February 27, 2007
¯ To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.
Prayer:
Father God, as I sit on the threshold of this week’s Bible study, reveal to me the importance of trusting You. You said that vengeance is Yours. Some day the entire populous will experience the truth of that statement. That thought alone should motivate me to witness to my family, friends, and associates. May Your word be true and every man be a liar. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Introduction:
Every now and then, the urge to seek revenge strikes all of us. Presumably, it’s a small matter like having a bucket of water dumped on your head and then figuring out a way to lure that doer-of-dastardly-deeds into the range of an open fire-hydrant.
When it comes to issues of greater importance, we can trust God to even the score. He wants us to seek reconciliation with those who offend us rather than revenge. In doing so, we may gain a brother or sister in Christ. That is always God’s ultimate goal. There is no better way to even a score than to make an ally out of an adversary. And if the enemy refuses to reform, only God has the right to seek vengeance.
The Lesson:
In chapter 13, John expounds on the rule of the Antichrist. During his reign, persecution of the saints will be more severe than ever before in history.
As in prior chapters, we view the terror of persecution then the promised relief. God slowly reveals His plan of redemption to humanity. Like a visit to the optometrist, our vision is blurred; but with each click of the lens, he brings clarity to our sight. With each chapter in Revelation, we find a click of the spiritual lens to clarify our understanding of God’s word, His plan of salvation, and His judgments.
As chapter 13 ends with the rule of the Antichrist, chapter 14 begins with the second advent of the Lamb. He came first as the suffering Servant. When Jesus returns, He will come as the conquering King of kings. Each of the following chapters will bring His second advent into clearer view.
Throughout Scripture, God pronounces punishment followed by promise. We opt to claim the promise, but forget the punishments. But God is true to His word. What He says will happen whether we want to claim promises and deny punishments or accept both as part of His salvation plan.
Verses 1-5: The second coming of Christ will be any awesome event—for the believer it will be the fulfillment of God’s promises for eternal life, a time to celebrate with song and instruments. For those who follow the Antichrist, it will be a time of sorrow, fear, and punishment.
In His word, God repeatedly commands us not to seek revenge, but to forgive and love our enemies. Vengeance is time consuming. When we spend our time on vengeance, we waste precious time that we should have spent on worshipping God. We ruin our testimony. And our enemy has won. Perhaps the one who offended us is the very person God wants us to win to Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay says the Lord. (12:19).
Isaiah also had a lot to say about vengeance. In fact, chapters 33-35 of Isaiah can be studied along with this lesson. Chapter 33 begins with, Look upon Zion. Isaiah expounds on the coming Messiah. Then in the next chapter, he reveals the wrath of God upon the nations of the world. God reassures us through Isaiah’s words in chapter 35 verses 3 and 4: Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will come and save you.
Verses 6-7: Written over a 1400-year span by over 60 God-chosen penmen, the Bible’s one theme clarifies God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. That in itself makes the Bible unique. All other documents written for religious purposes were written within the life span of a solitary author.
John recorded the Revelation of Jesus from beginning to end, not just from the cross. The seven seals reveal the sequence of events from creation through the day of the Lord, which is His eternal reign.
The news of Jesus Christ is everlasting (eternal—without beginning or ending) and worthy of angels to tell. Nevertheless, God has seen fit to entrust to earthen vessels for the entire world to understand.
The gospel of the New Testament is not a new gospel. It is the same gospel of the Old Testament.
Old Testament believers looked forward to the first advent of the Messiah. Many prophets, such as Isaiah, penned the words given to them by the Spirit revealing both advents of Christ in the same passage. Most of it was not understood until after Jesus’ resurrection.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we have a better comprehension of Christ. Still, Paul wrote, For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am know (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will never have complete understand on this side of eternity. However, as we continue to study God’s word, He “clicks the lens” to bring His word into focus.
Verses: 8-11: Babylon represents both pagan religion and Gentile government. All who do not conform to Jesus Christ on God’s terms, He will judge. The consequences are eternal torment.
Skeptics question the logic of eternal punishment in relation to a loving God. What they refuse to admit is we all deserve eternal punishment when we compare ourselves with the Holy God. His indescribable love for humanity caused Him to provide a way of reconciliation. The unregenerate mind cannot perceive the righteous judgment of God. But, rest assured, the redeemed by the blood of the Lamb will be satisfied and not be ashamed.
Conclusion and Challenge:
In a world filled with vengeful people, it is difficult not to retaliate when we are offended. Our society not only condones it, it encourages it. However, the reasoning of this world will not consume the child of God.
Prayer Requests:
Tammy, Gene, Keith, Carolyn, Paul, Bruce, Bilger family, Boonie family, Boys involved in school vandalism, Impact at Harrisburg, Kay, Mildred, Jacob, Rachel, Nancy, Gloria, Glen, Trista, Pastor Maloney, Amber, Shirley & Ryan, Gary, Jo, Barb, Bob, Melinda & Barry and family, Phyllis & husband, Don & Pat, John, Ray, Conner, Elizabeth, Mary, Irene, salvation for unsaved, April, Tony and Kathy, Carl and Thelma, Ann, Pauline, revival—In our hearts, in our churches, and in our communities, cancer victims, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Wayne and April are expecting their first baby April 2007. Congratulations. April's sugar was high, but she has it under control now.
Keith's surgery went very well. He fixed the washing machine the day he came home from the hospital. Maybe we need to pray he takes it easy for now.
I had the great pleasure of hearing the testimony of one of my loved ones who is now saved. WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We have many needs and God is pleased that we bring them before Him. But let's not forget to praise Him when we see His mercies. Sharing answered prayer is a high form of praise.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Our next Bible Study is March 6, 2007. Read Chapter 15, The Last Judgment.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. Nevertheless, in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. Tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@verizon.net. Be sure to put today’s Bible study in the subject line or I may delete it unopened.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page. To view the previous chapters of our study on the book of Revelation, follow this link: http://www.twosmallfish.org/revelation_bible_study.htm
To view our previous Bible studies, follow this link: http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda Hendricks.
You turned my mourning into
dancing
You stripped me of my sorrow and clothed me with your joy
I cannot be silent, I will sing Your praises forever. Psalms 30:11&12
(paraphrased by me)
