Revelation 19

Revelation 19

Generally, a person can live up to 40 days without food. Depending on the circumstances, you can survive four days without water. With some variance, we can live 4 minutes without air. But we cannot last four seconds if we are completely without hope. The Book of Revelation is about hope for God's people under persecution. 

It is not intended to be a future chronology that describes a timeline of far-off future events. If the 1st-century believer cannot connect and understand the Revelation and find in it hope, what was its point or value? The first readers and hearers of this book put everything on the line for Christ. They had been brutalized by the powers of darkness at work in the government, in false religion and philosophy, and by the economic systems. Many died, and those who were left must find the answer to the question, “Was it worth it?” That question is answered three ways in this chapter.

This is a story far beyond anything that a movie could portray. It works on us with the emotion of a grand epic fairytale. For years a vile and wicked whore/madam with her cohorts hates and abuses a beautiful, young, virgin girl. The old woman tries to pull the girl into her brothel, offering her wealth and pleasure; failing that, she uses intimidation and threats. The girl refuses; she is bound to be faithful to her fiancé. One day, much to the surprise of the whore, the beautiful young girl appears in wedding garb and is met by her beloved, a mighty (Almighty) Warrior King. Now the abuse the bride has suffered at the hands of the desolate, wasted whore is going to be avenged. This chapter begins by looking back at the persecution of the Saints and at the blood spilled by this monstrous whore. Then we see in three ways the vindication of the disciples’ commitment to Christ. 

First, there is a revelation of the bride, the church. She is no small, huddled mass of defeated, desperate, irrelevant believers. Her voice rolls like thunder, and she is beautifully dressed by her good works. We are never saved by our good deeds, but they should mark our lives. Never undervalue the importance of the acts of righteousness done now, for they have eternal consequences. 

Second, there is a manifestation of Jesus as the warrior, king, and judge. This moment is unlike the manifestation at the Incarnation. The humble carpenter from backwoods Nazareth has returned, but now He is an avenging warrior king. The time for choosing sides is over. Now is the time for the consequences of the choice that has been made. 

Third, we see the destruction of the enemy. The tiny, persecuted, powerless faith community in the Roman Empire sees their hero come to their rescue. What seemed like an undefeatable power is completely obliterated. In fact, all the powers of darkness assembled are destroyed without a real fight. They're sent to destruction by the weapon of Truth. They are completely blown away. This brings us back to the original question, “Was it worth the cost to be a follower of Christ?” Yes, absolutely yes!

“Come, Lord Jesus, come rescue Your bride. AMEN”