January 21, Revelation 11
As John’s experience on Patmos continued, more echoes from Zechariah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel colored the images of his vision and the language he used to describe what he saw. The measuring rod, the time of the Gentiles, the witnesses in sackcloth and the drought and plagues they inflict all come from Old Testament prophecies and history.
That is not to say John took these figures from the existing Scriptures and the account of the revelation is not genuine. Rather, it attests to the apocalyptic nature of this book and the continuity of the prophetic message from the time of the Old Testament prophets.
After the witnesses are killed, raised from the dead and called up into heaven, the voices from heaven shout, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” I’d rather you get this message than understand all about the 1,260 days. The symbolic mystery of calling the city where the Lord was crucified
“Sodom and Egypt” is a fascinating detail, but please don’t miss the big picture by fretting over the intricate details.
The over-arching message to the persecuted first recipients (and to us) is that God is firmly in control. He is going to triumph over every foe. Those who are on God’s side will share in his triumph. Regardless of how strong the enemies of God may seem to be, his wrath and judgment will bring about their destruction. At the same time, no opponent can thwart the certain reward God promises his faithful servants. That’s why the twenty-four elders enthroned before God fall down worshipping him in this passage—the Lord has taken up his power and begun to reign.
God’s timetable is inscrutable to us. All the details of his plan are not easy to understand. Our salvation does not depend on understanding them. The cross is at the beginning of our experience as Christians, where Jesus redeemed us from our sins. As we walk in his footsteps we’re promised help for each day. John gives us a glimpse out to the end, and reassures us that the Lord will prevail. Our confidence is bolstered by this message and our hope is fixed firmly, not in ourselves, but in him.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
Comments