorcery of Babylon has deceived all nations (Rev 18:23).

Occult practices were common among the pagan nations of the ancient world.  But attempts to contact or control evil spirits were expressively forbidden to the Hebrews and the prohibition extends to believers today.

It is difficult to understand why some Christians continue to be fascinated with horror movies and the likes.  I remember a Preacher once asking why should Christians like to watch such movies as they were advertising about the devil!

If we read Deut 18:10-12, we see a whole long list of practices which are considered to be an abomination to the Lord.  This includes child sacrifices, witchcraft, soothsaying, consulting mediums and calling up the dead.  In the New Testament, two sorcerers, Simon (Acts 8:9-25) and Elymas (Acts 13:6-8) were exposed.

The NT word translated “sorcery” comes from the same Greek word as our English word “pharmacy”.  Obviously this has to do with drugs; a more relevant and contemporary application could hardly be found.  There are some who use drugs to bring about trances during which they claim to have supernatural knowledge or power.

Indeed, this serves as a great warning to us that in the last days, such things abound and we have to watch out that we are not caught along with the people of the world and get ourselves mixed up with it as well.

Will Evil Ever Get Its Reward?

Read Rev 20:1-5 again.

Anyone who pays attention to today’s headlines is likely to wonder whatever happened to ethics and justice.

Sometimes it seems that fairness never happens in life – in business, governments, law and world affairs.  Bit for those who long to see justice reign, the Bible offers powerful hope.

God will not turn His back on injustice.  His character demands that He gives people what is coming to them.  Moreover, Scripture promises that He will deal with evil in absolute, finale ways.  John’s vision foresees that triumphant accomplishment:

• God will bind evil and cast it into a bottomless pit (Rev 20:2-3)
• God will palce a seal on the source of evil (Rev 20:3)
• God will administer judgement and restore believers who have been killed unjustly (Rev 20:4)
• God will dal finally with Satan after allowing him one last attempt to deceive (Rev 20:7-9); the devil’s punishment will include eternal torment (Rev 20:10, 14)
• The dead will stand before God and be judged(Rev 20:11-15)

This picture offers tremendous hope to anyone concerned about the injustices of our world today.  As we seek to deliver God’s righteousness to our workplaces and families, it is a relief to know that no human being – no matter how impartial, objective or biased and corrupt – is the final judge.  Ultimnate justice will someday be administered by One who can be thoroughly trusted – God.

But this also serves a grave warning to us – we are also answerable over our own actions.  And only we know whether we have committed evil and also deserve the same punishment that God has in store for the wicked.  So… let’s watch our footsteps as well!

Our Lord Awaits!

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Rev 22:17

I specially like this verse.

Perhaps you or someone you know feels unsure about your spiritual life or faith right now.  Matters of faith may feel confusing, forbidding or even scary.  You feel unsure about where you stand spiritually – and what seems to be just awaiting is judgement and condemnation.

Yet Jesus came not to condemn but to save.   His primary purpose is to offer life to dying people, inviting them to experience forgiveness, healing and hope.

“Come!” He says to those who are thirsty, “Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev 22:17; see also John 7:37-38).

Centuries prior to Jesus’ coming, a prophet foretold this invitation (Is 55:1,3):

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.

Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.

This is a powerful invitation because the same Jesus who makes it wields power to withdraw it from those who refuse His call and continue to live in rebellion and sin (Rev 22:14-15, 18-19).  Just as He has authority to welcome us into eternal life, so He has the authority not to welcome us.  Yet, in His grace He chooses to offer life to sinful people.

You may be confused about many issues of your faith now, but take heart.  Hear God’s gracious offer:  Jesus wants to forgive you your sins and welcome you into new life.  We must be willing to heed His call and come to Him… always.  And His mercy and everlasting covenant will be with us forever!

What a glorious thought!  Lord Jesus, Come!