Revelation 13:7-10

In between the dreadful description of these two beasts is a silver lining about the saints that is easy to miss. This offers us much encouragement as we witness one disturbing phenomena after another in this present age. Here, at the heart of it all, is the issue—whether or not we are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 13:1-7

We read here of the description of a vile beast that rises out of the sea. This beast is the governmental system which will be led by the Antichrist. It will contain elements of all the empires before it and will exalt itself in the place of God. Even now we may feel like the world is against what is true and right, but we can be encouraged that the Lord who reigns during the tribulation on earth is the same Lord we trust and follow today.

Psalm 42-43

In these two Psalms, we read admonitions to put our hope in God. The scene portrays an author who is parched for God’s presence, sorrowful unto tears in distress, swallowed up in grief, who feels forsaken by God and oppressed by his enemies, and he longs to put his hope in God. He cries out to God, reminds himself of God’s glory, and instructs himself to hope in God. One of the most beautiful aspects of the transparent struggle of this author is that the cycle happens three times; he oscillates between crying out, remembering, and admonishing himself repeatedly. But ultimately he lands on the fact that God is his God and he will yet praise Him. Let us do the same.

Revelation 12:12-17

In spite of the persistent persecution of the devil to destroy the people of God, God will always preserve His people. Just as when Israel was freed from captivity in Egypt, in the events we read about in Revelation 12, they will once again be saved from destruction and led into the wilderness for their protection. In much the same way, we can trust God to be our refuge when things are falling apart all around us. Christ is our city of refuge.

Revelation 12:7-12

We have a fierce enemy in the devil, and this adversary is not to be taken lightly. At the same time, we can be comforted that he will soon be cast down by the angels of God and overcome by the blood of Christ. May we both stand fast and rejoice in the victory provided by Jesus from this vicious opponent.

Revelation 12:1-7

We are involved in a serious spiritual battle between God and the enemies of God. This battle has been raging since the garden of Eden, and it still goes on today. But we know that God’s plan of redemption continues to march on, and it will be accomplished in spite of Satan, our sin, and ourselves. This is cause for great relief and rejoicing.

Revelation 12:1-6

The scene in heaven continues with two wonders: a woman and a dragon. The woman symbolizes Israel, bringing the Son of God into the world. And the dragon is the devil, the enemy of God who tries to destroy everything God has ordained. In the end, God lovingly protects his people by preparing a place for them in the wilderness similar to Elijah and David. We too can rest in the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us.

Revelation 11:8-19

From the perspective of earth, things look pretty bleak in Revelation chapter eleven. Judgments are being poured out on the earth, people are refusing God’s grace, the enemies of God are celebrating the death of the two prophets, and righteousness seems to be losing. But then comes the hopeful line, “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” When things look dark, look up. Christ is coming to reign. Behold, he comes quickly.

Revelation 11:3-7

We read of two witnesses in Revelation 11, who stand up for God and confront the world. We should be striving to represent God in much the same way as these two ministers in our own lives in this world. Just like them, one day our work will come to an end, and after that we have the resurrection to look forward to. Don’t give up, your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Revelation 11:1-2

In these verses, John is told to go measure the future temple of God that will be instrumental in the tribulation. Perhaps the greatest lesson as we think about the temple down through the millennia is that God is always in control, whether we have an unfulfilled good desire, or are given the opportunity to participate in something we don’t deserve. God’s will is going to be accomplished, and we can trust in that. It’s real, tangible, and will certainly come to pass.