Category: Deception of Satan

Seven Last Sights

It’s been a grueling journey through Revelation, but we’ve arrived at the seven last sights. Up to this point, we’ve studied seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven histories, seven bowls and seven words of woe. If you’re still with me, well done–we’ve made it to the final set of seven in the book of Revelation!

First Sight (19:11-16): In John’s vision, heaven opens and a white horse appears. “Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war.” (19:11b) Like the vision of Christ in Revelation 1, His eyes are “like a fiery flame” and a “sharp sword came from his mouth.” This time, the priestly robe He wears is “dipped in blood and His name is called the Word of God.” (19:12,15,13) He leads the armies of heaven riding on white horses and wearing pure white linen. “And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (19:16)

Christ’s entrance here contrasts His previous triumphal entry recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12). “He is no longer riding a humble donkey…[but returns] on a fiery white charger, bringing judgment, just as He had promised (Matthew 25:31-33).”* John’s vision reveals Jesus as a warrior king marching in victoriously. Just as a priest’s garments would have had been stained with blood from making sacrifices, Jesus’ robe exhibits evidence of His blood shed on the cross to atone for the sins of the saints. Simultaneously, He also bears the blood of His defeated enemies, recapitulating a prophecy in Isaiah and showing the fulfillment of His wrath: “I trampled the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with me. I trampled them in my anger and ground them underfoot in my fury; their blood spattered my garments, and all my clothes were stained.” (Isaiah 63:3) (Jen Wilkin Week 9 video)

Second Sight (19:17-18): John describes an angel calling out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of military commanders, the flesh of the mighty, the flesh of horses and of their riders, and the flesh of everyone, both free and slave, small and great.” (19:17b-18) This “banquet” appears to be the antithesis of the wedding supper of the Lamb. In a gruesome turn of events, those who refuse the invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb become a feast for the birds.

Third Sight (19:19-21): Moving on to John’s next vision, “the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and against his army.” (19:19) Instead of an epic battle between good and evil, the beast (Antichrist) and the false prophet are “thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.” (19:20c) Furthering their defeat, “the rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds ate their fill of their flesh.” (19:21) This is another view of the sixth bowl judgement described in Revelation 16:16. Jen Wilkin describes this one-sided victory at Armageddon as “the battle that wasn’t.” (141)

Other parts of Scripture clarify the symbolic double-edged sword coming from the mouth of Christ: “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

“God’s Word reveals His standard, our obligations, and our shortcomings. It cuts through our veneer of virtue, exposing us as the rebels we are, and promises that we will receive a just penalty… Against the divine standard, we inevitably fall short (Romans 3:23). That’s why we need a Savior.”**

Fourth Sight (20:1-3): Returning to a familiar scene from Revelation 9, John revisits the abyss from which the enemy unleashed locusts in the fifth trumpet judgement. In this vision, an angel holds a key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the thousand years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time.” (20:2-3)

Both Jen Wilkin and Pastor Matt Chandler assert that 1000 years is a symbolic number that references the fixed period of time between Christ’s first and second coming to earth. This interpretation would mean we are currently living during the 1000 years. Chandler asserts that Satan is like a mafia boss calling the shots from behind bars. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, His followers can no longer be accused by the enemy (Romans 8:33). And with the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the devil hasn’t been able to stop the gospel as it spreads from “Jerusalem to Judea to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Fifth Sight (20:4-10): Next, John sees people seated on thrones “who were given authority to judge.” (20:4b) He also sees martyrs and believers who didn’t take the mark of the beast raised back to life to reign with Christ. While this seems like a future vision, it may also symbolize our present spiritual reality. Consider this in light of Paul’s words: “we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:3b-7)

We’ve already been brought from death to life in a spiritual sense. We are born again and seated at the right hand of Christ. So, the “first resurrection” (20:5) is a spiritual one—when a person chooses to follow Jesus. The second resurrection will occur after Christ’s bodily return when our physical bodies will be raised and made new. The first death is physical death. The “second death” (20:6) is spiritual death—when those who have rejected God will be separated from Him and His goodness, light, and love for eternity. (Jen Wilkin Week 9 video)

Through Christ, believers already have spiritual authority and eternal life: “ [Jesus] said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20)

The fifth sight continues by explaining events following the thousand years when Christ physically returns. Satan will be released from captivity, will go out to deceive the nations and will gather people from the four corners of the earth to wage battle. They will surround “the encampment of the saints, the beloved city.” (20:9b) But just like the battle of Armageddon, they will be shut down before they can attack: “Then fire came down from heaven and consumed them. The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:9c-10) This is the last we’ll see of the unholy trinity—it’s the final defeat of the dragon and the two beasts. Sin, death, Satan and all the brokenness they bring have been overcome by God’s power and justice. That’s worthy of a Hallelujah!

The Sixth Sight (20:11-14): Next John describes a scene we often fear and misunderstand—the final judgement. “Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it… I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books… And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (20:11a, 12, 15) This is the fourth time we’ve seen the book of life in one of John’s visions (see 3:5, 13:8, 17:8) With every mention, we’re given assurance that those whose names are written in it have nothing to fear.

Jesus uses three parables to describe different aspects of judgement day in Matthew 25: The Parables of the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats. Each one emphasizes the importance of living in a way that honors the Lord and anticipates His return. From beginning to end, Scripture makes it clear that the way we live and treat others matters. We show we belong to God by keeping His commandments. On judgement day we’ll be called to account for all that we’ve done, but by God’s grace, we can stand before His throne and claim righteousness through the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood.

The Seventh Sight (21:1-8): John sees a new heaven and a new earth and a new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. He hears a voice from the throne saying “Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” (21:3-4)

The Lord comes down from heaven to reveal Himself many times in Scripture but people repeatedly rebel and follow their own desires. Here, at the end of time, we see Him coming down once more. Only this time, He’ll be here to stay and will redeem our broken and fallen world once and for all.

Take a moment to ponder this incredible truth. Consider how you can live in a way that honors the Lord and brings His hope to our broken world. (And keep an eye out for my next post that will bring us all the way to the end of Revelation 22.)

*gotquestions.org “Why is Jesus going to return on a white horse?” 

**gotquestions.org “What is the meaning of the two edged sword coming out of Jesus’ mount in Revelation 1:16?”  

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

All Scripture quoted from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), unless noted otherwise.

To access Matt Chandler’s sermon on this portion of Revelation, click here.

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.”

Seven Words of Woe

So far in the book of Revelation we’ve studied seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven histories, and seven bowls. Now, we’ll contemplate seven words of woe regarding Babylon. Jen Wilkin explains, “John uses Babylon symbolically to represent all ruling empires…In chapters 17 and 18 we hear about Babylon’s downfall at length, examining the nature of her sins, the extent of her rule, and the outcry of her destruction.” (115)

John begins Revelation 17 describing a vision of a woman and the scarlet beast. She personifies the spirit of Babylon–everything detestable, blasphemous, and impure in the world. The chapter opens with one of the seven angels with seven bowls showing John “the judgement of the notorious prostitute who is seated on many waters.” (17:1b) Jen Wilkin explains that waters symbolize opportunities for commerce and communication– showing the vast reach of Babylon’s influence on the world.

In his vision John sees the woman “sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names.” (17:3b) An identical description from Revelation 13:1, clarifies the beast she rides is the Antichrist. “The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls. She had a golden cup in her hand filled with everything detestable and with the impurities of her prostitution.” She makes no secret of who she is, bearing her names on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Detestable Things of the Earth.” (17:4 & 5) She gloats with satisfaction over her revolting behavior that has cost the lives of God’s beloved people: “Then I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses to Jesus.” (17:4-6a)

The enemy uses her to deceive people with the allure of worldly pleasures but lurking underneath the glitter is the stench of death. “The kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and those who live on the earth became drunk on the wine of her sexual immorality.” (17:2) The sin of sexual immorality highlighted here links with idolatry–both involve seeking satisfaction and fulfillment outside the Lord’s wise boundaries. People taken in by the seduction of the Mother of Prostitutes want to satiate their desires more than they want to wait for God’s good plans to unfold. They scoff at the fruit of the Spirit choosing lust, temporary happiness, numbness, urgency, self-indulgence, evil, infidelity, harshness, and impulsivity over love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The prostitute dripping with jewels and fine clothing captivates many, but the cup she holds is “filled with everything detestable and with the impurities of her prostitution.” (17:4b) How does the lure of temporary satisfaction play out in your life? What spiritual tools can you employ to resist that urge?

John’s vision continues: “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss and go to destruction. Those who live on the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast that was, and is not, and is to come.” (17:8) This vision circles back on the fatally wounded beast who is healed—the Antichrist mimicking Christ’s resurrection and astonishing earth dwellers in the process. John warns believers not to fall for the deception: “This calls for a mind that has wisdom.” (17:9)

Next, in verses 9-11,  John sees the woman seated on seven mountains that represent seven kings in verses 9-11. These kings likely symbolize kingdoms from the past, present, and future. Keep in mind that according to Pastor Matt Chandler, John’s visions aren’t necessarily chronological–they are more like looking into windows of a house and seeing several of the same rooms from different angles.*

The vision continues by explaining that the Antichrist will raise up a group of worldly powers: “ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is the Lord of Lords and the King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (17:12b-14)

While we may not know the identity of the kings or the timing of their reign, we do know they are aligned with the enemy, rule for a short time, and are defeated by Christ. Ironically, the kings and the beast then turn on the woman: “They will make her desolate and naked, devour her flesh, and burn her up with fire.” (17:16) Perhaps the enemy no longer needs the enticement of the prostitute’s charms because people have so fully embraced everything detestable. The chapter ends clarifying the symbolism of John’s vision: “the woman you saw is the great city that has royal power over the kings of the earth.” (17:18)

With the prelude in chapter 17 complete, chapters 18 through 19:10 launch into the seven words of woe:

First Word of Woe (18:1-3): An angel announces that Babylon, personifying worldly powers and ideals, has fallen. “For all the nations have drunk the wine of her sexual immorality, which brings wrath. The kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from her sensuality and excess.” (18:3-4) This echoes a prophecy from Jeremiah 50 & 51 and also calls to mind Paul’s warning in another New Testament book: “But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Second Word of Woe (18:4-8): Again paralleling prophecies in Jeremiah 50 & 51, another voice from heaven says, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or receive any of her plagues…As much as she glorified herself and indulged her sensual and excessive ways, give her that much torment and grief…For this reason her plagues will come in just one day—death and grief and famine. She will be burned up with fire, because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.” (18:4b, 7a, 8) This warning for followers of God to reject the worldly ways of Babylon and remove themselves from the coming wrath may remind you of Lot’s family fleeing the destruction of Sodom in Genesis 19. Where might you need to reject worldly perspectives that have influenced your thoughts and actions?

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Woes (18:9-20): Here John witnesses the reactions of the kings, merchants, and seafaring people who have prospered from Babylon’s sin and excess. Rather than being humbled by God’s wrath, they stand far off watching the city burn and lament all that they’ve lost saying, “Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in a single hour your judgement has come…Woe, woe, the great city, dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls; for in a single hour such fabulous wealth was destroyed…They threw dust on their heads and kept crying out, weeping, and mourning” because they became rich from her wealth. (18:10b, 16, 19a) They don’t grieve over the loss of life or repent from their greed, they mourn the destruction of their wealth and the source from which it came.

Perhaps all of the lamenting should prompt some personal reflection for each of us. Jen Wilkin comments that “Christians are by no means immune to the allurement of the kingdom of this world.” (128).  John writes words of warning about this in one of his epistles: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:15-17) Is there a worldly ideal or tangible object that you may be grasping tightly that needs to be relinquished to the Lord?

Sixth Woe (18:21-24): “Then a mighty angel picked up a stone like a large millstone and threw it into the seas, saying, ‘In this way, Babylon the great city will be thrown down violently and never be found again.’” (18:21) Never again will the city be a center for beauty, industry, sustenance, safety, or raising future generations. (Paraphrased from Jen Wilkin’s Week 8 teaching on 18:22.) In a final pronouncement, John writes “All this will happen because your merchants were the nobility of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” (18:23b) Let that last verse sink in— it is ungodly merchants who hold all the power and deceive the rest of the world with the allure of material possessions, pleasurable experiences, comfort, and excess. We don’t have to look far to see the hold greed and materialism have on the world today. Take a moment to pray and ask the Spirit to reveal where they have a hold on you.

Seventh Word (19:1-10): Rather than being a word of woe, the final word declares God’s victory over Babylon and all that she represents. “Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous, because he has judged the notorious prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality; and he has avenged the blood of his servants that was on her hands.” (19:1b-2) Jen Wilkin explains that the proper response to the judgement of Babylon is praise. It is the cry of celebration that God’s towering justice has been executed. (Paraphrased from Week 8 teaching.)

With the prostitute of Babylon stripped bare and destroyed, John describes what unfolds next in God’s throne room: “Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.’” (19:6-8) A radiant bride who has prepared for her groom personifies those justified  by Christ’s blood (Romans 3:22-4) and sanctified by walking worthy of Him (Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 2:12-13). They have persevered in waiting patiently and faithfully for their groom and rejoice at being unified with Him in the throne room. The city of folly, sin, and death has been destroyed and is being replaced by the city of wisdom, righteousness, and abundant life. Consider this incredible future reality. How are you preparing now for the day of Christ’s triumphant return?

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

All Scripture quoted from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), unless noted otherwise.

To access Matt Chandler’s sermon series on Revelation, click here. 

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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.

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.

The Armor of God

Closing in on the final chapter of Ephesians, Paul leaves us with a powerful image to review key points he’s covered. He reminds believers of their true adversary and then shows us all of the spiritual resources we have at our disposal:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

Prompted by his surroundings in prison, Paul uses pieces of a Roman soldier’s armor as visual reminders of spiritual tools available to believers. As an expert in Hebrew scriptures, he’s also drawing a comparison from a prophecy about the Messiah in the book of Isaiah:

“The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” (Isaiah 59:15b-17, NIV)

In this passage Isaiah describes One who will intervene on behalf of sinners to bring justice to humankind. A commentary explains, “The One who is offended by sin, the Holy God, became the intercessor for the people…The offended rescues the offenders…Therefore, God puts on his armor. He is going to battle to save his people. He not only puts on garments of righteousness but also garments of vengeance. And most beautifully, he wraps himself with a cloak of zeal. The Lion of Judah has watched this mess for too long… The enemy now is the greatest one of all, sin and Satan and his spiritual forces of wickedness. These are the ones he is going to conquer like a mighty warrior.”1

Paul brings this notion full circle in Ephesians, celebrating Christ as the intercessor acting on behalf of sinners. When we read Ephesians 6:10-18 we discover that God conquers, then puts His armor on us and equips us for spiritual battle as well. If you’ve read Ephesians 6 recently, you probably recognize the parallels from the Isaiah passage above: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17, NIV)

As he closes, Paul reminds believers of all the riches he’s been writing about throughout his letter. Physical armor provides a memorable summary of what he’s written. 

The Belt of Truth encircles us. It protects us from the lies and deceptions of the enemy and provides the core support we need to pursue spiritual maturity. It also keeps us from damaging our relationships with others:

  • “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” (1:13a)
  • “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (4:15)
  • “When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (4:21)
  • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (4:25)
  • “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts from the accusations of the enemy. It reminds us that we wear the righteousness of Christ and can never be condemned or shamed for our sin because Christ has already atoned for it.

  • “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (4:24)
  • “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)

The Gospel of Peace equips us with the readiness to walk confidently in faith without the hindrance of fear, anxiety, or sin. Being at peace with God also brings peace between believers, regardless of their differing backgrounds.

  • “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1:2)
  • “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (2:14)
  • “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” (2:15b)
  • “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” (2:17)
  • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

The Shield of Faith protects us from attacks of the evil one. Through faith in Christ we are adopted as God’s children and given the protection, rights, and privileges reserved for members of His holy and eternal family. 

  • “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (2:8)
  • “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (3:12)
  • “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (3:16-17a)
  • “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (4:4-6)
  • “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (4:11-13)

The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds and allows us to remain clear thinking and sound minded. Wearing it affects how we view all things: ourselves, our circumstances, God, and others.

  • “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13)

The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God and is the only offensive weapon we have or need. We can discover the extent of our spiritual authority and power within the pages of Scripture. With the help of the Spirit, we can have wisdom and revelation to know God better and to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

  • “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13b)
  • “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (1:17)
  • “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (2:18)
  • “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (2:22)
  • “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (3:16)
  • “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” (4:4)
  • “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (4:30)
  • “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (5:18)

Learning each element of the Armor of God provides a simple way to remember the incredible spiritual resources always within our grasp. If you’d like to delve deeper into any of the specific aspects of the Armor of God, click on the links below to access blogs written while I was studying The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer.

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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024

1. Berry Kercheville, “Isaiah 59: God Was Appalled” August 2020

The Whole Counsel of God

Wrapping up his third and final missionary journey, Paul takes a farewell tour. Traveling throughout regions where he preached the gospel, he says goodbye to many of the believers he’s poured into over roughly 15 years. One of the most meaningful farewells takes place in Acts 20 with the elders from the church in Ephesus. They travel 63 arduous miles for the opportunity to see Paul one last time in Miletus. The mutual affection between Paul and these believers shines through in the text as they weep, embrace, and pray together for the last time.

In addition to highlighting the tenderness between Paul and the Ephesians, Luke also records Paul’s final reminders and instructions to the church leaders: “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21, ESV). Although he uses different tactics and approaches depending upon his audience, Paul always emphasizes the same thing: “turning away from sin and turning to Christ by faith.”1 He also reminds the Ephesian elders that he “did not shrink from declaring to [them] the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27, ESV) He then warns them to be alert, saying “after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29-30, ESV)

Let’s take a closer look at these three significant statements Paul includes in his final remarks to his beloved Ephesian elders:

Repentance and Faith: In the Greek the words repentance and faith are joined together by one article.2 They go hand in hand. Faith in Jesus prompts us to repent and turn away from sin; obedience is how we show our love for God (John 14:15). Are you ever tempted to focus solely on God’s love and to leave out the discomfort of confessing sin and choosing to repent? While we may not enjoy admitting it, Jesus came to save us from our sin, so turning from it is a crucial element in following Him.

I’ll never forget mentoring a young woman who was caught and arrested for committing a crime. When she told me about it, I responded first by telling her what she’d done was wrong. Surprised, she admitted she’d expected me to reassure her of God’s grace and forgiveness instead of addressing her poor choice. We had a long conversation about the importance of understanding the gravity of our sin so that we can grasp the magnitude of God’s grace. When we skip over confession and repentance, we cheapen Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.

The Whole Counsel of God: Like Paul, we must be careful to learn and share everything God says to us through His Word. One commentary explains, “the whole counsel of God includes some things that are difficult to hear—the fact that we are dead in sin and deserving of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:1–3) and the fact that we cannot save ourselves through works (Ephesians 2:8–9). The gospel is a call to repentance and faith. Believers will face persecution (John 16:33) and likely be considered foolish. But none of these things can dissuade us…Paul did not share half-truths or only parts of the gospel; rather, he shared all of what God has revealed. We must do the same.”3 Rather than avoiding portions of Scripture that make us uncomfortable or that feel confusing, we need to seek greater understanding. Grappling with hard topics in prayer, study, and discussion ultimately deepens and matures our faith as we grow in wisdom.

False Teachers (Fierce Wolves): Paul warns the elders that false teachers will infiltrate their ranks and distort the gospel by speaking “twisted things” that will draw some believers away. We, too, must be knowledgeable about Scripture so we can recognize faulty teaching. With the easy access we have to a multitude of teachers online, this is more important than ever. There are many leaders and influencers who mix a little bit of Scripture with a lot of worldly wisdom. False teachers use Christian language in ways that it was never intended. Often, they are winsome, appealing, and compassionate. They make us feel good by avoiding or re-framing truth.

A close friend asked me about an influencer she followed on social media that she found confusing. The influencer was relatable, funny, and reassuring. She claimed to be a Christian but was encouraging her followers to live and think in ways that were contrary to God’s Word. Her vulnerability and appeal to her followers’ emotions was captivating. After I read a book by this influencer, my friend and I had several conversations about the fallacies of her claims. I’m so glad the Spirit nudged her to start a conversation with me and exposed this false teacher’s deception.

If you hear a wildly different interpretation of Scripture that seems to affirm ideas contrary to anything else you’ve learned, don’t be quick to embrace it as truth— search the Scriptures and seek wise, godly people you know and trust for clarification. Peter echoes Paul when he writes: “there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” (2 Peter 2:1b-2, NIV)

Where are you prone to skipping over the whole counsel of God? Do you tend to focus on what feels good and ignore the harder aspects of our faith? If so, you’re not alone. Take some time to ponder and pray about this. Remember God loves you deeply, wants what’s best for you, and works for your good. Ask the Lord to realign your heart and mind with the truth of His Word. Consider learning more about these issues by reading one of these books:

Live Your Truth (and Other Lies) Exposing Popular Deceptions that Make Us Anxious, Exhausted and Self-Obsessed by Alisa Childers

Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies that Sabotage Your Peace by John Mark Comer

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.”

Post inspired by Jen Wilkin’s teaching in Acts: The Gospel Goes Out Part 2, Week 7 (Acts 20:1-21:36).

  • 1. Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale/Zondervan, 1991, p. 2004
  • 2. Walvoord and Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary, SP Publishers, 1982, p. 4133
  • 3. Got Questions, “The Whole Counsel of God”

Miracles and Magic

A thriving metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea becomes a memorable stop on Paul’s third and final missionary journey. Ephesus was a central trade hub and the capital of the Roman province of Asia (present-day Turkey) on par with Antioch in Syria and Alexandria in Egypt.1 Paul teaches and preaches there “for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:10, ESV). During his time in Ephesus “God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.” (Acts 19:11, ESV)

Seeing the miracles occuring through Paul, “some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.’ Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?’ And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:13-16. ESV)

The seven sons of Sceva are reminiscent of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 who offers to pay Peter for the ability to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. These men attempt to access the power of the name of Jesus as another incantation in their bag of magic tricks. Based on what happens to them, it’s clear the power of God cannot be manipulated for personal gain. 

The incident with the sons of Sceva prompts a drastic response among the Ephesian believers: “And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” (Acts 19:17-20, ESV)

It appears that some of the believers had continued practicing magic even after receiving the gospel. However, after hearing about the interaction between the demon and the sons of Sceva, they repent. Once the eyes of their hearts open to God’s unmatched power, they realize they can no longer mix the spiritual darkness of the occult with the spiritual light of the one true God. Despite significant financial cost and likely social ridicule, they burn their magic scrolls, making a public statement that they are turning away from the sinful practices of the dark arts. 

Paul reflects on this ten years later when he writes to the believers in Ephesus: “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:8-11, ESV)

Although practicing the occult may feel like something we only see in movies or shows, it is on the rise in our culture today. A friend recently told me about attending a party where the hostess had hired a Tarot card reader to entertain the guests. Another friend shared that her ten-year-old daughter received a set of children’s Tarot cards, and some healing crystals for her birthday not long ago. These “fun” activities make spiritual darkness seem harmless, but nothing could be further from the truth.

More and more people are mixing a jumble of spiritual practices together with no discernment or consideration for their sources. An article on the modern rise of the occult explains: “Suspicious of institutions, authorities, and creeds, this demographic is less likely to attend a house of worship, but more likely to…‘mix and match’ spiritual, ritualistic, and religious practices from a range of traditions, divorced from their original institutional context. A member of this ‘remixed’ generation, for example, might attend yoga classes, practice Buddhist meditation, read Tarot cards, cleanse their apartment with sage, and also attend Christmas carol concerts or Shabbat dinners…The underpinnings of religious life—meaning, purpose, community, and ritual—are more likely than ever to come from diffuse traditions, or indeed no tradition at all.”2

Friends, make no mistake: any spiritual practices not rooted completely in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are connected to spiritual darkness and rooted in the enemy. There is no neutral ground. Let’s not be deceived thinking we can access anything good in the spiritual realm apart from the Trinity. Why would we waste our time dabbling with darkness when Scripture tells us: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder”? (James 2:19, NIV) Don’t be fooled; remember Paul’s warning: “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14b, NIV)

While some of us may feel far removed from occultic practices, we aren’t so different from the Ephesians; we still try holding onto mindsets and actions that dishonor Jesus even after we’ve invited Him into our lives. When we ignore sins that need to be confessed, we miss out on the cleansing and healing that repentance brings. Ultimately, that’s what compelled the believers in Ephesus to admit their sin, burn their scrolls, and publicly turn away from practicing magic. 

Will you pause to consider where you may be layering beliefs and behaviors that dishonor Jesus on top of your faith in Him? Be bold like the Ephesians by confessing and bringing into the light what may be lurking in the darkness. As you do this, you’re allowing the Word of the Lord “to increase and prevail mightily” in your life. (Acts 19:20, ESV)

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  • 1. Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, p. 2000
  • 2. Tara Isabella Burton, The American Interest, “The Rise of Progressive Occultism,” 2019. Article link.

Putting On Our New Nature

The summer before I started high school, I got an edgy haircut and a vintage jean jacket at a thrift store in Berkeley. Dangling earrings and frosty “Zinc Pink” lipstick completed my look. It was all part of my master plan to reinvent myself as I launched into 9th grade. Another aspect of my new appearance included ditching shoes in favor of bare feet. My parents warned me of health and safety concerns, but it was to no avail. Over time, I developed thick callouses that desensitized me to sharp pebbles and rough surfaces.

Although I wanted to believe my feet were tough, they were still vulnerable to injury. I ignored that truth until I walked on scorching pavement one sweltering August afternoon. The tender burns were painful for weeks and the quarter-sized blood blisters remained on the balls of my feet for months. They served as a humbling reminder of my foolish choice to cast common sense aside for the sake of looking cool (in my own mind, at least).

Even though I wear shoes most of the time now, it’s still a challenge to prevent callouses from developing on my feet during the summer months. To keep them from becoming too thick, I buff my feet with a file in the shower a few times a week. If I wait too long, the callouses get tougher and harder to remove. (Apologies to squeamish readers who find this a bit too graphic.)

Strangely, I thought of that regular part of my hygiene routine as I read Ephesians recently: “With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.” (Ephesians 4:17-19, NLT)

In this passage, the word “Gentiles” refers to those who do not follow Jesus or value God’s ways. Their closed minds and hard hearts cause them to be desensitized to sexual sin and to engage in activities that dishonor God, moving them further away from Him. Similar to my feet, they develop thick callouses on their hearts that give them the illusion of invincibility. Believing they are experiencing ultimate freedom, they are actually enslaving themselves with an unquenchable thirst for pleasure that only increases as it’s given free rein in their lives. Like the burns on my bare feet, people pursuing sexual gratification outside of God’s clear boundaries don’t realize the pain they’re ultimately causing to themselves and others in their lives.

Believers’ attitudes and behaviors in the realm of sexuality look markedly different, however. Paul asserts: “But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:20-23, NLT)

Paul reminds believers that we’re meant to live differently. The callouses that deaden us to sin have been removed from our hearts, lovingly buffed away by the grace of Christ. Our habits, behaviors and attitudes about sexual activity set us apart from the world because we have a “new nature.” Rather than taking our cues from social norms, personal feelings, or physical urges, we seek the wisdom of the Bible as our guide.

Of course, with the steady influence of the world all around us, it’s still easy for believers to fall into misguided views on this topic. When we ignore truth in Scripture and float with the current of popular culture, we’re bound to make compromises when it comes to our views on sex. Rather than being deceived or confused, let’s stand solidly on the wisdom of God’s Word that has remained unchanging for thousands of years. Let’s open our Bibles and allow God’s truth to buff away the callouses of the world that numb us to sensuality and lust. Let’s stop normalizing habits of mind and body that ultimately damage our souls and our relationships.

Maybe it’s time to consider where you’ve let the world influence you more than God’s Word. Are you willing to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart and convict you of any changes you need to make? How about committing to seeking God’s wisdom instead of letting our culture be your guide? This isn’t about guilt or shame, but about eliminating the sin that’s hurting us and hindering our spiritual growth. It starts in our hearts and minds long before it’s expressed in our behavior.

God knows us and knows our struggles. He loves us and wants what’s best for us. Tasha Layton’s song “Look What You Done” provides a poignant reminder of God’s grace and power to change even the most deeply rooted sin in our lives. Click here to listen.

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Seeking Shalom

Her long, tangled hair hung like a curtain in front of her face. With eyes downcast, she wrapped her arms around her chest, shivering in the early morning light. The thin tunic she’d thrown on a few minutes earlier wasn’t meant to be worn in public, but it was all she could find when the men had burst into the room to drag her from bed. Standing before a disapproving crowd, she wondered why the man she’d been with wasn’t there next to her. She may have ignored the commandments about adultery, but she knew both people should be stoned to death according to the laws in Leviticus. 

Shivering, she shifted from one bare foot to the other on the stone steps of the Temple Mount as the Pharisees questioned a young Rabbi from Galilee. She didn’t know this new teacher, but it seemed they had even more contempt for Him than they did for her. Soon she realized she was being used as pawn in their scheme to trap this man named Jesus. But they were no match for Him: “When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ’Go now and leave your life of sin.’” (John 8:9-11, NIV)

Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, but He also didn’t condone her sin. His compassion for her meant that He wanted more for her than the life she’d been leading. He aimed to restore her to the wholeness and harmony for which she was created. Kristi McClellan explains, “The Lord doesn’t hate sin because we broke a rule, law, or instruction. The Lord hates sin because sin disturbs our shalom. It disrupts our harmony, wholeness, flourishing, delight, and communion with God. It disrupts the way God created us to be—in relationship with Him and with one another. In encouraging the woman…to leave her life of sin, Jesus was inviting her into shalom—a renewed sense of the harmony, wholeness, flourishing, and delight the Lord wished for her to know and experience in her life.”1

Kristi explains that God’s laws are His instructions for how to live the abundant life He desires for us. That sounds a lot different than the check list of “do’s and don’ts” I tried to live by in younger years. I remember believing the lie that following God’s laws meant leading a safe, but dull life devoid of fun. I was drawn to the allure of sin and the false freedom it promised. I stayed stuck in a cycle of quiet disobedience for a long time, carrying guilt and shame all the while. I didn’t feel I deserved the Lord’s forgiveness until I was ready to clean up my act. Ironically, throughout this season I was participating in Christian community, attending church, and portraying myself as a “good” girl. Never did I consider sharing my struggles with a godly confidante or asking the Lord for help. The idea of confessing my sin horrified me. I was too worried about disappointing people I respected. I also wasn’t ready for the changes I’d need to make to repent with sincerity.

The world, the flesh, and the devil influence us to believe that God’s ways are rigid, strict, and unreasonable. They tell us that true freedom is found in flouting His commandments and breaking boundaries He sets for our good. It’s not until we’re mired in sin and unable to extract ourselves from it that we realize sin isn’t freedom, it’s imprisonment. David says it well in Psalm 32: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin…Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:3-5, 10, NIV)

Remaining stuck in sin robs us of strength, joy, and peace. It leads to unhealth on many levels– spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, and physical. The longer we carry the burden of sin, the more damage it does to us and those we love. The Bible speaks to this and offers a solution: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) Confessing to God in the quiet of our hearts brings forgiveness, but we may also need to speak it aloud to receive the support needed for change. While this sounds scary, being honest about sin brings it into the light so we can experience deep cleansing and healing. If you’re carrying the burden of sin, ask God to help you lay it down and to lead you to a godly confidante who can walk beside you. 

Jesus longs to restore shalom to your life. Will you let Him do it?

“How Can It Be” by Lauren Daigle is a powerful song inspired by the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. Listen now and let it encourage you to be honest and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Click here to listen.

1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 114.

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Naming Shame

She’d been divorced by five different men and left alone and vulnerable in a patriarchal culture. The man she was with at the moment made no promises of lasting commitment. People likely speculated about why she couldn’t keep a husband, if they didn’t already know the reason. Ashamed, she avoided joining the other women drawing water from the well in the cool of the morning or the waning heat of the evening. Instead, she trudged there at noon, lugging her water jar alone with the sun beating down on her back and sweat beading on her brow. Looking up one day, she squinted and rubbed her eyes as the outline of a man seated at the well came into view. 

In the moments that followed, this Samaritan woman who’d lived under a cloud of shame met a man who changed everything. “He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’ ‘I have no husband,’ she replied. Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true… The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’” (John 4:17-18, 25-26, NIV)

Jesus saw the woman’s shame, named it, and then revealed Himself as the long-awaited Savior of the world. “He reached all the way into her story, saw into her soul, and likely named the hardest and most shameful thing she had ever lived through. He entered into her world with compassion and empathy.”1 Kristi McClellan then turns this story to make it personal. She says “Jesus seeks to enter into your world with compassion and empathy too. Ordinary days become extraordinary when you let Jesus in to generously lift you up.”2

Shame. It’s not a topic we like to discuss. Author, psychologist, and speaker Dr. Curt Thompson sheds light on why we avoid admitting we feel it. He explains that shame becomes part of our identity, instead of thinking we’ve done something bad or wrong, we think, “I am bad and wrong.” Thompson says that shame causes people to turn away from God and others. It cuts us off internally and externally. Shame goads us to cower in the dark, berating ourselves instead of seeking healing and hope through connecting with God and others.

 Isn’t that what we see with the woman at the well as Jesus engages her in conversation? She moves from being alone and isolated to being seen and loved. In response, she shares her amazement with the community that shunned her: “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’  They came out of the town and made their way toward him.” (John 4:28-30, NIV)

Once Jesus brings her shame to light, He frees her from it. And He can do the same for us. Using Scripture as our guide, Dr. Curt Thompson explains how we can name our shame and break free of its hold on us.3 Using his insights, let’s look at Hebrews 12:1 & 2 to understand the process: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

-A Cloud of Witnesses: Shame makes us believe we have to fix ourselves before we can let God or others know us. But Jesus accepts us right where we are and then moves us out of our shame, just as He did with the woman at the well. We need others to tell us what’s true about who we are. Who are the people bearing witness to your life and speaking truth to you? 

-Throwing Off Sin that Entangles: The enemy tries to trip us up and undermine our attempts to make wise and God-honoring choices. He uses our sins and the sins of others as tools to shame us. Recognizing this is the first step toward breaking their hold on you. Are sin and shame currently entangling you? Will you ask Jesus to help you cast them aside so you can walk freely with Him? 

-Run with Perseverance: Being vulnerable and honest isn’t easy. If it’s a struggle for you, start by practicing it in small moments. Be honest with yourself about the shame you feel and what’s causing it. Then seek a safe person with whom you can share it–whether it’s a wise friend or a trained counselor. Being vulnerable might feel awkward and uncomfortable, but with practice, you’ll begin to enjoy the freedom of being honest with yourself, others, and God. Who can you invite to help you persevere?

-Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: As we look to Jesus, we’ll discover He’s been looking at us and waiting patiently for us to notice. Once we’re released from the weight of shame, we’re postured to receive His gentle healing. Then we can look outward to encourage others who also need to hear His message of hope, love, and truth. This is what He did with the woman at the well. And He’s willing to do it for you too, whenever you’re ready.

Being vulnerable and open doesn’t come naturally to me, so I empathize if these ideas scare you. I still remember the first time I admitted my shame to someone aloud. It was on the roof of a houseboat at a summer camp I worked at after high school graduation. I’d applied to serve there for the fun of being in Christian community, meeting new friends, and having easy access to waterskiing. What I hadn’t anticipated was being convicted that the double life I’d been leading was preventing my spiritual growth. The other leaders there had a passion for Jesus that I lacked. Feeling like a fraud, I admitted my struggles with sin and acknowledged my shame to a fellow staff member. Rather than chastising or condemning me, my new friend received what I shared with compassion and kindness. Jesus used him to speak truth and love to me in a way I’d never experienced. He was the first witness who helped me to see that vulnerably naming my shame was the beginning of being transformed by God and finding true freedom in Christ. (In fact, the bond between us grew so strong that we got married a few years later.)

Will you risk being vulnerable and naming your shame so you can throw off the entanglement of sin and fix your eyes on Jesus? If this feels terrifying, pray and ask the Lord to bring you a safe person who can listen and love you well. This is a heavy topic you may need to explore further with additional resources listed below. Don’t let shame isolate you any longer. 

Let Olivia Lane’s song “Woman at the Well” inspire you and give you courage today. Click here to listen.

  • 1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 62.
  • 2. ibid
  • 3. Dr. Curt Thompson, IF:Lead 2019 breakout session notes. For more resources on shame from Dr. Thompson, click here.

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