Back to the Future (Part 15)

Last time we looked at Revelation 12-14 where the Apostle John gives the readers a brief description of each of the key characters in this real life drama called "history" or "God's story". As with any play, movie, or drama, it is at the end where you see the true heroes and villains. It is at the end of the story in which everything you have witness comes together to it's rightful conclusion, as written by the author. Throughout the story or drama there may have been characters, plots, dialogue, and action that may not have been clearly recognized or understood in the moment; but a sign of a good movie or drama is to keep it's audience guessing or hooked to the very end. It is no different with all the events that will unfold at the end of time. A lot of action has played out in history for over six thousand years, and now it will come to a dramatic end.

John gives us three main scenes, the first deals with the hatred Satan has toward Israel and the Messiah (12). The second scene deals with the rise of the Anti-christ and false prophet in the end time (13). The last scene pictures the Victorious Lamb of God (14). It is the end of this drama that matters the most. Even when it seemed there were times when Satan might win, it is the final scene of victory in heaven that matters the most. The Lamb is standing with all the redeemed (14:1-5). The Lamb is shown in control of all events and giving out the final blessings and curses upon those who obey or disobey His offer of mercy. It was the Lamb who paid the ultimate price for sin by shedding His blood (5:6), yet now stands in victory over the enemies of the cross. And all those who chose to side with the Lamb, the overcomers, will too experience the victory of the Lamb. When you recognize and embrace Jesus as the only true Warrior, that fact alone should make your life less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Back to the Future (Part 14)

The only experience I have had in role playing was two different times in high school I signed up for the school play in drama class. In the first production I had a semi-prominent role, and in the second production I worked mainly behind the scenes. I really enjoyed by time on the set, working, building, memorizing, and watching the whole production come together. I may not be the smartest cookie in the jar, but one thing I know about dramas, skits, movies...when the time comes for the action to begin, not just anyone can jump on stage, or in front of the camera and join the cast. The cast has been chosen and pre-approved ahead of time by the director, to fill the needed roles. One might think they would make the best leading character, but quickly find out that the director has the final say in whether or not they get that staring role. In most cases, those who think they are the best in a particular role find out quickly that they don't have what it takes to fulfill the wishes of the director.

It is no different when we talk about the end time and the final act on earth. When the Apostle John writes Revelation 12-14, what he does is give us a brief description of all the main cast and characters in the great tribulation, so the readers will have a better understanding of the great drama that will unfolded in the near future. Every character has been appointed by God for a specific role, and each follow the script perfectly, even the villains. God, the master director has everything in order, even in an environment that seems chaotic. The following are the main characters: Sun-clothed woman (Israel, 12:1-2,5-6,13-17), great red dragon (Satan, 12:3-4,7-9,13-17,13:1), the male child (Christ, 12:5-6), Michael the Archangel (12:7-9), first great beast (anti-Christ, 13:1-8), 2nd beast (false prophet, 13:11-18), and The Lamb (Jesus the Risen Savior, 14:1-21). All cast and characters throughout history have been playing out their role on God's grand stage. God has not empowered any of the sinful acts of devil and men, but He has permitted them in order to bring Him the greatest of glory. This glory is seen in the last chapters of Revelation when we read that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and Satan will be judged in the lake of fire forever. When we realize how powerful God truly is, then it makes our life on earth less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.