Question
Manuscript
Message
27 - REVELATION
Revelation
Key Verse:
THE INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION
The writer introduces this book as "the revelation of Jesus Christ...to his servant John." Another word for "revelation" is apocalypse--unveiling or disclosure. This revelation is about Jesus Christ and it is from Jesus Christ. God gave this revelation to Jesus for his servants--all believers. Jesus made it known by sending his angel to John. John the Apostle also wrote the Gospel of John and the three Epistles of John. He calls himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He served the church in Ephesus, lived to be an old man and spent his last days as an exile on the Isle of Patmos.
He wrote this letter to believers who were suffering in the fires of persecution. The seven churches of Asia Minor represent the whole Church. John speaks about suffering, the kingdom and patient endurance. He proclaims the victory of the Sovereign God over the powers of evil.
Outline
1. Jesus' words to the 7 churches (1-3)
2. The throne, the scroll and the Lamb (4-5)
3. The 7 seals (6:1-8:1)
4. The 7 trumpets (8:2-11:19)
5. The dragon, the beasts and the Lamb (12-14)
6. The 7 bowls (15-16)
7. Babylon the prostitute (17:1-19:5)
8. Hallelujah! God Almighty reigns (19:6-22:21)
A KINGDOM AND PRIESTS TO SERVE GOD
Revelation 1:1-8 (Fri.) Sept. 18
Key Verse: 1:5b,6
1. Blessed are those who read (1-3)
The words of this book were given by God to all believers to encourage them in times of suffering and persecution. Jesus sent his angel to his servant John to show him what must take place. John testified in this book to what he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. A blessing is promised to those who read this book, and a blessing to those who hear and take it to heart.
2. Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega (4-8)
Jesus is the beginning and the end. All things were made through him. He was and is and he is to come. He is the faithful witness who died and rose and who will come again in clouds of glory. He loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood so that we may serve God as a kingdom of priests. He freed us, so we are truly free. It is our priestly duty to bring the knowledge of God and of the saving work of Christ to a sinsick world. (Ro 15:26;1Pe 2:9)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the love and grace of Jesus who set us free from sin by his blood. Make us a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
One Word: A kingdom of priests
ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN
Revelation 1:9-20 (Sat.) Sept. 19
Key Verse: 1:16
1. To the seven churches (9-11)
On the Lord's Day--Sunday--John had a vision of the risen Christ. Jesus spoke through John to the Christians suffering because of Roman persecution. John was their companion and brother in "the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus." He was in exile on the Island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. The 7 churches of Asia Minor represent the whole church of Jesus Christ.
2. Jesus stands among the churches (12-20)
This is a glorious vision of the risen Jesus as high priest. He is there in the midst of his suffering people to encourage and strengthen them and to give assurance of victory. His eyes penetrate the heart. The double-edged sword coming out of his mouth is the word of God. His voice is like the sound of rushing water. He is the first and last, the beginning and the end. He was dead and is alive forever. He holds the keys of life and death, of heaven and hell. And he holds his church in his hand.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see you in your glory.
One Word: A glorious vision of Jesus
TO EPHESUS--RESTORE YOUR FIRST LOVE
Revelation 2:1-7 (Sun.) Sept. 20
Key Verse: 2:4,5
1. Hard work and perseverance (1-3)
Jesus' first message was to the Church in Ephesus. It is a message to all believers who work hard to serve the Lord and struggle to be faithful. Jesus saw their hard work and faithfulness. They were loyal to Jesus, and did not tolerate those whose teachings were not Biblical. They endured hardships for Jesus' sake and did not give up. But they should repent of one thing.
2. Don't forsake your first love (4-7)
It is good to hate what Jesus hates; but our hearts must be full of love, not full of self-righteous criticism of others. We must work hard for the sake of Jesus. But, first of all, we must love Jesus and we must love Jesus' people. We must repent of our calloused hearts and serve Jesus and his people with joyful hearts, as we did at first.
Prayer: Lord, help me to work hard and endure hardship for Jesus' sake. Forgive my hardness of heart and give me the loving heart of Jesus.
One Word: Repent, overcome, endure and love
TO SMYRNA--BE FAITHFUL TO DEATH
Revelation 2:8-11 (Mon.) Sept. 21
Key Verse: 2:10b
1. Poor, but rich (8-9)
Jesus is the First and the Last; he died and came to life again. Apart from him there is no other God (Isa 44:6). He spoke with authority to the believers of Smyrna who were being persecuted both by emperor-worshiping Gentiles and hostile Jews. They were materially poor and afflicted, but they were spiritually rich in love and faith.
2. The crown of life (10-11)
Jesus did not offer human sympathy to his suffering people. He reminds them and us that our real enemy is Satan. He charges them not to be afraid, even though they are slandered. He said, "Be faithful even to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life." And he promises that those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death. God is faithful and he wants his people to be faithful.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me riches in Jesus. Help me to be faithful to you in large and in small things. Help me to be faithful even to the point of death.
One Word: Be faithful to death
TO PERGAMUM--THE SWORD OF THE WORD
Revelation 2:12-17 (Tue.) Sept. 22
Key Verse: 2:16
1. The faithful witness (12-13)
Pergamum was the official center of emperor worship in Asia Minor--Satan's throne was indeed there! Antipas was the first Christian martyr of Asia. To be a Christian in Pergamum was to invite persecution. But there were faithful men and women who did not renounce their faith in Jesus.
2. Repent! (14-17)
Within the church there were followers of Nicolas, who taught that it was all right for a Christian to indulge in free sex. He was like Baalam, a prophet employed by the Moabites to lead the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality. (Nu 22:1-7;25:1-2) Baalam was slain and many Israelites who compromised their faith died. The Christians of Pergamum must repent. God's word is a two-edged sword that cuts out idolatry, immorality and compromise and demands repentance. God gives a new name and an admission ticket (the white stone) to the heavenly banquet to the one who overcomes temptation.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to be fooled or compromised by prophets like Balaam.
One Word: God's word is a sharp sword
TO THYATIRA--JESUS' BLAZING EYES SEE YOU
Revelation 2:18-29 (Wed.) Sept. 23
Key Verse: 2:18
1. Eyes like blazing fire (18-25)
Jesus sees everything. His blazing eyes saw the growing love, faith, hard work and perseverance of the believers in Thyatira. He also saw one influential woman in the church who taught that free sex and eating meat offered to idols were matters of personal preference. She was given the opportunity to repent, but she didn't. She would be punished; she should be shown no sympathy.
2. To him who overcomes (26-29)
Satan makes slaves of those whose curiosity leads them to experiment with sinful practices or with the occult. But to those who overcome and do God's will to the end he will give the authority to rule over the nations with him. To him who overcomes, Jesus gives the morning star. The morning star is a symbol of hope. It shines in a dark sky just before the dawn. Jesus himself is the Morning Star. (Rev 22:16)
Prayer: Lord, keep me from compromising with sin and from sympathizing with evil-doers. Put the Morning Star in my heart.
One Word: Jesus sees everything
TO SARDIS--WAKE UP!
Revelation 3:1-6 (Thur.) Sept. 24
Key Verse: 3:3
1. Strengthen what remains (1-3)
The church in Sardis looked spiritually alive--but it was dead. When one lives in the sight of men rather than in the sight of God, he is dead on the inside, even though he maintains a facade of false spirituality. The Lord commands them and us to wake up--to repent and strengthen the faith we have by remembering God's grace and by studying and obeying his word. Time is running out, for Jesus will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
2. A few who walk with Jesus (4-6)
Even though the church in Sardis was full of deadness and superficiality, there was a faithful remnant who kept a pure love for Jesus in their hearts. Jesus promises that he will never blot them out of his book of life. They will walk with Jesus, dressed in white. They are those who live by faith and overcome the world.
Prayer: Lord, help me to wake up and walk with you and overcome the world.
One Word: Wake up and repent
FOR PHILADELPHIA--AN OPEN DOOR
Revelation 3:7-13 (Fri.) Sept. 25
Key Verse: 3:8
1. Jesus holds the key of David (7-10)
Jesus is the one who opens doors and closes them. He opens the door to the kingdom of heaven to all who put their faith in him. He opens doors to a fruitful ministry for those who depend on him. Satan tries to slam doors shut. We are weak, but when we keep Jesus' word and do not deny his name, he will open for us a door that no one can shut. He will keep us safe if we keep his command to endure patiently.
2. Hold on to what you have (11-13)
When we are persescuted for our faith, or tempted to compromise with the world, we must hold on to what we have. The devil is always trying to snatch away the crown of life. Jesus is coming again soon. Heaven will come down to earth and Jesus’ everlasting kingdom will be established. Those who overcome will be its citizens. Jesus will surely write his name on those who persevere and overcome. We will share in his victory
Prayer: Lord, teach me not to despair over closed doors; give me faith to go through the doors you open. Help me to hold fast to what I have.
One Word: I set before you an open door
TO LAODICEA--I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK
Revelation 3:14-22 (Sat.) Sept. 26
Key Verse: 3:20
1. No place for lukewarm Christians (14-18)
The Laodiceans thought they had the best of both worlds! They had compromised with the world just enough to be comfortable. But Jesus doesn't like lukewarm Christians. He said he would spit them out. When we become self-confident and easy-going, we had better examine ourselves before the Lord. He says that such Christians are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. We need the riches which only Jesus can give. Only he can cover our nakedness and heal our blindness.
2. Repent and open the door (19-22)
Jesus really loves us. So he rebukes us. His knock on the door of our hearts is a call to repentance. We must close the door to the world if we are to open the door to Jesus. When we open the door, he comes in and cleans up all the mess and fills our lives with his love and his riches. To eat with him means to have a personal relationship with him.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for knocking on the door of my life. Please come and live with me forever.
One Word: Open the door and let Jesus in
AN OPEN DOOR TO THE HEAVENLY THRONE ROOM
Revelation 4:1-11 (Sun.) Sept. 27
Key Verse: 4:11
1. Come up here and I will show you (1-6a)
Jesus who holds the keys of the kingdom invited his servant John to "Come up here." This is like God's invitation to Moses in Exodus 24. The One seated on the throne in the heavenly throne room is surrounded by beauty and glory beyond description. The scene is not passive; it is full of life, with lightning and thunder and singing.
2. 24 elders and 4 living creatures (6b-11)
The four living creatures hover close to the throne. (Eze 1:10,18) They are covered with eyes; they see and oversee all things. The lion, the ox, the man and the eagle are the most powerful of all God's creatures. They represent all creation serving and praising God the Creator day and night. The 24 elders seated on thrones represent the redeemed people of God--12 apostles and 12 tribes of Israel. They cast their crowns of victory before the throne of God and join all creation in the worship of the Creator.
Prayer: Lord, help me to join all creation in worshiping you, the Creator God.
One Word: Worship the Lord God Almighty
WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN
Revelation 5:1-14 (Mon.) Sept. 28
Key Verse: 5:9,10
1. Who is worthy to open the scroll? (1-8)
A sealed scroll was in God's right hand. If John were to see "what must take place" 4:1) the scroll must be opened. John wept because no one was worthy to open the scroll. Then Jesus, the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, the Lamb who was slain, came and took the scroll. He alone is worthy.
2. He has made a kingdom and priests (9-14)
The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb and began to sing a new song. Myriads of angels joined in. Then, every creature in heaven and on earth began to sing praises to the Lamb and worship him. The Lamb is worthy because he was slain and with his blood he purchased men for God. He called people from every tribe and language and nation and made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve God. They serve God by taking his gospel of love and forgiveness to the world. Those who serve our God will reign with him.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for purchasing me with your blood and making us a kingdom of priests. Praise the Lamb who was slain.
One Word: Worthy is the Lamb
HOW LONG, SOVEREIGN LORD?
Revelation 6:1-17 (Tue.) Sept. 29
Key Verse: 6:9,10
1. Four horsemen of destruction (1-8)
In this chapter the Lamb opens 6 of the 7 seals affixed to the scroll in God's hand. When each of the first 4 seals is broken, a horse and rider come out. They seem to represent in sequence: military conquest, internal revolution, famine and death (¼ of the earth). These things cause great suffering (Eze 7:5-8).
2. The saints, and the Lamb's wrath (9-17)
The focal point is the 5th seal. Under it are the people of God who were slain because of their faithfulness to God and to his word. They await the ultimate victory of the Lamb, when the Lord will come to judge the earth. The 6th seal is then opened. It reveals the wrath of the Lamb. He is to be feared far more than natural disaster or war. However, God will keep his own people safe, while unrepentant kings and slaves look for a place to hide.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful to you and to your word to the end.
One Word: Hold fast to the word of God
THE LAMB WILL BE THEIR SHEPHERD
Revelation 7:1-17 (Wed.) Sept. 30
Key Verse: 7:17
1. Salvation belongs to our God (1-12)
The 144,000 belong to Jesus (Rev 14:1-5). The listing of them here as the tribes of Israel suggests that the church of Jesus Christ is the true Israel of God. The great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language are those who have been faithful to Jesus in the midst of suffering. They belong to Jesus because they have been washed in his blood--forgiven their sins and bound to him by the new covenant. This multitude stands before God's throne, praising and thanking him for his great salvation.
2. God will wipe away all tears (13-17)
This is a picture of heaven. God himself will be our shield and protector, and Jesus the Lamb will continue to be our Shepherd. He leads us to springs of living water.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the wonderful promise that we may be with you and sing your praises forever. Thank you for our Shepherd Jesus, the Lamb who was slain.
One Word: Jesus the Lamb is my Shepherd
THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS
Revelation 8:1-13 (Thur.) Oct. 1
Key Verse: 8:4
1. The seventh seal is opened (1-5)
There was awesome silence when the Lamb opened the seventh seal. Then an angel stood before the golden altar like a high priest. He offered incense mixed with the prayers of the saints, and they went up to God. The prayers of God's people surely go up before God. Then the angel filled the censer with fire from the altar and hurled it to the earth. Thunder, lightning and a terrible storm broke loose on the earth. If men do not turn to God in repentance and prayer, then the wrath of his judgment will be poured out on them.
2. The trumpets and the woes (6-13)\
The terrible time of judgment began. The first four angels blew their trumpets. one third of the earth was burned up; one third of the sea turned to blood; a star called Wormword fell and turned one third of the rivers bitter. At the sound of the fourth trumpet, one third of the sun, the moon and the stars turned dark. It was time for all men everywhere to repent.
Prayer: Lord, help me to offer the sacrifices of prayer to you daily.
One Word: God's people must pray and repent
APOLLYON, THE DESTROYER
Revelation 9:1-21 (Fri.) Oct. 2
Key Verse: 9:4
1. Those with the seal of God (1-12)
The 5th angel blew his trumpet. The fallen star, the Destroyer, opened the Abyss and released destruction on the earth. The destruction was limited in time (5 months) and extent. The locusts would torture godless people until they would long to die. But servants of God who bear his seal would not be harmed. Jesus' people often suffer persecution in a godless world, but on the day of judgment, only those bearing God's seal will be saved.
2. Those who did not repent (13-21)
The sixth angel blew his trumpet and four angels with an army of two hundred million were released and sent to kill a third of mankind. God's purpose in releasing this destruction on mankind was to bring godless people to repentance (20). They did not repent but continued in idolatry, magic arts, immorality, theft, etc. God wants people to repent and be saved, but if people do not repent and accept his grace, there is no way to be saved.
Prayer: Lord, give me a repentant heart and put your seal on my forehead.
One Word: Repent and be sealed by Jesus' blood
THE LITTLE SCROLL
Revelation 10:1-11 (Sat.) Oct. 3
Key Verse: 10:9
1. The mighty angel (1-7)
The mighty angel who came down from heaven was robed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head. He stood astride the sea and land. He was carrying the the little scroll, in his hand. It is the Bible, God's revelation to his people. His appearance reminds us of Jesus in 1:12-16, but he is the King's messenger. When he shouted, the voices of seven thunders spoke. John was told not to write down those words--their message was sealed up.
2. The little scroll (8-11)
John was given a mission. He was told to eat the little scroll. When he did, it was sweet to taste, but sour in his stomach. He was told that he must prophesy against many peoples, nations, languages and kings. The servant of God's word must first "eat" God's word. It must become a part of him. God's word is truth, so it is sweet to taste; but it exposes sin, and it is not easy to obey, nor to proclaim.
Prayer: Lord, help me to eat your word for myself, obey it and teach it to others.
One Word: Take it and eat it
TWO WITNESSES AND THE SEVENTH TRUMPET
Revelation 11:1-19 (Sun.) Oct. 4
Key Verse: 11:15b
1. The two witnesses (1-14)
This chapter opens with the temple on earth and closes with the temple in heaven. The temple which John measures represents the church. The two witnesses are God's servants. Perhaps they represent Moses and Elijah (6)--the Law and the Prophets (the Bible). Three and a half years equals forty-two months, which equals 1,260 days. During this limited time unbelievers will trample on what is holy. The two witnesses will preach God's word and make people very angry. After they finish their task, they will be attacked by Satan and killed. But God will raise them and bring them up to heaven. Then will come a time of destruction. Many terrified people will glorify God.
2. The seventh angel (15-19)
The trumpet of the seventh angel announces the time of final judgment and God's triumph. The kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. The ark of the covenant in the heavenly temple shows God's faithfulness to keep his promises.
Prayer: Lord, help me be a faithful witness until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of God.
One Word: Be a faithful witness
THE WOMAN AND THE DRAGON
Revelation 12:1-17 (Mon.) Oct. 5
Key Verse: 12:11
1. The woman gives birth to a Son (1-6)
This chapter describes the eternal conflict between God and the devil. The pregnant woman is Israel, the people of God in the Old Testament. God sent his Son Jesus into the world through Israel. The dragon is Satan. His seven heads represent great worldly wisdom; his ten horns, great power. He was an enemy of Jesus even before his birth. The 1,260 days are symbolic of a time of unrestrained wickedness.
2. War in heaven (7-9)
The devil was once an angel of God. He challenged God's rule and was cast out of heaven. He is the one who leads the whole world astray and plants a spirit of rebellion in men's hearts.
3. Overcome by the blood of the Lamb (10-17)
Satan is defeated by the blood of the Lamb and by the testimonies of faithful witnesses who love Jesus more than life. When the devil failed to destroy Jesus, he went off to make war on those who obey God's word.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love you more than my own life. I trust your shed blood.
One Word: Victory through Jesus' blood
THE TWO BEASTS
Revelation 13:1-18 (Tue.) Oct. 6
Key Verse: 13:10b
1. The beast out of the sea (1-10)
The beast out of the sea represents worldly power. Once he was dealt a fatal blow, but he recovered. Daniel 7:1-6,17 uses the symbolism of the leopard, bear and lion to represent worldly power--the powerful aggressor nations. When the world is controlled by a godless power and there are no moral restraints, the whole world--except those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life--will worship the beast. God's people must be faithful and endure patiently.
2. The beast out of the earth (11-18)
This beast looks like the Lamb. He represents false religion. He forms a coalition the beast of the world. He deceives people. He puts his mark on everyone. No one can buy or sell without his mark. His number is 666. Each digit is one short of seven, the perfect number. Deception is most evil. Satan is the deceiver.
Prayer: Lord, give me patient endurance and wisdom to be faithful to you in a world dominated by the two beasts.
One Word: Endure patiently; be faithful
BE READY FOR THE HARVEST
Revelation 14:1-20 (Wed.) Oct. 7
Key Verse: 14:6,7
1. The 144,000 (1-5)
There were twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles. The 144,000 represent the whole redeemed people of God. They do not have the mark of the beast on their foreheads; they have there the names of Jesus and the Father. They are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, so they are pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
2. The three angels (6-20)
The first angel has the eternal gospel to proclaim to all people. He calls all people to fear God and worship him, for the hour of judgment has come. The second angel announces the fall of the worldly kingdom which had made all nations sick with sin. The third angel announces the eternal torment prepared for those who worship the beast, and the eternal reward prepared for those who obey God and are faithful to Jesus. Then the reapers come and harvest the earth (14-20).
Prayer: Lord, help me to follow the Lamb wherever he goes and worship you alone.
One Word: Be ready for the harvest
THE SONG OF MOSES AND THE LAMB
Revelation 15:1-8 (Thur.) Oct. 8
Key Verse: 15:3,4
1. God's wrath completed (1, 5-8)
Seven angels with the seven last plagues appeared. They came out of the Most Holy Place, the throne room of God in heaven. They complete God's wrath. When one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with God's wrath, God's temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God (Isa 6:3-4). This is the final outpouring of God's righteous judgment on all those who have rejected his mercy and followed the broad way of the devil.
2. The song of the Lamb (2-4)
Those who had been victorious over the beast and his image held harps given them by God. They were victorious because their names had been written in the Lamb's book of life (13:8). They had refused, at great cost, to be marked with the number of the beast. (13:16). They praised God with the song of Moses and the Lamb. All nations will come and worship the Lord God, for he alone is holy and worthy to be worshiped.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to compromise with the beast, but to be one of the multitude who sings the song of the Lamb.
One Word: All nations will worship you
THE SEVEN BOWLS OF GOD'S WRATH
Revelation 16:1-21 (Fri.) Oct. 9
Key Verse: 16:5,6
1. But they refused to repent (1-11)
God longs for the salvation of all men. But men must repent and give glory to God if they are to be saved. The first five angels pour out bowls of God's wrath which cause a series of catastrophes reminiscent of the plagues of Egypt. Those affected are those who bear the mark of the beast. Men know that this punishment is from God, but they don't repent--they curse God. Men have become too hard to repent.
2. Armageddon (12-21)
We are engaged in a spiritual battle against evil; Armageddon is the climax. We must fight a good fight, knowing that we are on the winning side. The kings and kingdoms of this world follow false prophets and array themselves against God Almighty. The great city--the world power of that time--will be split by a tremendous earthquake. All systems and godless political powers will be destroyed. Jesus will come unexpectedly, like a thief. We must be ready for him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be ready when Jesus comes again.
One Word: Fight a good fight; be ready
THE WOMAN ON THE BEAST
Revelation 17:1-18 (Sat.) Oct. 10
Key Verse: 17:14
1. The great prostitute (1-6)
The woman is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth (18). "Babylon" was a code name for Rome, with her pantheon of gods (5). Rome sat on seven hills (9); She was sitting on many nations (many waters--15), so she was wealthy; she had drunk the blood of so many martyrs. This great prostitute represents not only Rome, but all evil world systems that control people and nations and perpetrate injustice.
2. The scarlet beast (7-18)
The scarlet beast is the devil. He also appears in chapter 12. He is very tenacious--he died and was resurrected. He has seven heads, so he is very smart. He has ten horns, so he is very powerful. The worldly powers who crush and oppress people and oppose the work of God are allied with the devil, and the woman rides him. He will make war against the Lamb, Jesus. Jesus and those who follow him will overcome, for he is King of kings. The destruction of the beast is assured.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful follower of the Lamb.
One Word: The Lamb will overcome
FALLEN IS BABYLON THE GREAT
Revelation 18:1-24 (Sun.) Oct. 11
Key Verse 18:4
1. Come out, my people (1-19)
Babylon represents godless world powers--in John's day, Rome. Babylon will be destroyed, and with her all those people who have persecuted God's people, as well as those who share Babylon's value system and have compromised with the world to live in luxury and material prosperity. God calls his people to come out. If you don't want to share in the world's plagues and destruction, then don't share in her sin. Those who use the system to get rich will weep on the day of Babylon's destruction, for they will lose everything. Those whose treasure is in heaven will gain everything.
2. Rejoice you saints (20-24)
When God judges the godless men and nations that have harassed and persecuted his people, the saints, apostles and prophets will rejoice. There will be no more joyful activity or singing in the godless city, for it will be gone.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to be fooled by the false promises of the world. Keep my heart as your throne.
One Word: Come out--don't compromise!
THE WEDDING OF THE LAMB
Revelation 19:1-21 (Mon.) Oct. 12
Key Verse: 19:9
1. Hallelujah! Praise our God (1-10)
A great multitude of redeemed people will sing Hallelujah--for salvation and glory and power belong to God. He condemns the great prostitute and avenges the blood of his servants. Our Lord God Almighty reigns. The time for the wedding supper of the Lamb has come. The bride--the Church--has made herself ready. She is clothed in white linen--the righteous acts of saints. Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.
2. The Rider on the white horse (11-21)
This is Jesus. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and his name is the Word of God. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword. With it he strikes down all rebellious nations. He executes God's wrath on the nations of the world. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will throw the beast and his prophet (the beast of the sea and the beast of the earth in chapter 13) into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Prayer: Lord, purify me with your word so that I may join in the wedding supper of the Lamb.
One Word: Blessed are those who are invited
THE FINAL JUDGMENT
Revelation 20:1-15 (Tue.) Oct. 13
Key Verse: 20:15
1. The thousand years (1-6)
There seem to be three stages of the final judgment. First, Satan the deceiver is locked in the Abyss for a thousand years. Those who do not have the mark of the beast will reign with Christ.
2. Satan's doom (7-10)
After a thousand years, Satan will be released for a short time to deceive many people, then he will be cast into the lake of burning sulfur to be tormented forever.
3. The great white throne (11-15)
On the final day of judgment the living and the dead will stand before the throne of God. The books will be opened and every man will be judged according to his deeds. Those whose names are not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace given through the blood of Jesus that put my name in the book of life. Help me not to be deceived by the devil.
One Word: Is your name written there?
THE NEW JERUSALEM
Revelation 21:1-27 (Wed.) Oct. 14
Key Verse: 21:6,7
1. The dwelling of God is with men (1-8)
The new Jerusalem is the dwelling place of God and his people. God himself will wipe away all tears and there will be no death or sorrow or pain. Jesus is the Beginning and the End. He gives living water to the thirsty and helps us overcome. Those who are cowardly and unbelieving, who do not drink the water of life, will be cast into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (along with the murderers, idolators, adulterers, etc.)
2. The Bride of the Lamb (9-27)
The holy city, the new Jerusalem, is called the Bride of the Lamb. It is a city that is beautiful beyond description. But the most wonderful thing about it is that God and the Lamb are its temple. There is no need for any light, for God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp. All nations will walk by its light. Nothing impure will ever enter there.
Prayer: Lord, I want to dwell with you in your holy city. Give me living water and grace to overcome the world.
One Word: Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega
PARADISE REGAINED
Revelation 22:1-21 (Thur.) Oct. 15
Key Verse: 22:20
1. The tree of life (1-6)
The tree of life was in the Garden of Eden in Genesis. Access to it was lost when men sinned and were cast out of paradise. But we find it again in the new Jerusalem. Life is a pilgrimage back to the tree of life; it is a journey from the lost Garden to the new City. The tree of life is for the healing of nations. All whose robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb may enter and eat its fruit, and quench their thirst at the river of life.
2. Jesus is coming again (7-21)
Jesus is coming soon. He comes as Judge and Rewarder. There are only two kinds of people: First, those who have repented and been forgiven by the blood of Jesus; second, those who continue in the practices that God hates. Those who hear his invitation and come to him for forgiveness have their names written in the book of life. They will welcome Jesus at his coming. All others will be cast into the lake of fire.
Prayer: Lord, wash me and help me live by the words in your Book.
One Word: Come quickly, Lord Jesus