Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Outline: Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Passage: Revelation 19:6-21
Discussion audio (1h49m)

The demise of oppressive forces, systems, and entities continues as Revelation moves towards its conclusion. John employs much imagery from earlier in the book to emphasize a singular process and event that is being described throughout the book.

Chapter 19 is mostly narrative and description. There is little to nothing in the way of warnings, exhortations, or commands that are given. As such there is nothing explicit that is given for Christians to follow. It is mostly about assurance that evil and oppression will fall and be destroyed.

There are a couple of parenthetical commentaries that John inserts that indirectly addresses concerns he may have in regards to Christians and the Church. One has to do with the explanation of “fine linen” as “righteous deeds”. The other has to do with “testimony” as the “spirit of prophecy”. Our discussion touches on these items.

Beast from the Earth

Outline: Beast from the Earth
Passage: Revelation 13:11-18
Discussion audio (1 hour)

The second beast comes up out of the earth. As we continue into the depths of Revelation it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to fit symbols and images into predefined boxes that we have been given and/or created based upon whichever traditions we have. What happens when we attempt to listen to these passages and process them as if we were in the first century AD in the region of Ephesus?

Both the first and second beasts represent aspects of the imperial cult of the Roman empire as recognized by these first century Christians. Meanings of some of the details may have become lost to us, but the overall message is quite clear. There is nothing esoteric or mysterious in any of these passages. They were meant to be understood by the first century Christians. The message is that whatever external forces might be oppressing the church, there is nothing to fear. Even if God’s hand may be hidden from view, even if it might look like the church will be destroyed, his hands are at work to preserve and bring victory to his church, his people.

Beast from the Sea

Outline: Beast from the Sea
Passage: Revelation 13:1-10
Discussion audio (1h02m)

The drama of the conflict between the dragon and the woman (from Rev 12) continues. The dragon calls up a beast from the sea to do its bidding. Once again, rather than reading this as a future-prophecy, we seek to understand how the 1st century Christian living in the region of Ephesus might have read this message-from-God-prophecy.

The overarching message continues to be this: that although the oppressive powers against the church may appear to be prevailing, the church (saints) have already conquered because Jesus has conquered.