THE BOOK OF REVELATION

INTRODUCTION - This morning we return to our study of the book of Revelation. As we have already noted, Revelation is a first century book with a first century message. It deals primarily with events of that time, though its message is certainly applicable and important for the church today. We are not, however, reading a book filled with predictions about some time in our future. The bulk of the book describes the first century persecution of the church, the overthrow of her enemies, and the triumph of the ascended Christ as He is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Revelation shows us the transition between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Covenant, Temple, and City are being realized in the Church. Apostate Israel is judged for her rejection of the Messiah. As we now come to the end of the book, the theme of the triumphant Christ and His church becomes the focus. We are not looking primarily at the second coming, rather we are focusing on the triumph of the church in this world as Christ presently rules and reigns. Our attitude as Christians depends upon the present position of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. Christ rules triumphantly today over this universe. Our theology and attitude are not shaped by newspaper headlines, rather we are to be certain of Christ's victory and live with an attitude of triumph because He reigns. Our study of Revelation 19 has taken us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Here we saw that with the overthrow of the first century church's enemies, the people of God are called to feast with the Lamb of God. It is a feast of triumph which the church still celebrates as her Lord is on the throne of heaven. Today we shall end chapter 19 as we consider the second feast mentioned, and then a glorious description of our Lord and Savior. First, though, let us consider a rather unusual action taken by John at this point in the narrative.

1) JOHN FALLS AT THE FEET OF THE ANGELIC MESSENGER - Revelation 19:10 - The angel has just related to John the glory of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. John is so overwhelmed that he actually falls at the angel's feet in a posture of worship. It seems that John is engaging in idolatry. Yet is this possible for one so inspired by God, one who is such a mature Christian? How do we explain this bizarre behavior? One way is through the definition of the word "worship" used in the text. The word means to prostrate oneself before someone in respect and honor. This word can be used in the context of worshipping God, yet it can also be used to pay homage to a false god. The word is further used of men bowing before other men in respect and reverence to superiors (Matthew 18:26; Revelation 3:9). This would not be considered idolatry, and this is most probably what is happening here. John is giving reverence to an angel whom he thinks is his superior. Yet the angel corrects his mistake. John and the church are not beneath angels. We have joined the company of the angels and saints, and together we have become fellows servants to the Lord. God's people and His angels are equal, and this is the lesson which this angel expresses to John and to ourselves.

2) THE SUPPER OF THE GREAT GOD - Revelation 19:17-21 - We shall move ahead to the end of the chapter before considering the glorious description of Christ and His church given in between. In verses 17 to 21 we are introduced to the second feast in the chapter. The first was for the church and it is called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This second banquet, called the Marriage Supper of God, is for the enemies of Christ and the church. Both Rome and Jerusalem are pictured here (the Beast and the False Prophet), and both are judged for their persecution of the Bride of Christ. As they wage war against Christ (Psalm 2:1,2) they are destroyed by Him. This is not the end of the world, rather, it is the just judgment of God against first century Rome and Jerusalem. Nero would be destroyed and Rome's persecution of the church would end. Jerusalem would also be laid waste with the destruction of the Temple and city by Titus. Yet the horrible truth we are shown here is that this is not the end of their judgment. Instead, to raise a hand against the eternal God, the eternal Christ and His eternal people will result in eternal condemnation in the lake of fire. This is where all the enemies of Christ and His church will go. The passage stands as a great warning to ourselves today. Are we the friends of God and Christ? Are we members of His church? Or are we enemies of the Lord? Let the horrible picture of final judgment bring you to repentance and faith in the Lord of the Church!

3) CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH AT WAR - Revelation 19:11-16 - We want to end this chapter with a look at the glorious picture of Christ and His church. Here we see the Lord pictured as coming forth on a white horse as a great Conqueror. His description is reminiscent of the Lord Jesus at the beginning of the book of Revelation. This is Christ as He appears today in glory. This is Christ who presently rules and reigns over this world. We must also realize that Revelation 19 is not speaking of Christ at His second coming. In its context, this is a picture of Christ for the early church. As a small band of persecuted people, they might wonder if their continued existence was assured. John shows them that Christ is presently a King at war. He comes forth to fight on their behalf. His robe is splashed with blood because He tramples His enemies in the wrath of God. He has presently picked up the rod of iron and comes forth as the Captain of the church. This is still our Christ today! All the enemies of the first century were overthrown by Christ. All the enemies who continue to reject Him and His sovereignty will meet the same end. This is only possible if Christ rules today.

Yet there is more to this picture. Christ is accompanied by the forces of heaven - the church itself. Here we see God's people, not despondent or discouraged, but arrayed for battle with their Lord. This is the church today. This is the church in every age. The church is never pictured in defeat or retreat. Instead, we are commanded to dress for battle (Ephesians 6) and prevail over the gates of hell, for we are warriors. The world has become our battleground and our occupation is continual warfare. Our weapon is only one - the one which Christ wields, that is, the sword of Word of God (Revelation 19:15; Ephesians 6:19). The double-edged sword is the possession of the church through Christ, and it is this which we must use if we are to conquer in the name of our King. Christianity is to be an advancing and triumphant force in this world. Men might build hardened hearts around them, but Christianity can break through with the sword of the Spirit. Thus, the Christian is to become wise in the use of his weapon, and trust in the power of the Spirit to give power to this tool. The world will come at us with all sorts of clever weapons, yet everything can be conquered with the Word of God. Do we see ourselves as this mighty force, led by our conquering King? Where do we stand in relationship to the sovereign Lord of heaven? May all of us bow before Him this day and become His soldiers in the great battle in this world!