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Seven Bowls

Never get between a mama bear and her cubs. This is true with both literal bears and human mothers. The wrath of my inner “mama bear” has only been aroused a few times, but when it has, my instinct to protect and defend my boys has reared up in ways that have surprised even me. Recognizing this innate characteristic in all moms may help us to understand how Jen Wilkin explains God’s wrath: “[It] is not the opposite of His love. Rather, it is an expression of His love. Because He deeply loves the saints, any harm done to them necessarily stirs His wrath. No love, no wrath.” (101)

So far in Revelation we’ve read about seven letters written to seven churches, seven seals opened by the Lamb, seven trumpets heralding God’s judgement, and seven histories giving us a window into realities from the past, present, and future. Now, we turn to another set of seven: “In the judgement of the seven bowls, all who have not called on the name of Christ are given the cup of God’s wrath, whose contents they themselves have produced.” (p. 101) Pastor Matt Chandler contends the parallel descriptions in the seals, trumpets, and bowls represent three views of the same events from different perspectives: we see the seal judgement from the perspective of the suffering saints, the trumpets from the perspective of the unrepentant earth dwellers, and the bowls from the perspective of Jesus in the throne room.

Revelation 15 circles back to the throne room of heaven in preparation for the bowl judgements. (Verses 1-4 were covered in my previous post, “Seven Histories.”) Now, John describes seven angels coming out of the temple with seven golden bowls containing God’s wrath. “Then the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” (15:8) In His mercy, God has given numerous opportunities for the hard-hearted to repent with partial judgements. Now, His wrath will be poured out in full measure. Jen Wilkin contends that no one can enter the temple because the time for the priests’ prayers of intercession for the people has come to a close.

While the notion of God’s final judgement makes us squirm with discomfort, we can’t take this out of context. Why is it so easy for us to feel critical of God’s wrath but so hard to tell others about Him? Keep in mind, the day of God’s wrath has not yet arrived; there is still time for us to pray for the lost and unrepentant. New Testament texts refer to all believers as priests (see 1 Peter 2:9), so interceding for others in prayer is meant to be a regular practice for us.  In his second epistle, Peter says, “Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, CSB)  Jen Wilkin asks, “For whom are you praying regularly and fervently to know the Lord and to walk according to His statutes?” (105)

Revelation 16 moves into the vision of the bowls of wrath being poured onto the earth. As with other portions of Revelation, we see a recapitulation of some of the Egyptian plagues from Exodus that affect different domains of the earth: sky, land, and water.

The First Bowl: God’s wrath pours out on earth dwellers as “painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.”(16:2) The mark of the beast that previously enabled people to buy and sell now brings intense physical pain, much like the sixth plague in Exodus 9:8-12.

The Second and Third Bowls: Seas, rivers, and springs turn to blood. God brings justice for the martyred saints to the earth dwellers: “Because they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, you have given them blood to drink; they deserve it!” (16:6)

The Fourth Bowl: Affecting the heavens, this bowl allows people to be scorched with fire from intense heat of the sun. “So they blasphemed the name of God, who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory.” (16:9b) Instead of recognizing God’s power and their need for Him, earth dwellers remain stubborn and hard-hearted, profaning His name.

The Fifth Bowl: An angel pours out his bowl and the world is plunged into darkness, just like the ninth plague in Exodus 10:21-21. “People gnawed their tongues because of their pain and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they did not repent of their works.” (16:1b-11) How often do we blame God for pain and refuse to acknowledge how sin in played a role in causing it? Being indignant with the Lord because we live in a fallen world shows a lack of understanding about the measures He has taken to redeem us:  “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17, CSB)

The Sixth Bowl: With the sixth bowl, the Euphrates River dries up “to prepare the way for the kings of the east.” Three unclean spirits that look like frogs emerge from the mouths of the dragon and the two beasts. “For they are demonic spirits performing signs, who travel to the kings of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God the Almighty.” (16:14) John follows this vision with a warning from Jesus, “Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.” (16:15) Several parables and teachings of Jesus convey the importance of being prepared and alert for Jesus’ return including Matthew 22, 24 & 25. As believers, we demonstrate our readiness by walking in a manner worthy of our calling, as Paul describes, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)

The Seventh Bowl: As an angel pours out the seventh bowl into the air, “a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne saying, ‘it is done!’” (16:17b) Following the voice, lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and hundred-pound hailstones pummel the earth. The city splits in three parts, Babylon falls as God gives “her the cup filled with the wine of his fierce anger.” (16:19) Still, people “blasphemed God for the plague of hail.” (16:21b) Pastor Matt Chandler explains, “God’s wrath is pure and sinless. His holiness incinerates anything that hasn’t been covered by the blood of Jesus. His holiness decimates unrighteousness.” Once God’s wrath ends, those delivered from it by Christ will live eternally lavished by God’s love.

Many of us are uncomfortable with the concept of a holy God exacting justice. But people choose God’s wrath by rejecting Him, despite the way He lovingly reaches out to humankind in every generation: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20, NIV)

Pastor Matt Chandler contends that God’s wrath poured out into the air is targeted at the enemy. Those who reject Christ are condemned alongside Him. For believers, it’s a different story: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:1-5, NIV). God makes His grace available, but those who choose to be disobedient and suppress the truth receive His wrath alongside the enemy of our souls.

Jesus says it this way: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3:18-21, NIV)

Let’s continue to walk worthy of our calling in Christ and to respond with humble repentance when the Spirit convicts us of sin so we can live the life of flourishing God intended for us from the beginning.

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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Matt Chandler, “Revelation: Seven Bowls- Week 9” sermon, The Village Church, April 12, 2021. Available on YouTube by clicking here.

Seven Histories

So far in our study of Revelation, we’ve covered seven letters of warning and encouragement to seven churches, seven seals opened for followers of the Lamb, and seven trumpets heralding the beginning of God’s judgement of earth dwellers. Now, it’s time to buckle your seatbelts, put your tray table in its upright and locked position, and get ready for some turbulence as we do a flyover of John’s description of seven histories in Revelation 12:1-15:5.

Jen Wilkin explains “the term history is used by commentators to mean ‘narrative’ or ‘description’ versus something that happened in the past. The seven histories form a chronology (or timeline) of events that have happened, are happening, and will happen.” (p. 84) Symbols and imagery with multiple interpretations fill these histories, so we’ll try to stick with what’s clear from the text.

The First History (Revelation 12:1-17):

In John’s vision, “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.” (12:1, CSB) The pregnant woman, on the brink of giving birth, cried out with labor pains as a fiery red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns “Stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth it might devour her child.” (12:4b, CSB) She gives birth to a son “who is going to rule all nations with an iron rod.” (12:5b, CSB) This vision includes past and future realities. “The twelve stars refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. So the woman in Revelation 12 is Israel… While it is true that Mary gave birth to Jesus, it is also true that Jesus, the son of David from the tribe of Judah, came from Israel. In a sense, Israel gave birth—or brought forth—Christ Jesus.”*

In the vision, John sees the dragon thrown out of heaven and identified as “the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world.” (12:9b, CSB) With the enemy let loose on earth, a voice from heaven warns “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.” (12:12b, CSB) Here we’re reminded and reassured that the enemy’s days are numbered, and that God has already secured the victory. We live in the tension of being saved and set apart by the blood of Christ, but still impacted by sin and harassed by the enemy, as John describes: “So the dragon was furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus.” (12:17, CSB)

The Second History (Revelation 12:18- 13:10):

John’s vision continues by describing a beast with ten horns, seven heads, and ten crowns coming up out of the sea and “on its heads were blasphemous names.”(13:11b, CSB) Jen Wilkin’s guide to symbols tells us horns symbolize power, victory and strength; heads symbolize authority; crowns symbolize rule and sovereignty (p. 211). As the description of this beast continues, it becomes clear it is the Antichrist who is given authority by the dragon, Satan, and worshipped by the whole earth. For three and a half years the beast is “permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.” (13:7, CSB) The beast has a fatal wound on its head that has been healed and the whole earth is amazed by this and worships the beast. Only those “in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered” refrain from worshipping the beast. (13:8b, CSB) John ends by admonishing followers of Jesus: “This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints.” (13:10b)

The Third History (Revelation 13:11-18):

John’s vision continues with “another beast coming up out of the earth: it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.”(13:11-12) The addition of the second beast completes the “unholy trinity” that includes the dragon and the first beast. Notice the ways the three imitate the Holy Trinity: the dragon poses as the Father, giving authority and power to the other two; the first beast imitates the Son—it has a fatal wound that is healed and is worshipped by people; the second beast copies the Holy Spirit by performing signs and wonders and pointing people to worship the first beast. (Even writing this comparison makes my stomach churn.) The second beast “makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast’s name or the number of its name…is 666.” (13:16, 17, 18b) Jen Wilkin’s number chart helps us to understand this as the number of man—it represents rebellion and the unholy trinity of the dragon and the two beasts. (p. 210)

You’ve probably heard about the mark of the beast before but may not have realized it’s just another place the enemy imitates and cheapens the things of God. The mark copies the Lord’s instructions in Deuteronomy 6:4-8 where He tells the Israelites to bind His commandments on their foreheads and hands. Pastor Matt Chandler explains, “It’s about ideology and action, when we’re talking about the mark of the beast, we’re talking about internal character made manifest in behavior.” He then quotes GK Beale who says, “The forehead represents ideological commitment and the hand the practical outworking of that commitment.” We show whose mark we bear by what we think and how we behave.

Remember, in Revelation 7 we learned servants of God already have a seal of ownership and protection on their foreheads from the Holy Spirit? The mark of the beast isn’t given in love, but to assert domination through controlling the economy. It isn’t received with gratitude, but out of fear of not being able to buy or sell goods. The mark of the beast is just another cheap imitation from God’s original design and a tool for the enemy to deceive people. Fear of temporary discomfort leads earth dwellers to take a mark that has eternal implications: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, which is poured full strength into the cup of his anger…There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or anyone who receives the mark of its name.” (14:9b, 10a, 11b)

The Fourth History (Revelation 14:1-5):

John’s vision shifts to a more encouraging focus in his fourth history where he sees “the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.” (14:1) Despite the persecution, destruction, and chaos caused by the enemy, Jesus is still the one with ultimate authority. He stands victorious with those He has redeemed.

The Fifth History (Revelation 14:6-13):

Next, John describes three angels who call out to the inhabitants of earth. The first urges people to “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come.” (14:7b) The second declares that “Babylon the Great has fallen,” indicating that the corrosive effects of sin and worldliness are coming to an end. The third angel differentiates between those who have received the mark of the beast and those who have the seal of God. Those who have worshipped the beast will be doomed to eternity “tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb…There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image or anyone who receives the mark of its name.” (14:10b) Those who endure, keep God’s commands, and their faith in Jesus will “rest from their labors, since their works follow them.” (14:13b) Those who remain true to the Lord will have endured hardship for a season but will enjoy the fruit of their faithfulness for eternity.

The Sixth History (Revelation 14:14-20):

John’s vision continues as he witnesses “one like the Son of Man” seated on a cloud wearing a golden crown and holding a sharp sickle. An angel urges Him to use His sickle and reap the harvest of the earth. This scene provides echoes of Jesus’ own words describing His return: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31, NIV)

A second angel calls for a second reaping of unrepentant souls that will be thrown “into the great winepress of God’s wrath.” (14:19b) (This vision of the “grapes of wrath” inspired lyrics in Julia Ward Howe’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic”  and John Steinbeck’s title for the novel The Grapes of Wrath.)

The Seventh History (Revelation 15:1-8):

This has been a lot of material to absorb but stay with me, we’re landing the plane soon. Next, John says, “Then I saw another great and awe-inspiring sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven last plagues; for with them God’s wrath will be completed.” (15:1) Those faithful to God stand on a sea of glass mixed with fire singing “the song of God’s servant Moses and the song of the Lamb.” (15:3) Seven angels come out of the heavenly temple and receive seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God. John’s vision repeats a similar scene from Exodus 40:35 where Moses cannot enter the tabernacle because it’s filled with the glory of the Lord. “Then the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” (15:8) Glass mixed with fire reminds us of the refining fires of our faith that Peter describes in a passage that has encouraged me when I’ve felt alone or ostracized because of my faith: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NIV)

Final Thoughts

John urges us to keep what we’ve heard from Revelation. I’m struck by the contrast between those who follow the crowd by worshipping the beast and receiving his mark and those who remain righteous and set apart. It’s a clear reminder that going with the flow for the sake of temporary comfort and convenience isn’t worth eternal suffering. Believers have been set apart but will experience trials before the end when God makes all things right. For now, we need patient endurance that doesn’t focus on short term hardships but long-term faithfulness resulting in great joy when we spend eternity with our almighty, just, and incomprehensible God.

*gotquestions.org  https://www.gotquestions.org/Revelation-chapter-12.html

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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Matt Chandler, “Revelation: Earthly Battle- Week 7” sermon, The Village Church, March 22, 2021. Available on YouTube by clicking here.

Seven Trumpets

We’re heading into some intense chapters of Revelation in the next few posts, but don’t lose heart. Remember that this book is meant to encourage believers and reveal God’s perfect love and perfect justice.

John’s vision continues in Revelation 8:2-11:19 where he describes an angel approaching the golden altar and offering the prayers of the saints who have been slaughtered for their faith. The angel takes an incense burner filled with fire and hurls it to earth. This prompts seven angels to blow trumpets one at a time, beginning the next phase of God’s wrath by unleashing a recapitulation of several Egyptian plagues described in Exodus 7-12. Pastor Mason King explains the seven trumpets as a window into the mercy of God toward those who have yet to repent and believe in Jesus.

Judgement rains down with an increased impact and intensity on all three domains of creation: the heavens, the waters, and the earth. While the first four seal judgements from Revelation 6 affect one-quarter of the created domains, the first four trumpet judgements of Revelation 8 affect one-third. The Lord’s justice requires atonement for sins and avenging of martyred saints, but He demonstrates mercy by giving the unrepentant additional time to humble themselves and turn to Him before the final judgement.

With the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood burn up one third of the earth. As the second angel blows his trumpet, “something like a great mountain ablaze with fire was hurled into the sea,” turning a third of the sea to blood, killing a third of the creatures, and destroying a third of the ships. (8:8b CSB) The third angel blows his trumpet and a great star called Wormwood falls from heaven onto one-third of fresh waters causing them to become bitter and deadly. You may recognize Wormwood as the name of the junior demon in C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters who is tasked with corrupting and distracting his Christian “patient.” Perhaps bitter waters symbolize the pervasive spread of bitterness toward God among hard-hearted people on earth. Maybe this explains why “The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent.” (Revelation 9:20a, CSB)

The blowing of the fourth trumpet affects the heavenly realm, causing one-third of the sun, moon, and stars to darken and a third of day and night to be without light. This brings to mind the short and frigid days of a place like Alaska in the dead of winter. For anyone who craves natural light, this would be brutal.

Next, an eagle cries aloud “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that the three angels are about to sound.” (Revelation 8:13b, CSB) What follows is an unsettling description: “The fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth. The key for the shaft to the abyss was given to him. He opened the shaft to the abyss, and smoke came up out of the shaft like smoke from a great furnace so that the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the shaft. Then locusts came out of the smoke on to the earth.” (Revelation 9:1-3a, CSB) Led by the destroying angel of the abyss, called Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, the locusts represent demonic power and suffering being loosed on humanity.* They are held back from harming all vegetation but given permission to inflict pain on people who do not have God’s seal on their foreheads. The Lord limits Apollyon’s power to five months and forbids him from killing anyone. Again, this is God’s mercy—preventing physical death so more people have time to repent and be saved from eternal separation from Him.

The sixth trumpet unleashes more destruction: “A third of the human race was killed by these three plagues—by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came from their mouths.” (Revelation 9:18, CSB) Sadly, “The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk.” (Revelation 9:20, CSB) Although believers are sealed and saved, we still need to heed God’s conviction of sin. We may not worship statues, but what about material things or wealth? Could greed be a form of worshiping gold and silver? Could our fixation on beautiful homes, cars, or possessions be a form of worshiping idols of wood, metal, and stone? We must be willing to let the Lord reveal sin and quick to confess and repent.

The list of practices the unrepentant refuse to relinquish continues: “And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:21, CSB) While it’s easy to point the finger in blame or judgement, where might we be actively disobeying God or passively accepting worldly practices and attitudes that lead to sin? Do we consider vulnerable people and children whose dignity is stolen while making inexpensive products we consume? Let’s stop and ask ourselves where we, as a followers of Jesus, might be complicit with collective sin. As God convicts us, let’s consider how we can stand up for those being exploited. (See below for some practical ideas.)

Revelation 10 and 11 pause from the trumpet judgements as John describes a mighty angel with a rainbow over his head giving him a little scroll to eat. The angel says, “Take and eat it; it will be bitter in your stomach, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” (Revelation 10:9b, CSB) Jen Wilkin asserts that God’s justice is both bitter and sweet. He does not delight in putting the wicked to death but must bring justice to the souls of faithful martyrs.

Next, John receives a rod to measure God’s temple interior and to count those who worship there. He’s instructed to exclude the outside courtyard because it will be “given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.” (Revelation 11:2b, CSB) During this same three-and-a-half-year period, two witnesses reminiscent of Moses and Elijah will continue to prophesy, to display supernatural abilities, and to bear testimony to God’s power. Like Christ, they’re killed by people who they offend but resurrect three days later. They ascend to heaven while a violent earthquake causes a tenth of the city to fall and seven thousand people to die. Those fortunate enough to survive give glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 11 closes with the seventh trumpet blast and the twenty-four elders falling facedown before the throne of God in worship proclaiming, “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry, but your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged and to give the reward to your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:17-18, CSB) God’s temple in heaven opens and the ark of the covenant appears with lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and hail.

These chapters remind us that God is still sovereign, even as our culture rejects Him and moves further and further away from all that is right, good, and true. As His followers, let’s continue to pray that He will build His kingdom and dominion on earth through us. Let’s stand apart by actively repenting of sin and sharing our hope in Christ with others. Let’s pray that those who are bitter or unrepentant will experience God’s love through us and choose to follow Him now and into eternity.

Want to learn more about people being exploited and how you can fight for them?

Check out the incredible work being done to protect vulnerable people all over the world by International Justice Mission by clicking here.

Learn how New Day for Children is helping child survivors of human trafficking in the U.S. by clicking here.

Read Beneath the Seams, a social impact novel by Peyton Roberts, and learn about people being exploited to produce inexpensive “fast fashion.” Click here for more information.

*Pastor Mason King sermon “Seven Trumpets,” The Village Church, March 8, 2021

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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Seven Seals

Stamped, hand-addressed envelopes sat bundled on the kitchen counter frequently in my childhood. My dad was passionate about getting the Bible into the hands of those who had no access to it, so he volunteered with a ministry that sent small portions of Scripture to people in Eastern Europe during the Cold War. I remember being perplexed by the amount of time and money he spent sending mail to complete strangers. Secretly I wondered if anyone really cared that much about getting a few pages of the Bible in their native language. In my youthful naivety, I couldn’t comprehend governments forbidding citizens from owning the Word of God and persecuting those who followed Jesus.

Recently I recalled my dad’s letter writing ministry when I met someone who grew up behind the Iron Curtain. Hearing the stories of her childhood and the brutalities inflicted upon her family due to their faith gave me a new understanding for my dad’s passion. She told me people receiving those letters would have treasured them and savored reading God’s Word like a starving person being given a meal.

In the West, we have little understanding of true persecution, so when we read about martyrs calling for justice and divine judgement being poured out on the earth, we feel uncomfortable and confused. Maybe that’s how you’ve felt reading about the first cycle of divine judgement poured out on the earth in Revelation 6-8:1.

This portion of John’s vision describes the Lamb, Christ, opening the seven seals on the scroll handed to Him in the throne room. As He opens each seal, God’s judgement of the earth begins. The first four seals follow a predictable pattern: The Lamb opens them one at a time, one of the four living creatures in front of the throne says “Come,” and four riders appear one after another. First, a rider with a bow on a white horse comes forward, receives a crown, and rides out as a conqueror who will exert influence over a large portion of the earth. Next, a red horse comes forth and its rider receives a large sword and permission to “take peace from the earth” by bringing war (Revelation 6:4, CSB). A black horse comes forward next and its rider receives a set of scales and authority to bring partial famine upon the earth. Next, a pale green horse’s rider receives authority “to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by the wild animals of the earth.” (Revelation 6:8b, CSB)

With the opening of the fifth seal, the scene shifts and John sees “under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God and the testimony they had given.” (Revelation 6:9b, CSB) These martyrs call out to the Lord, appealing to Him as a just and holy judge and asking, “How long until you judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10b, CSB)

As westerners, we struggle to picture the faces of those who have endured persecution or lost their lives because of their faith in Jesus. While we may have heard about Christians during the Roman empire who were forced to fight wild animals in the Coliseum or burned alive at Nero’s garden parties, we can’t comprehend the extent of suffering and persecution that have happened to God’s people over the centuries. Many of us have no idea that our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to endure intense persecution around the world today.

On top of our lack of awareness about current persecution, we live in a culture that has become increasingly suspicious and distrusting of those with power. People no longer default to honoring and revering authority. So, we equate God with sinful leaders who have disappointed us, broken our trust, and abused their power. We’ve lost sight of the sovereignty of our just and holy God who is “fair in all His actions and judgements…[and] cannot over-punish or under-punish.” (Wilkin, p. 213)

Ironically, even as we question how a loving God could also judge sin and pour out His wrath, we’re a culture bent on personal justice and getting revenge. Just think of how many songs, movies, and shows include themes or plots revolving around justice and retribution. This is a curious contradiction in a society that no longer acknowledges sin and encourages us to decide what’s right and wrong based on our feelings, opinions, and preferences. God’s wise and healthy boundaries have been deemed obsolete and unrealistic. But could it be that the innate desire we all have for justice reflects that we are made in the image of a just and holy God? And if the notion of God’s final judgement upsets us so much, shouldn’t it compel us to share the gospel with more urgency instead of questioning the methods of our infinitely wise Creator?

With the opening of the sixth seal, the de-creation of the earth begins with a violent earthquake, the sun turning black, the moon turning blood red, the stars falling from heaven, the sky rolling up like a scroll, and mountains and islands jostling out of position. Every earth-dweller experiences these events; kings, nobles, generals, rich, powerful, slaves and free all beg for God’s creation to kill them, telling mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of their  wrath has come! And who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:16b-17, CSB) Those who have chosen to reject God will not survive the day of His wrath.

Next, John describes the opening of the seventh seal: “Then I saw another angel rising up from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were allowed to harm the earth and the sea, ‘Don’t harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we seal the servants of our God on their foreheads.’” (Revelation 7:2-3, CSB) The rest of the passage narrates a scene much like the throne room in Revelation 5:8-14 where a multitude from every tribe, language, people, and nation joins with all of the heavenly beings to worship God seated on the throne and the Lamb. The passage ends describing how those washed in the blood of the Lamb will be sheltered by the one seated on the throne: “They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any scorching heat. For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; he will guide them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17, CSB)

Those washed by the blood of the Lamb are also sealed with His Holy Spirit, so they have no need to fear God’s wrath or judgement. Be encouraged knowing that in the end the Lord will protect His own and make all things right. While descriptions of prophecies in Revelation may be confusing, unsettling, or downright terrifying, believers can take heart knowing nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39:b, CSB)

Interested in learning more and/or supporting fellow believers enduring persecution around the world? Check out The Voice of the Martyrs by clicking here  or Global Catalytic Ministries by clicking here.

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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The Heavenly Throne Room

Stepping over the border between Rome and Vatican City, I could see the bulk of the enormous Renaissance-era church across the square. Saint Peter’s Basilica holds 60,000 people at one time. Built over 120 years, its massive central dome designed by Michelangelo towers 448 feet above the floor. From the first moment I entered, I was awestruck by its size and grandeur. It made me feel small, but in the very best way. Arguably the most famous church on the planet, even this impressive structure falls short of the glories John describes in the throne room of heaven.

In Revelation 5 & 6, John’s vision gives us a glimpse of heavenly reality: “Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there was a throne in heaven and someone was seated on it. The one seated there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald surrounded the throne.” (Revelation 4:2-3, CSB) Seated around the throne, twenty-four elders continually cast their golden crowns before it in worship. Four creatures representing all living things on earth praise the Lord endlessly: “Day and night they never stop, saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.’” They declare: “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:8b & 11, CSB italics added)

Despite  having many authors, the Bible always reinforces itself. So, it’s no coincidence that the words of worship spoken in the throne room sound similar to Paul’s commentary about Christ in Colossians: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17, CSB, italics added) 

John’s description of his vision continues: “Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides, sealed with seven seals. I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or even to look in it.” John weeps because there is no one worthy to open the scroll until one of the elders reassures him, “Do not weep. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” John looks and sees “one like a slaughtered lamb standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders.” (Revelation 5:1-3, 5b, 6b, CSB). 

Jen Wilkin contends that everything in Revelation is a recapitulation of something mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. Rich with symbolism, the description of the one worthy to open the scroll recalls  Old Testament prophecies and symbolic events. Christ is the Lion of Judah, referencing Jacob’s prophetic blessing over his son, Judah in Genesis 49:8-14. He is the Root of David, referencing God’s promise to King David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. And He is the slaughtered lamb, referencing the Passover lamb whose blood protected the Israelite slaves in Egypt from the tenth plague in Exodus 11. In Revelation we see  “a picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain who is also the Lion of judgment. Jesus is the only one worthy to judge the world (cf. John 5:22).”*  

Continuing to narrate his vision, John describes the twenty-four elders and four creatures falling down in worship before the Lamb singing, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.”(Revelation 5:9b-10, CSB)

Here we find another connection to a different New Testament book–Peter brings further clarity to John’s vision as he describes followers of Christ: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10, CSB)

Revelation describes the kingdom of priests who will reign on the earth and 1 Peter explains that every person purchased by the blood of Christ is part of this royal priesthood. So, despite our sinful natures, we’re counted righteous because of the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf (1 Corinthians 1:30 & Romans 3:21-26). One day we will rule and reign with Christ in His glory. We’ll want to keep this incredible reality in the forefront of our minds as we read about events that will unfold in the next few chapters of Revelation.

Recently I attended a worship service while visiting family out of town. The space where we gathered was a simple, dark room filled with a couple hundred chairs facing a platform. It was a far cry from the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Basilica but the worship offered was pure and heartfelt. My voice caught as I realized we were joining the multitudes in heaven giving praise to our transcendent, glorious God: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!…Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:12b &13b, CSB) The Lord is our just Judge; may John’s vision compel us to express deep gratitude for His unmerited favor and never to lose reverent awe for Him as our sovereign Creator.

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

*gotquestions.org: “What Are the Seven Seals of Revelation?”

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Re-framing Revelation

Walking out of the lecture hall, my stomach churned with anxiety. It was the first week of the quarter and I was already struggling. Some friends had assured me it would be no problem to take macroeconomics even though it was second in a sequence of classes of which I hadn’t taken the first. I had no knowledge base to build on, so when the professor lectured, it was as if she were speaking a foreign language. Filled with dread, I felt like a drowning person about to sink beneath the waves.

My hunch is that many people view the book of Revelation with that same sense of fear and apprehension. Truth be told, it’s not a book I’ve been drawn to before. My experiences with it have been limited and have lacked the context I needed to understand the bigger picture. The one verse I knew as a high school student filled me with dread: “because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16, NIV) Even after the Spirit convicted me to reject apathy and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, I still had little desire to dive into this intimidating book.

A decade later I stumbled upon a novel series that was a fictionalized account of Revelation. The books captivated me and read like action adventure thrillers. With my mind as a blank canvas, they became my reference point for complex symbols and prophecies from the Old Testament. Because I’d avoided Revelation, the series imprinted concrete events, timelines, and characters into my brain that were based on the author’s interpretation and imagination. Given my poor track record, it’s been eye-opening to re-engage it with the help of Jen Wilkin’s Bible study: Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom.

The study opens by covering Revelation 1-3:22. In the first verses we learn the elderly Apostle John writes Revelation after receiving a vision from Jesus while he’s exiled on the Island of Patmos. He starts by describing his vision of Christ: “and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this.’” (Revelation 1:13-19, CSB)

Descriptions of Christ in the opening scene echo narratives from the Old Testament: in Exodus and Deuteronomy the Lord describes Himself as self-existent, eternal, sovereign, and almighty ; in Exodus, Isaiah, Joel, and Daniel clouds, thunder, and trumpet blasts accompany appearances of God. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus also describes Himself as the Son of Man coming on the clouds with power, glory, and a loud trumpet call. So, from the start, Revelation refers back to things that have been taught and described previously in Scripture. This apocalyptic book isn’t meant to confuse or strike fear in us but to encourage and equip us as it weaves together events that have preceded it with events yet to come. (Reading Genesis and Exodus helps greatly with understanding Revelation.)

John moves from the glorious description of Christ to addressing seven churches in Asia Minor who receive a combination of accusations, warnings, affirmations, and encouragements. The letters address issues still relevant for us today: forgetting God as our first love, compromising with sin and worldliness, tolerating immorality, being hypocritical, and prioritizing material wealth over spiritual riches. While we may not like being called out for straying from the narrow path, these warnings admonish us to choose God’s best instead of being deceived by the enemy and seduced by sin.

The seven letters also include praise and affirmation for churches who remain faithful to God amidst poverty, persecution, and powerlessness. Throughout Revelation, Jesus encourages believers to stand firm amidst trials and tribulations knowing that God’s justice will prevail in the end. Those who overcome will receive life, authority, and honor alongside Christ.

Reading the first three chapters of Revelation, I am encouraged that God knows us, sees us, and is honored by our choice to remain faithful. He rewards those who persevere. There is no question about His ultimate power and sovereignty. He is attentive, sovereign, merciful, and just.

While we may not understand everything by the end, studying this challenging narrative is worth our time. Working through Jen Wilkin’s book may be difficult, but as we grapple with questions, we’ll stretch our minds and expand our faith. Engaging the text personally will allow for rich discussion and will cement new truth into our minds as we learn from such a seasoned teacher.

Can I encourage you to let the learning process unfold rather than giving up like I did with macroeconomics? (Yes, I dropped the class and never looked back). Can I also implore you not to short-circuit the learning process by letting someone else interpret Revelation for you like I did with that fiction book series? Just reading it repeatedly and/or listening to it aloud will implant God’s Word in you and will build understanding in time. So, let’s ditch the excuses and commit to seeing this wild ride all the way through to the end. I’ve already gained so much insight studying Revelation and would love nothing more than to have you learning right there beside me.

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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From Beginning to Forever

Each week as we’ve studied Elizabeth Woodson’s From Beginning to Forever the lesson has ended with an opportunity to summarize the portions of Scripture covered that week. So, by the end of the study, participants have written an overview of the entire Bible. Following the chapters of the study, here’s my humble attempt at re-telling the highlights of the grand narrative of Scripture:

The Creation and Corruption of the Kingdom: Genesis

In the beginning God creates the heavens, the earth and everything in them including the sun, moon, stars, plants, animals, and people. God creates humans in His image and tells them to multiply His kingdom and to rule and subdue the earth. The first two humans, Adam and Eve, succumb to temptation and choose to do the one forbidden thing—eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This breaks their fellowship with God and brings the pollution of sin into the pure and perfect world. God promises one day Eve’s offspring will crush the serpent who led them to sin, giving the first prophecy of the Messiah.

A Promise to Restore the Kingdom: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

God makes a covenant with Abraham promising him land, numerous descendants, and blessing that will impact all people on earth. The Lord confirms this covenant with Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his grandson, Jacob. God changes Jacob’s name to Israel (although both names continue to be used interchangeably after this.) Later, Jacob’s sons sell their brother, Joseph, to slave traders who take him to Egypt. After many trials, Joseph becomes second in command of Egypt and, through God’s direction, prepares the country for a severe famine. The rest of Jacob’s family later emigrates to Egypt to escape the famine. After several generations Jacob’s descendants (known as Hebrews or Israelites) became slaves in Egypt. About 400 years later, God uses Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery, to lead them to the promised land, and to help them become a distinct nation with clear laws and boundaries.

A Divided Kingdom: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

After 40 years in the desert, Joshua leads the Israelites into the promised land to take possession of it and fulfill God’s promise. A series of judges rule Israel until the people demand a king. Saul becomes the first king, but his disobedience displeases God and he loses His favor. David becomes the next king. Although he’s imperfect, he seeks to follow God’s heart and the Lord promises his offspring will rule eternally, foreshadowing the Messiah. Solomon succeeds David as king and is wise and wealthy, but unfaithful to God by marrying Gentiles and worshipping their gods. The kingdom divides when Solomon’s foolish son, Rehoboam, becomes king (the northern kingdom is called Israel, the southern kingdom is called Judah). Disobedience causes both kingdoms to be taken captive about 130 years apart–the northern kingdom is exiled to Assyria and the southern kingdom is exiled to Babylon. After exile, King Cyrus of Persia allows the Jews of the southern kingdom to return and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem under Ezra’s leadership and King Artaxerxes of the citadel of Susa allows the rebuilding of the city walls under Nehemiah’s leadership. The Israelites continue to struggle with disobedience and worship of false gods through subsequent generations.

Life in the Kingdom: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

Wisdom literature in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs provides guidance, encouragement, and warning for people living in the time period covered in the previous section. These writings give a framework for a life of flourishing that includes: 1) acquiring wisdom and following the law 2) fearing the Lord 3) submitting to suffering. Prophets enforce God’s covenants and remind people of the blessings and curses God will bring as a result of their obedience or disobedience. The Israelites are supposed to exemplify God’s love and faithfulness but worship idols and participate in sin and social injustice instead. As a consequence, God exiles them to Assyria and Babylon (mentioned in the previous section). Prophets give the people hope that a Messiah will come to bring salvation and restore them. Despite their sinfulness, the Lord continues to be faithful.

The Arrival of the King: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

God remains silent for 400 years between the books of Malachi and Matthew. The New Testament opens with the birth of the promised Messiah, Jesus.  Throughout the course of His life He fulfills all the prophecies and covenants related to the Messiah in the Old Testament, overcomes temptation, and remains sinless. During His years of ministry He heals people, casts out demons, brings dead people back to life, and preaches about the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that belief in Him will bring eternal life and reconciliation with God, His Father. Despite His innocence, Jewish leaders accuse Him of blasphemy and convince the Romans to charge Him with treason and crucify Him. Three days after dying on the cross, Jesus resurrects from death and appears to many of His followers to give them final instructions and prepare them  for the arrival of His Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom Community: Acts thru Jude

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gives His followers the mission to go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching the to obey everything He commands. His followers receive the Holy Spirit and become witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond. In the book of Acts God shows Peter that the gospel is for everyone–Jews and Gentiles can both be included in the family of God through Christ. Paul preaches the gospel far and wide to both Jews and Gentiles, teaching them that they are saved through faith in Jesus by God’s grace. The epistles explain God’s call for  believers to be ambassadors of Christ and to walk worthy of their calling in Him. Additionally, the epistles warn against false teaching and encourage believers in the midst of the trials and persecution they face while living as aliens and strangers in the world.

 The Kingdom is Restored: Revelation

Exiled on the Island of Patmos, the elderly Apostle John receives a series of visions revealing events that will unfold before and during Jesus’ return to earth. In his vision, John witnesses the throne room of heaven, God’s wrath poured out on rebellious and sinful people, the final judgement, the defeat of Satan, and the physical return of Christ. John sees the old heaven and earth pass away and the merging of a new heaven and earth. In the New Jerusalem God dwells with His people and Jesus rules and reigns with them for eternity. The shalom of the garden is finally restored and God’s plans and purposes prevail.

Understanding the Kingdom- A Worthy Endeavor

I’ve been learning about the Bible all of my life, have read it from start to finish several times, and have been studying it consistently for the past 25 years. Despite all of this time in God’s Word, I’ve never been able to summarize it like this before (shout out to Elizabeth Woodson for crafting a study that made it possible for me to give this overview). The more I learn, the more I realize how beautiful and multi-faceted Scripture is.  Reading it, believing it, and applying it is truly a worthy endeavor. God’s Word is living and active; it shows us everything needed to live a life of purpose and flourishing now and forevermore.

Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022.

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Your Kingdom Come

“Later is longer,” my pastor explained during a recent sermon on parenting. His point was that disciplining and training kids  requires consistency in their younger years  that reaps benefits for their teen years and beyond. The more I thought about it, the more I realized “later is longer” also has implications for life on earth in comparison with life in eternity.

As we’re wrapping up the final chapter of Elizabeth Woodson’s From Beginning to Forever, this week’s session provides a big-picture view of Revelation. This Apocalyptic book about the end times and the creation of a new heaven and earth intimidates many people. Granted, the ambiguous chronology along with the variety of symbols, metaphors, and references to Old Testament prophecy can be confusing. But as followers of Jesus, why wouldn’t we want to seek understanding about what unfolds when He returns?

The events in Revelation are both inspiring and terrifying. It’s unsettling to read about the temporary  hardship and persecution believers will face at the hands of the enemy. But reading Revelation, we’ll also discover much encouragement. That’s why John begins the book writing “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3, ESV) Elizabeth Woodson explains the two main purposes of Revelation are to show “1) the spiritual reality of the cosmic battle, 2) the future hope of Jesus’s final victory over sin, Satan and death.” (p. 181) In short, it’s a book written to equip and encourage believers.

John’s vision begins with messages to seven churches that call out specific ways they have demonstrated faithfulness to the Lord and/ or gotten off track. While these letters aren’t written to us, they are written for us as followers of Jesus. We see praise for those who remain steadfast and endure persecution and warning for those who tolerate sin and fall into apathy. The churches of 2000 years ago may have looked different culturally, but they struggled with the same root issues as believers today. Knowing “later is longer” makes persevering and remaining faithful and obedient to God worth the effort.

After addressing the seventh church, John moves on to describe a vison the Lord gives him of the throne room of heaven. “The jeweled description of God, the twenty-four elders around the throne, winged creatures, thunder and lightning—all of this was a scene beyond words…Day and night they continue to repeat the glorious truth about God and then fall before Him in worship.” (p. 185) John explains, “They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘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.’” (Revelation 4:9-11, ESV) While reading descriptions of what takes place in the throne room, you may recognize familiar lyrics from songs and hymns inspired by the imagery.

Next, John describes God’s judgement being poured out on earth for human rebellion and sin. Although Elizabeth Woodson doesn’t mention it specifically, one of the most comforting elements I discovered in Revelation was this command “Don’t harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we seal the servants of our God on their foreheads.” (Revelation 7:3, ESV) This seems related to Paul’s teaching to believers in Ephesians: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV) As the cosmic battle and final judgement unfold, believers will be clearly identified and protected from God’s wrath. How reassuring it is to discover this amidst many graphic and frightening scenes John describes.

While it’s unclear exactly how or when events will unfold (and it’s possible some are already unfolding), “there are three key events that all Christians agree on—1) Jesus Christ returns in a physical body; 2) the dead are resurrected; 3) believers and non-believers are judged.” (p. 188) Although the thought of facing God for judgement may make us quake in fear, we must remember that those who have accepted Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf have their names written in the book of life (Revelation 20:15) and have nothing to fear. Believers will be seen through the perfect holiness of Jesus whose blood paid the penalty for their sin.

“With God’s judgment of creation complete, God’s plan of salvation will be complete. Sin, evil, death, and Satan’s schemes will be no more… The kingdom, God’s divine plan by which He would dwell in perfect harmony with creation and humanity, can finally and fully be restored!” (p.190) The shalom of Eden will once again become a reality and the work of ruling and reigning God’s kingdom will continue for eternity with the Lord dwelling among His people.

The time we take to learn and apply Scripture, to practice the way of Jesus, and to live as aliens in the world is preparing us for the time described at the end of Revelation. The efforts we make to expand the Lord’s Kingdom on Earth give others a taste of His love and reflect the character of our Heavenly Father. Author and theologian N.T. Wright explains:

“You are…accomplishing something that will become in due course part of God’s new world.  Every act of love, gratitude and kindness; every work of art or music inspired by the love of God and delight in the beauty of his creation…every act of care and nurture, of comfort and support, for one’s fellow human beings…and of course every prayer, all Spirit-led teaching, every deed that spreads the gospel, builds up the church, embraces and embodies holiness rather than corruption, and makes the name of Jesus honored in the world—all of this will find its way, through the resurrecting power of God, into the new creation that God will one day make…what we do in Christ and by the Spirit in the present is not wasted. It will last all the way into God’s new world.”*

 Knowing “later is longer,” let’s focus our efforts on expanding God’s kingdom on earth now. Let’s invest our time and energy in endeavors that have value all the way to eternity, just as Jesus encouraged His followers to pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, ESV)

*N.T. Wright Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church, HarperOne, 2008, page 208.

Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022.

Interested in learning more about how what we do now can prepare us for eternity in the new heaven and earth? Consider reading Garden City by John Mark Comer or Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright. 

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The Kingdom Community

My family rented a movie recently that received a lot of hype when it released a few months ago. Having enjoyed a live version on stage, I was curious to see how it translated to the silver screen. From my comfortable spot on the couch, I was transported  by talented actors and memorable music into a vivid fictional world. As the dramatic final scene closed, “To be continued” unfurled in large script across the screen, leaving me wanting more. The movie had ended, but the story was far from over.

Thankfully, with the Bible we don’t have to wait for the sequel to the amazing life of Jesus described in the gospels. Acts picks up where the four books leave off. Written by Luke, Acts opens with Jesus giving instructions and a final command to His disciples before ascending into heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV) Elizabeth Woodson explains in From Beginning to Forever, “For Jesus’s followers, the filling of the Holy Spirit marked a new season of ministry, when the King was dwelling with His people once again. And not only with them but in them!” (p. 153) In the book of Acts we see disciples of Jesus demonstrate power and authority as they heal people, cast out demons, confront false teachers, and preach the gospel. They also experience significant persecution that scatters them beyond Jerusalem. New leaders and teachers join their ranks, including a hateful Pharisee turned humble teacher named Paul. (If you’re unfamiliar with Acts, check out the series of posts I wrote by clicking here.)

Following Acts, the rest of the New Testament includes Pauline Epistles (letters written to believers by Paul) and General Epistles (letters written to believers by other authors). “Both sets provide believers with wisdom, encouragement, and theological truth meant to keep them aligned to the gospel.” (p. 157) Let’s consider a few key themes covered in the Epistles.

Pauline Epistles: Thirteen books of the New Testament claim Paul as their author: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. “Paul taught on the kingship of Christ and reminded believers of what it takes to access Christ’s kingdom community. His teaching also helps believers understand how to live as citizens in the kingdom who are on mission for the King.” (p. 157) With his vast knowledge of Hebrew Scripture, Paul helps readers to understand the deep significance of Jesus and all that He fulfilled as the promised Messiah. It’s hard to narrow down the many important topics he addresses, but here are a few:

  • Jesus as image of the invisible God who was present at  creation (Colossians 1)
  • Jesus as the servant who willingly humbled Himself by becoming a man and dying on the cross (Philippians 2)
  • Jesus as the one who atoned for the sins of humankind and made it possible for fallen people to be reconciled to a holy God (Romans 8)
  • Jesus as the One who made it possible for us to be righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5)
  • Jesus as the head of the church (1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 2)

Through his explanations, Paul urges believers to “follow the commands of God out of gratitude, not obligation…[to] live as transformed people who have been freed from the eternal penalty of sin!” (p. 160). Paul admonishes believers to see themselves as the building blocks of a holy temple and to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 2, 4 & 5). He spells out what it means to cast off our old selves and to put on our new selves (Colossians 3). “Paul’s letters guided believers to order every area of their lives to live worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27), setting our minds on the King (Col 3:2), bearing spiritual fruit (Col 1:10), and denying the desires of our flesh (Gal 5:24).” (p. 165) His letters show that when Christ rules our hearts and God’s Word dwells in our minds, our attitudes, words, and actions will align with His truth.

General Epistles: Written by several authors, all but one of these books bear their names: James (the brother of Jesus), 1 & 2 Peter (the Apostle Peter), 1,2,3 John (the Apostle John) and Jude (the brother of Jesus). The one exception is Hebrews, whose authorship is still subject to debate. These writings center on “life in the kingdom community as well, with a focus on what it means to live in allegiance to the King in the last days.” (p. 157) Understanding the tension of “living in-between the first and second comings of Jesus in a world desperate for the King to return…The authors of these books…provided the kingdom community with an overflow of wisdom to help us live well as we wait.” (p. 167) Here are a few of the many important topics they address:

  • Remaining unwavering in our faith and pursuit of Jesus (Hebrews 10, 12)
  • Enduring trials with joy as they build our faith, teach us perseverance, and lead us to maturity (James 1)
  • Undergoing persecution with an eternal perspective (1 Peter 1)
  • Living as holy and chosen people (1 Peter 2)
  • Understanding the depth of God’s love and His greatness (1, 2, 3 John)
  • Contending for our faith and internalizing truth so that we will not be deceived (Jude)

“The kingdom community dwells with the King, lives like the King, while executing the mission of the King. Who we are internally impacts the ministry we can do externally. Our ability to persevere on this side of eternity will be met with treasures in life everlasting.” (p. 171). The more we study His Word, the more we will understand God’s character, our identity, and the way to flourish in the present as we prepare for eternity.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this post and are closing in on the final book of the Bible: Revelation. It ties together so many elements of Scripture, I can’t wait to hit the highlights with you in my next post (and to take a deeper dive in conjunction with Jen Wilkin’s Revelation study this spring.)

While overviews like this are helpful, true transformation happens when you open the Bible and let God reveal Himself to you directly. Every minute invested in studying Scripture  is worth the effort. Consistent engagement is the key to spiritual growth– it’s the only part of your daily rhythm that will last all the way to eternity.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022.

Spotlighting the Savior

With his signature red and white striped beanie, matching sweater, and Coke bottle glasses, most of us would recognize the title character of Where’s Waldo anywhere. If you’re unfamiliar, these “spotlight search” children’s books contain detailed illustrations that always include Waldo hiding in plain sight. Author and illustrator Martin Handford delights readers with his creative scenes on each page.

At the risk of sounding irreverent, prophecies of Jesus in the Old Testament remind me of Waldo as they foreshadow the arrival of the Messiah.  Many of the references to Christ are easy to miss without a “spotlight search.” Here are a few we’ve touched on as we’ve studied the grand narrative of Scripture in Elizabeth Woodson’s From Beginning to Forever:

1) Serpent Crusher: After Adam and Eve disobey God and open the world to sin, the Lord pronounces a curse on the serpent that deceived them: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15, NIV) God promises that the ongoing conflict between the enemy and humankind will one day end with Eve’s offspring crushing him. In our “spotlight search,” this is the first reference to the Messiah who would conquer the enemy and reconcile fallen humans with their perfect Creator.

2) Blessing for All People: Later, in Genesis 12 God makes a covenant with Abraham (called Abram at that time) that spotlights the One who will bring blessing to all the earth: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3, NIV) Here the Lord promises that through Abraham’s offspring the entire earth will be blessed. The Lord confirms this promise with Isaac and Jacob.

3) Eternal King: Continuing on in Scripture, the Lord spotlights the Messiah again when He makes a covenant with King David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 8:16, NIV) He promises a king greater than David who will one day rule “Israel perfectly for the glory of God.” (Woodson, 79)

4) Savior: Many prophets also foretell the coming Savior throughout the Old Testament, as we see Isaiah spotlight in this familiar passage: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)

Four hundred years of history unfold for the Israelites with no written record between Malachi at the end of the Old Testament and Matthew at the start of the New Testament. The silence breaks with the gospels; each of the four highlight different aspects of Jesus’ life and reveal Him as the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah. All four present Jesus as the sinless One who died to save sinners. While there are overlapping stories among them, each gospel writer emphasizes certain aspects of Jesus; together they provide a complete testimony. Let’s examine a few key parts of Jesus’ life that they spotlight:

Matthew: “Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, proving that He is the long-awaited Messiah.”* For the Jewish people, ancestry was everything. Matthew opens his book  with the genealogy of Jesus to confirm that He is in the family line of the Messiah. Interestingly, he also lists five women in the genealogy, including three Gentiles, revealing the Lord’s intention to be a blessing to “all peoples on earth” as He promised to Abraham.

Mark: “Mark writes a fast-paced, condensed account, recording Jesus’ miraculous deeds and not recording His long discourses.”* Filled with action, Mark’s gospel reveals Jesus’ authority over both the physical and spiritual realms as He heals people, casts out demons, calms storms, and feeds thousands with a few loaves and fish. Mark also records key declarations such as Peter telling Jesus: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b) and a centurion exclaiming at His crucifixion, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 8:39b, NIV)

Luke: “Luke portrays Jesus as the remedy of the world’s ills, emphasizing His perfect humanity and humane concern for the weak, the suffering, and the outcast.”* This gospel includes the most comprehensive version of the Christmas story (Matthew includes other aspects of it.) Luke also shows Jesus revealing Himself as the Messiah when He reads a prophecy from Scripture aloud in the synagogue: “’The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ Then [Jesus] rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing’.” (Luke 4:18-21, NIV)

John: “John emphasizes Jesus’ deity by selecting many conversations and sayings of Jesus on the subject and also including ‘signs’ that prove He is the Son of God.”* John uses Old Testament language to reveal Jesus as the Christ, starting his book with a familiar phrase from Genesis: “In the beginning.” (John 1:1a, NIV) John’s gospel also includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus, echoing the Lord’s words when Moses encounters Him speaking from a burning bush and identifies Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14, NIV) Among Jesus’ most important statements about Himself, John records Him saying: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV) and “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;” (John 11:25, NIV)

John sums up the intention of all four gospels: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, NIV)

May this “spotlight search” of the Messiah leave you with no doubt that Jesus is the Savior for our fallen, broken world. And may this head knowledge lead to a deep heart connection with the One who gave Himself for you.

*Quotes describing the four gospels from: https://www.gotquestions.org/different-gospel.html

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Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022.