December 14, 2023 - Revelation 10-12

A great conflict is afoot between the Lord and Satan. Of course, it’s not a fair battle; the combatants are not equals. Consider some illustrative verses from these chapters along with my comments (just quick reactions without any attempt to sound scholarly or anything of the sort).

“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven . . .” (10:1).  Just this quick thought that hit me:  God don’t send no wimps down to do his work!

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ” (11:15).  Was there every any doubt?

“. . . and the dragon was defeated . . . that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan” (12:8,9).  Why would he, or anyone, think that he might prevail over the Lord?

On the other hand, concerning our God:  He is “Lord God Almighty, who is and who was” (11:17).  “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come” (12:10).  As promised in the Scriptures!

Nevertheless, in spite of all this, “the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (12:17).  Can anyone say, this is not going to end well for the serpent?

Hear the trumpet!— Hark, it soundeth!

‘Tis the trump of God most High.

Now the myst’ry is completed;

Mighty voices of the sky,

Shout the kingdoms! Hallelujah! Shout the kingdoms!

Gather’d home to God in Christ.

Spirits! Angels! Elders! Creatures!

Fall before the Man divine!

Glory, honour, pow’r, and blessing,

Riches, strength, and might are thine.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Lord! Amen!   --George Richards (1792)