Revelation - King of kings

How should we interpret Revelation? I agree with Mark Moore (author of Quest 52) who says we ask the wrong questions. Some try to take the symbolism, match it up with the symbols in the Old Testament, and try to figure out the end times. I believe we’ve been in the end times since Jesus was resurrected, and the symbolism primarily references the spiritual battle between God and Satan. What is the right question to ask? Moore says we should ask, “Who is Jesus?” and how can Revelation’s message help us rely on him during tough times? It was written to such people in the first century, Christians who were suffering for their faith. Part 1 – Chapters 1-4 (Jesus is the Son of Man); Part 2 – Chapters 5-18, (Jesus is the Lamb of God) now Part 3 – Chapters 19-22… “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems…He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:11-16). Jesus will return and is the King of kings, he will conquer all that is wrong in this world. A teacher leaves her classroom to visit the office. She warns her kids to behave and if not, they will face punishment. Her kids’ mind at first, but as time goes by, they are tempted to act up, to do things they know they shouldn’t. Every minute she is gone is one minute closer to her return, and if the kids aren’t minding, they will be subjected to the prescribed punishment. It is similar with Christ’s 2 nd coming. It’s been over 2,000 years, when will he return? I don’t know, but I know this, it’s closer than it’s ever been, and we need to stay focused. When Jesus came the first time, he came to provide forgiveness through his sacrifice, to shepherd those who followed him, wanting all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). That’s what I want to, for you to be in heaven with me, no matter who you are. God loves everyone. But he hates all sin. Sin will not reside in heaven. Jesus provides the solution, and all can have the sin problem taken care of by trusting and following Jesus as Lord. When Jesus comes the second time, it will be different. God’s patience will have been exhausted. Jesus will return on a white horse, ready to conquer! To conquer Satan and sin. We do not want to be on that side of the battle. Some call what they view in these closing chapters of Revelation: the Battle of Armageddon. But a physical battle never occurs. Remember that sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth? Jesus does battle with his words. That’s what this represents. He speaks and his enemies fall. The name by which he is called is The Word of God! We need to trust that word as we live our lives. Jesus once said, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge: the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). Let’s be on his side. If we are, we are told, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look, God’s dwelling place is now among the people’…He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:1-4). There’s a lot we may not understand in Revelation, but don’t make it harder than it needs to be. It was written to Christians being persecuted, who needed hope amid turmoil, to know that the dragon (Satan) would be defeated by the rider on the white horse (Jesus). We face uncertain times, it may get worse, and this book has a message for us today! Jesus, the Son of Man (predicted), the Lamb of God (the perfect sacrifice), will be King of kings and Lord of lords (our conquering Savior). Love him with all your heart and soul! There’s a spiritual battle going on. We may not know when Jesus will return, but we know what happens when he does! He conquers sin once and for all, ushering in his eternal kingdom, heaven on earth. This book ends with these words: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star! Yes, I am coming soon.” (Rev. 22:16, 20)

Cross Point: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take of the water of life” (Rev. 22:17).