Weekly Theological Reflection (Unedited)
Mark L. Lastimoso
Winter 2014
Fuller Theological Seminary
NE 567 Revelation Instructor Rev. Dr. Yongbom Lee
Due Date March 21, 2014
Revelation 1:1-20
Verse 1 Assures me that this revelation of Jesus Christ is from God. I am confident that as I read and meditate on its words God is speaking His expressed will in my life and into my future. This gives me hope and assurance that the words of prophecy is trustworthy, truthful, and triumphant.
The historical John, the beloved apostle, wrote this book. He was shown the significant events that will happen in the future and through coded language that ancient readers understand, the glimpse of God’s redemptive act before the second coming of Jesus Christ.
John knows Jesus Christ. Jesus live to show us the way, died for our sins, and on the third day was resurrected. He ascended with clouds to heaven and in the same manner will someday descend to establish His millennial reign of peace and goodwill. The parousia (second coming) remains the pivotal message of this chapter. I am invited to see what Jesus has done and could do. I am being drawn into the exciting pages of prophecy, pictorials and presentation of the Divine through symbols and signs.
Jesus declared Himself to be the first and the last. All roads end to Him and in Him. I am asked to be happy reading this book as well as to be eager in grasping it with blessed anticipation that my soul will be edified and elevated. The seven churches are representing the different attitudes and characteristics of Christians throughout its history. Although the seven churches existed during the time of John, they tell us story about our Christian experiences and how to correct them. To the first church in Ephesus, the message is not to be afraid. Surely, this is an assurance of hope and peace.
Revelation 2:1-29
Verse 1 continues Christ’s admonition to the church in Ephesus. In verse 2 I am brought to the realization that Jesus Christ (as God) knows the inward and outward deeds of this church. It implies that Jesus knows me as well both my heart and my being. Indeed Christ’s loving kindness and just assessment are profound in reading the next verses.
Jesus particularly mentioned the Nicolaitans (heretical sect) whose primary activity was to cheapen the grace of Christ by disobeying God and His law. They were teaching promiscuity and gluttony. And presumed that they were saved by grace and made that grace a license to their indulgences.
The Lord asked those who read the letter to repent and therefore made it clear adherence to holiness which God required among His people. Furthermore, Jesus reiterated to hear what He has to say.
Revelation 3:1-22
In the middle of this chapter echoes the statement of Jesus which was also found in chapter 1. Verse 11 Christ’s emphatic remark that He will come again as juxtaposition prior the
trial of the saints and Christ’s assurance to persevere, thus a reward will be given. I see here the predominant theme of Jesus seeking and saving those who hear His word.
I am reminded in verse 17 that our greatest need is not the wealth of this world, nor the false security that money could offer, but rather in the richness of Christ’s redeeming love and grace. Christ constantly initiates the seeking and the knocking in our hearts. Waiting for a response.
A motif that I think is worth pondering here is found in verse 19. Jesus is portrayed as a loving parent. He chastises albeit disciplines whom He loves. This verse speaks universally and personally because all of us experience parental love. It is true that God loves us and wants the best for us though we tend to go the opposite direction.
Revelation 4:1-11
I pondered that worship is the theme of this chapter. The splendor of the heavenly throne was shown to John and he was invited to behold the majestic homage of the celestial beings and angels. John mentioned that he was in the spirit when drawn to that momentous worship experience. Singing is part of this worship and one of the great hymns that we are still using in our liturgy is found in verse 8. While beholding this fantastic gathering, he was told again about what will take place in the future. Thus, heavenly worship and prophecy converged, both are of divine origin.
I think that Jesus Christ deserves the glory, praise and honor that John heard and saw. After identifying the sins of the seven churches and prescription made by Jesus Christ to return to Him, to obey Him, and to worship Him culminates and John has the privilege to write this chapter.
Revelation 5:1-14
Verse 1 points to the position of the right hand in the throne with the scroll sealed with the seven seals. I surmise that this position is the place of power and strength. The desperation of the moment was broken by the news that the lamb of God who is Jesus Christ alone is worthy to open the scroll which is good news indeed. Jesus alone is worthy because he was slaughtered for the redemption of the world. The angels sang a sacred serenade to confirm their allegiance to God and to His Son, Jesus Christ, who was seated in the right hand of the throne.
Interestingly, the chapter ends with a chorus of the four living creatures saying, “Amen” which to me is an invocation and worship of the divine name of God.
Revelation 6:1-17
In this chapter there were six seals that were mentioned. Now, the scenes are moved from heaven to earth as each seal were being opened by the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Verse 1 describes a conqueror riding the white horse, with a bow (without arrows), a crown or laurel was given to him. Many interpreters see him as Christ while others see him as the anti-christ. It is interesting to note that there were no mentioned of bloodshed or affliction.
The second seal represented by the fiery red horse came out. Its rider was given permission to kill and there was no peace. The Third seal was opened and a black horse rider had a pair of scales in his hand. This depicts a famine. And the fourth seal was the pale horse rider whose name was death came out.
In the fifth seal, John saw under the altar the souls of those martyred, for their faith, crying. A white robe was given to each one of them and were told to rest. The sixth seal writes about the cosmic turbulence and celestial disturbances. The wicked hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountain for they cannot withstand the day of the Lord’s wrath.
This chapter tells me that God is patient in dealing with the world. He warned first before He executes His righteous indignation.
Revelation 7:1-17
There are two large groups of people who were mentioned. One is the 144,000 from the children of Israel and the other is the great multitude that no one could count. They have a distinct characteristics from each other and are representing God’ people in the end time. These are Ethnic Israelites and the spiritual Israelites who are the converted Gentiles. Though they are different they are both able to exclaim that salvation belongs to the Lamb of God.
They were given white robes and have come out from tribulation, they have confessed their sins and have living connection with Jesus Christ. He comforted them by wiping their tears from their eyes.
Revelation 8:1-13
The seventh seal was opened and there was a silence of thirty minutes. This is a contrast from the noises of the previous chapters and a prelude to the seven trumpets. In the Old Testament trumpets are used in battle, in worship, and in celebrations. In this chapter trumpets are associated with prayers and the motif of judgment. The first trumpet: the vegetation of the earth were burned up. The second trumpet: the mountain was thrown into the seas, also a third was destroyed. The third trumpet: stars fell and on the third of the river. The name of the star was Wormwood, a bitter tasting plant, symbolizes idolatry. The fourth trumpet sounded: a third of the sun, moon, stars were darkened.
This chapter is a vivid description of destruction and judgment upon the earth. Though it is full of frightening imagery, our assurance is that Christ opened the seventh seal which precipitated the blasting of the seven horns. Christ can be trusted and He will take care of His people in the terrible times to come.
Revelation 9:1-21
It is a consolation to read in verse 4 that God cares for His people and the environment and judge only those who are not sealed by God. The message of this chapter is similar and is connected to the previous chapters about repentance and worshipping the true God and forsake the idols of the Graeco-Roman empire. I think God is showing John the bigger picture about the cosmic conflict between the forces of the good and the evil.
Although portrayed in a battle scene with symbolic beasts and animals that are familiar to the first century context, God is actively engage in warning and waiting for His people to be holy as He is holy.
Revelation 10:1-11
God is a God of second chances and more. I am glad to read the last verse 11 that encourages John to not give up on prophesying and to continue to do what God has asked him to do. There will be disappointments along the way but God encourages us not to give up. I think that is the coded message in this chapter. Knowing that God is in control and is personally interested in our welfare provides a fresh wind to use the sails of the Holy Spirit to propel us to move on and forward.
Sometimes the bitter experiences of our life become sweetened when distilled by the purpose and will of God. And we willingly allow God to take control of our lives. Despite the inconvenience that happens in our life, when we stay in faith in the prophecy and promise of the divine, all things will become a purifier that will purge us of our infirmities and dross.
Revelation 11:1-19
God’s temple was seen and the scene of celestial sound and sight revealed that He is glorious and holy. The trumpet proclaims the kingdom of God and the solemn warning was made for those who disobey God and destroy the earth will be judged and will be destroyed too.
I think this chapter reminds me of God’s two witnesses: 1) The Holy Bible or the Scriptures 2) Nature or the Environment. In Hebrew mind, two witnesses are needed to validate a certain fact or truth. It can also represent the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).
Another interesting insight is found in verse 17 the attitude of gratitude to a good God is sang. We are to fear or to revere the Creator God who made all things.
Revelation 12:1-17
The heaven revealed the great cosmic conflict between the forces of the good and the forces of evil. The prophesy about the woman which is a symbol of the true church (people of God) is mentioned. The Child is a symbol of the Messiah or Jesus Christ. And the dragon is represented by the enemy of God. A specific timeline 1260 is prophesied about the church being persecuted.
In verse 7 a celestial revolution between good and evil is happening. Jesus fought with His angels and the dragon with his evil angels and the latter did not prevail. So the dragon was cast out to the earth. The dragon was deceitful and he set out to deceive the inhabitants of the earth. Also he persecuted the church and the saints. And the enemy of God was angry to the church and declared was against the church because they keep the commandment of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 13:1-18
At this time the identification of the agent used by the dragon was revealed and the number of this beast is 666. It seems that the enemy of God is winning the battle and achieving its objectives to persecute and intimidate God’s people. Yet the good news is God knows and cares for His people.
I am comforted to know where the prophetic way marks are located so that I will be aware of the pitfalls and traps along the way. The lamblike beast with two horns but spake like a dragon perplexes the reader. Where it came from is a sparsely populated area (earth) which later on formed the image of the beast. I was pondering who this power is.
Revelation 14:1-20
I see that Jesus is the Lamb of God and those who follow Him are those who are defiled by immorality and idolatry. They were obedient to Him. The three angels (messengers) messages are very important and are urgent to be preached:
The first angel calls for worship of the Creator God-also connected to Exodus 20:8-11
The second angel calls to come out of Babylon- a false religious system (a confusion).
The third angel calls to be sealed by God- in contrast to the mark of the beast.
In verse 12 I am being encouraged to be patient and be faithful to His commandments and faith in Christ.
Revelation 15:1-8
God always mix His judgment with His mercy. In verse 1 the number seven symbolizes completeness of His judgment. God’s character (merciful) is in harmony with His law and His judgment. In fact the hymn of Moses speaks about God’s great and marvelous works and His just judgements.
The plagues that was brought out by the seven angels represent the consequence of violating the laws of God and His universe.
Revelation 16:1-21
I am thinking of the punishment imposed by God as appropriate because of the crime or violation committed. This implies the justice and mercy that God allows to those who break His laws as judicious and within the bounds of His mercy. Yet God will not tolerate sin and His holiness will consume sin.
In verse 15 we are told of Christ’s witness that He is coming as a thief in the night and admonishes us to watch and pray. In the last verse we are told that God has pronounced and executed wicked men are still continue to blaspheme. This shows that God is indeed correct to punish those who stubbornly rebel against God.
Revelation 17:1-18
In its opening verses the contrast between the true church against the false church is definite and clear. The former was persecuted and the latter was punished by the completeness of God’s judgment. The false church is represented by the colors of scarlet and purple with precious gems but filled with abominations and fornication.
The unusual sight of a drunken women (drinking blood) in the ancient time is not only scandalous but vile. I mean this woman (church) is extremely toxic and venomous. Albeit bloody and murderous filled with hatred towards God’s true people. The identification of this woman is obvious in its context which came out during the Roman empire and the ten barbaric kingdoms or tribes. Another interesting reflection about the location of this woman (church) is it sits on the seven heads or seven mountains. One city-state that I believe fits this description is the Vatican.
The ten kingdoms and the woman have one mind and that is to give power to beast who is the enemy of God. The principle of Scripture interprets Scripture is found in verse 15. The waters (sea) represents people, multitudes, and nations and tongues. I am glad that the clues and hints are in the Scriptures. Although there are diverse interpretation about the ten horns and the beast yet the Scriptures give us thoughts to ponder.
Revelation 18:1-24
Babylon’s name was derived from Babel. Babel is a story in Genesis 11 about rebellion and confusion. Babylon in Revelation represents, in my thinking, as a man made, nemesis inspired, false religious institution that promulgate sinful lifestyle and sin filled activities. The utter pronouncement of judgment upon Babylon and God’s call for His people to come out of that system is strongly emphasized.
The historical lessons this chapter is alluding to reminds me that God will vindicate His people in the final analysis. This false religious system who murdered God’s people was identified and that gave me relief that God is in control even though He allows His people to suffer and even killed.
Revelation 19:1-21
Singing and worship are essential in a Christian life. I believe revelation encourages praise worship and even have hymns that glorifies God and what He has done. The throne room scene is where the four, twenty elders, and the four beasts worshipped God. Another element of this chapter is the rejoicing and gladness in verse 7 which is being commanded because the Lord Jesus had saved His church and has chosen His own.
The depiction of the white horse with the Faithful and true siting on it heralds a regal hope who is both a Judge and a Ruler that will pronounce the wrath of God to those who rebelled and hold on to sin. This is actually a good news that there is an end to the bad things the beast, the dragon and the false church are doing. God is the winner.
Despite the warnings and judgements of God there are false prophets who are still deceiving and continue worshipping the beast. God’s complete vindication will be felt when the Lord returns and will eradicate sin.
Revelation 20:1-15
I am reflecting on the message of this chapter that talks about the future of the devil. There is a clear clue here that the devil will be bound for a thousand years and will be loosed after the millennium and the second resurrection for all the wicked of the ages and when Satan rally them to attack the city of God after the millennium, fire came down from heaven. The end of sin is seen and felt after the fire consume Satan, sin and his people.
God’s people will examine the record and will exclaim that God is just and true and faithful. I am overwhelmed by this message of Revelation. Indeed it is a book of hope and meaning in my struggle, my journey, my way to the kingdom.
I accepted Christ in my life and the assurance He gave me is that my name is written in the book of life and I will be with Jesus when He comes again. My name will be called. I praise His grace and His love. I am assured and confident this book revealed to me.
Revelation 21:1-27
Reading this chapter is a delight and happiness. I believe heaven is a real place and it is blissful in there. Words cannot describe but John gave me a hint how beautiful it is to be in the presence of the Lamb and saved by His grace. I believe in the promise that God will be with us and He will heal, comfort, assure, encourage us in His presence.
Jesus is the alpha and omega and He promised to take us home with home. This is the core of this reading. Jesus is worthy to be worshipped. Darkness will be gone and will be substituted by perpetual light.
Revelation 22:1-21
Complete restoration is my reflection as I read this chapter. I am in awe inspired by what Jesus promised. He will come again is oft repeated theme and its thrust. A solemn message of hope revealed. Heaven is a real place with people who are called by God. The tree of life is mentioned to satisfy the eternal needs of mankind.
The river of life is perfectly described to quench our eternal refreshments. Jesus testifies that He will give us all these things and He said that His coming is quick and sure.
I am reminded to long for this heavenly home. That worship will be the everlasting pleasure of God’s elect and will preoccupy the saved. Sin will be eradicated. No more rebellion. No more nightmarish scenes of harm and hurt. No more earthly experiences because all things are new and because Jesus is with us.
Thus, the invitation for us who hears is clear to remain faithful and true to our God until He shows up into the clouds. Th last verse captures everything, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”