The Last Battle

Introduction/Context

Reading from Brandon

Why the change-up — “prophecy expert” trying to connect it to modern events

Re-read Revelation 21:1-4

Admittedly confusing

Tough part is the retelling of parts of history with different images, which is only partly chronological

I’ll send out a video from Bible Project

Context

Beast — political powers

Prophet — false religions

Rest — those who put their trust in worldly powers or religions

Rider on White Horse — Jesus, followed by armies of heaven

Sounds like we’re set up for a Narnia-type battle

Where we’ve gone wrong

Differing views on Revelation 20—>

One of which spins off and leads some people to think we speed the coming of Jesus through war (in the Middle East, against those opposed to Christianity)

Most genuine Christians recognize we shouldn’t take up arms, but are happy for the US to do it

Great irony—Jesus’ return isn’t waiting on war in the middle East but the preaching of the gospel to all creation (Matthew 24:14)

What actually happens

Those who rebel against Jesus (big and small, v. 18) are dishonored and destroyed

symbolism of vultures/no burials

if you balk at the idea of God’s judgement here, go read the Epstein files

We’re all invited to dinner — either the “wedding feast of the Lamb” or the “supper of God”

so know that we’re given a choice

How Jesus wins the battle

The two sides gather for battle, but no fight actually occurs. The Lamb speaks and the enemy is destroyed by his word of judgement. Why?

No blood needed to be shed. Jesus showed up already covered in blood—his own!

No victory needed to be won. Jesus showed up and had already won the fight at the cross.

Jesus doesn’t need to call on others to fight his battle.

He doesn’t call up Pete Hegseth

Christians who advocate just war still can’t say it’s the same as Rev. 19

He doesn’t even use his heavenly armies. They show up and then just stand there!

“The empire gathers for battle. The Lamb reigns without fighting. The battle was already won on the cross. That contrast is the critique. We want the warhorse. Jesus rides a donkey. We want the eagle. The Holy Spirit descends as a dove. We want to take up swords. Jesus takes up a cross. We want the roaring lion. God comes as a slaughtered lamb. We keep trying to arm God. God keeps trying to disarm us.” — FB post

What then should we do? Persevere + plead

We plead with those who are lost because there’s no getting around the truth of God’s wrath. Praise God Jesus took it at the cross!

How do we overcome?

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” — Rev. 12:11

We are washed in the blood of Jesus and we testify to one another so that we can endure, even to the point of death

Our job, like the heavenly armies, is simply to stand. We keep standing no matter what hardship comes our way.

“Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” — Mark 13:13

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…” — Eph. 6:12-13

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12