Q4 — Writings | John, Hebrews, Revelation
Rev. 13-17; 2 Chron. 8-22; Psalm 145-147
Rev. 13-17
FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
Count on God’s Judgment
When I was a kid, I grew up learning how to count from a mysterious but friendly purple vampire who lived on a familiar television street. Whether he counted spiders on the wall or cobwebs in the hall, his musical approach to enumeration always left you tapping your feet. And this week, as we count down some of the final chapters in our reading plan, we'll find more noteworthy numbers in Revelation.
Two Beasts
On Monday (Rev. 13), John watches the first of two multi-headed beasts rise out of the sea with authority over the earth (Rev. 13:1-5). It spoke blasphemies against God and made war against the saints (Rev. 13:6-8). Then a second beast rose from the earth, deceiving the world into worshiping the first beast (Rev. 13:11-13). And through its deception, all humanity wore a mark with its name on their forehead (Rev. 13:16-18).
- Why should these terrifying beasts lead the saints toward endurance (Rev. 13:10)?
Three Angels
Unlike those who wore the beast's mark, on Tuesday (Rev. 14) we'll find the Lamb surrounded by 144,000 who wore God's name on their foreheads (Rev. 14:1). They sing a new song around the throne (Rev. 14:2-5). Judgment is coming, as we look up to see three angels flying overhead, bringing an eternal gospel and a condemnation against the beast and all who worship it (Rev. 14:6-11).
- How do the closing images about harvest relate to what Christ said about a "harvest" of judgment (Rev. 14:14-20; cf. Matt. 13:24-30))?
Seven Bowls of Wrath
On Wednesday (Rev. 15), those who conquered the beast sang Moses' song — the song of the Lamb — in heaven as seven angels came from the sanctuary with seven terrible plagues, wearing pure white robes. Then the four creatures gave each angel a bowl of wrath to pour out on the earth (Rev. 15:2-7).
The angels began to empty their bowls on Thursday (Rev. 16), pouring God's wrath upon the earth (Rev. 16:1). The plagues against God's enemies are terrible — like those in Egypt — with painful sores, rivers and seas of blood, fire burning the earth, darkness, drought, and finally hail after a great earthquake (Rev. 16:2-21).
- Are you willing to say to God, "True and just are your judgments" (Rev. 16:7)?
Ten-Horned Beast
On Friday (Rev. 17), one of the seven angels shows John a great prostitute riding on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns standing on many waters (Rev. 17:1-5). Her evil is evident, as she holds a cup full of abomination and sexual immorality and is drunk from the blood of Jesus' martyrs (Rev. 17:4-6). And while John marvels at the sight, the angel explains in great detail what it all means (Rev. 17:7-18).
- How does the angel's explanation of the woman shape your understanding of the book?
2 Chron. 8-22
FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
In 2 Chronicles 8-22, the narrative continues with Solomon’s reign, focusing on the temple’s completion and Israel’s consolidation as a nation under God. After successfully building the temple, Solomon dedicates it through prayer and worship, emphasizing a covenant relationship between God and His people. The chronicles detail the wisdom and wealth of Solomon, showcasing his diplomatic relationships and building projects that enhance Israel’s prominence. However, these chapters also foreshadow challenges, as Solomon’s later years reveal a drift from devotion to the Lord and a growing influence of idol worship. The account reflects on the importance of faithfulness to God’s covenant and the consequences of turning away, setting the stage for the division of the kingdom. Ultimately, these passages underscore the necessity of maintaining a heart aligned with God amidst prosperity and power in Israel's history.
Psalm 145-147
REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS
Psalms 145-147 continue to celebrate God’s greatness, His sustaining power, and His deep care for creation. Psalm 145 is an exuberant declaration of God’s majesty and goodness, inviting all to praise Him for His unwavering love and faithfulness. It emphasizes the divine attributes of compassion and mercy, assuring believers that God is close to those who call upon Him. Psalm 146 echoes this sentiment, urging trust in the Lord rather than in worldly powers, highlighting His justice for the oppressed and care for the needy. Psalm 147 concludes this trilogy with a focus on God’s greatness as Creator and Sustainer, showcasing His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. Together, these psalms inspire worship and reinforce the assurance that God is both powerful and personal, calling believers to recognize His enduring mercy and sovereignty in every aspect of life.