Every transformational Coach or Athlete desires to win. They compete with the goal of winning; however their purpose and value goes beyond the score board. Transformational Coaches and Athletes desire to compete at the highest level in their sport because they love their sport, they love to compete, and they love to push their capacities toward excellence in performance; not perfection. They hope in every game, match, or meet to showcase their preparation and their potential. Many of faith desire to use their performance and platform to Glorify God, the One who grants them their health and ability. But, transformational coaches look beyond the win at all cost; to process and development. They embrace the whole person and seek to develop mind, body, and spirit.

As you know, there are times when athletes do not perform at peak levels for various reason. Sometimes after performing with great wisdom, mental toughness, endurance, perseverance, and skill, the scoreboard reveals a less than desirable outcome. However, many in our current culture have made winning the purpose and the end all goal. Teams will fluctuate in their performance and often succumb to defeat because one or a few did not reach their optimum potential throughout the competition or even for a brief moment.
It is times like these where coaches and athletes must learn from the competition and the loss; but not land there. It's times like these where real competitors refocus, reset, and ready themselves for what lies ahead. They move forward with anticipation for the next opportunity to play the game they love, run the race to cut one fraction off their time, jump to heights never reached, or try some new play or technique.

Despite the outcome, they do not throw in the towel nor surrender. A coach or athlete will make the necessary adjustments mentally, emotionally, physically, strategically, and skillfully because they love the game, the competition, the challenge, the attempt to push themselves too their limit. They seek to perform in their sport because they enjoy the pursuit and the process as much as the outcome.

As a matter of fact, when a coach or athlete retires, it's not the long list of wins and losses that are remembered or missed; but the relationships, the camaraderie, the companionships, the environment, the sounds of the crowd, and even the smell of old gyms and locker rooms, as crazy as that might be.
I recently read the words of John Wooden that expressed these very thoughts. I would love to share them with you.

"Long before any championships were ever won at UCLA, I came to understand that losing is only temporary and not all-encompassing. You must simply study it, learn from it, and try hard not to lose the same way again. Then you must have the self-control to forget about it.

I've also learned that winning games, titles, and championships isn't all it's cracked up to be, and that getting there, the journey, is a lot more than it's cracked up to be.

Please understand that I wanted to win every single game I ever played in or coached. Absolutely. I wanted to win. But, I understood that ultimately the winning or losing may not be under my control. What was under my control was how I prepared myself and our team. I judged my success, my "winning," on that. It just made more sense.

I felt if we prepared fully we would do just fine. If we won, great; frosting on the cake. But, at no time did I consider winning to be the cake." (John Wooden; Wooden with Steve Jamison; 1997)

I would challenge each participant and fan to embrace sport for what it is... a challenge that builds character, team cohesion, motivation, confidence, mental and physical strength, leadership skills, and a tool for one to discover their purpose. I would challenge each participant and fan to embrace the purpose that Wooden embraced as much as the goal. I would challenge each participant and fan to realize that sport helps to develop and strengthen one's faith and spiritual growth, which produces many benefits, and helps one feel not only accomplished, but whole and complete.

As one who loves sports, coaches, and athletes, I want to remind you and myself that it's really not just about winning, it's about the journey… it’s about transformation, not transaction—Winning at all cost. Sports can bring out the best and worst in one’s heart and actions. However, sport, in the right context and attitude, is beneficial to the whole being and everyone who participates, follows, or cheers. Let’s evaluate our attitudes, actions, and outbursts and seek to bring God Glory in all we say and do.

​In grace and love, Pastor Shan
Indiana State University FCA
Nations of Coaches

Looking to our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament, we see that they tried to hide and cover their sin with garments they made, as their sin brought guilt, shame and ultimately death. Their eyes were opened, as they chose to follow their own path and desire, rather than choosing God’s perfect plan in and on God’s perfect creation.

Humanity has been born with the seed of sin since that time. Adam and Eve were confronted, convicted by, and ashamed of their choice to pursue their own path, and they sought to cover their nakedness; but God would not accept their coverings. Instead, He clothed them with skins from animals, meaning blood had to be shed; a sacrifice had to be offered or made.

There is a cost for the sin of mankind. There are consequences for our actions and our choices. A payment must be made. An innocent, unblemished, sacrificial lamb must be offered for sin—meaning everything that misses the mark that God established, anything that does not honor Him or His perfect plan your life.
 
“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Hebrews 9:22 (ESV)

According to Warren Wiersbe, “Jesus did not come to do a simplified patchwork job on our lives; He came to make us whole.”

In Christ’s death and burial, a perfect sacrifice has been offered, and in His resurrection, hope and eternal life restored. We have been raised from the dead; and like Lazarus, we must take off the old garments of death and put on the garments of new life.
 
“When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:44 (ESV)

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (ESV)

Wierbe says in "With the Word Bible Commentary" that in Mark 2 we must “consider the unique ministries of God’s Servant, Jesus Christ— He forgives our sins; He fellowships with “sinners,” and He frees us from bondage.”

In the first 12 verses of Mark 2, we see that Jesus forgives sin, our sin, more specifically, a paralytic's sin in this passage. Imagine a servant having such authority! That was the thoughts of the religious leaders that witness this forgiving and healing incident. “That’s blasphemy!”

“And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Mark 2:8-12 (ESV)

The healing of the body is a great miracle, but it does not last. The forgiveness of sin is God’s greatest miracle, for it lasts forever and accomplishes the greatest good. The Servant forgives us and pays the price for sin by His death on the Cross top of mount Calvary.

Mark also includes Jesus’ fellowship with “sinners” in his documentation of the life of Jesus. Why? Why would Jesus, who is 100% God and 100% man, who is perfect in every way hangout with those who are the worst of the worst? Because, they are sick, and He is the only Physician who can heal them. They are hungry and lonely, and He is the Bridegroom who asks them to His wedding feast. Their lives are in tatters, and He wants to give them a new robe of righteousness.

“And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16-17 (ESV)

“Others may be able to patch up life, but Jesus alone can give new life.” Warren Wiersbe

Finally, John Mark pens the hope and joy of Christ in the explanation that Jesus frees us from bondage.

“One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:23-28 (ESV)

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, the Giver of rest according to Matthew 11:28–30.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)
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Man’s religious traditions and preferences can be a terrible yoke of bondage on anyone; but when you follow the Lord Jesus Christ, when you surrender your life to a life of following Jesus, when you believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus, His perfect life, His death on the Cross as a sacrifice for your sin, the burial in a borrowed tomb, the resurrection from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ascension into Heaven to prepare a place for all those who repent and receive Him, you experience freedom and rest.

Today, will you repent of your sin? Will you unashamedly walk away from your present path to follow Jesus on His perfect path for you? Will you believe that He is the God’s Perfect Son, the sin Sacrifice that freely shed His blood for your sin? Will you confess your sin to Him, and seek forgiveness and freedom from Him? Know, He waits for you to accept Him. For He desires to forgive you, to heal you, to accept you, to dine with you, to restore you, and to free you from sin and bondage for all eternity. Will you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?

​In the Book of Mark, we see Jesus from a more general perspective than in the other Gospels. What we do know from reading through Mark is that the Christians (followers of The Way; followers of Jesus) of Rome had come early to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ and had a vibrant testimony for him, but would soon face much censoring, suppression, and persecution.

Mark, a good pastor, provides the Roman Christians and us a fresh and exciting biographical portrait of Jesus. Through his pen and parchment, he presents Jesus as the perfectly obedient Servant of God and shows what it would mean to be His disciple. Jesus' obedience cost Him His life on a symbol of ridicule, but His life and message are vindicated by His resurrection from the dead and an ascension into heaven.
 
This resurrection is what separates Him from all others claiming to be god and us from the religions across the world focused on "good works" or "DO." With Jesus, it is "DONE." He paid it all! He paid the price for our sin by laying down His life for all humanity, died a cruel death, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, was raised from the dead, to defeat sin and death and offer hope to all who will believe.

Tradition holds that John Mark, who apparently was brought to the Lord by Peter, wrote this Gospel using Peter’s sermons as his main source. Thus, Mark lets us see Jesus through Peter’s eyes. Mark, the unfaithful servant who deserted Paul on his first missionary journey, apparently was faithful in his service with Peter and was therefore chosen to write this Gospel of the obedient Servant and Savior of the world. Peter stayed in the home of Mark’s mother after his release from prison.

But as we see in the opening sentences of Mark 1, even a Servant must have credentials, and our Lord has the very best. His coming was prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi and announced by John the Baptist, the one proclaiming in the wilderness, while eating a weird locust diet and wearing itchy garments, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

“A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.” Isaiah 40:3

"Jesus" is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name "Joshua," meaning, “the Lord saves.” Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew “Messiah,” which means, “Anointed One.” This is the title of the promised King, the descendant of David who would rule the kingdom and deliver his people for all eternity. The title Son of God tells us Jesus is more than a mere man. He’s fully divine; he’s the God-Man.
 
The Father and the Holy Spirit commended Him, and Satan could not defeat Him. He is a Servant you can trust.

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:9–13 (ESV)

But what can He do? What is His work? He can guide our life; give us peace, joy, and hope. He can make our life complete, successful, purposeful, impactful, and fulfilling.

“As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for, people.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” Mark 1:16-20 (ESV)

He can overcome Satan—the one seeking to destroy and devour humanity. He can overcome sickness and use each follower to bring the message of love, salvation, and hope to a lost and needy world.
 
You too can be a servant of the Servant and share in His wonderful work.

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. Mark 1:35–42 (ESV)

Where did the Servant get His power? He depended on the Holy Spirit and prayer. He did not allow the demands of the work to rob Him of the time He needed to renew His strength. If the holy Son of God needed to pray, how much more do you need to pray! In the Lord’s service, you cannot “run on empty.”

“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary.
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted.
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28–31 ESV

Today, will you seek out Jesus if you haven’t already? Will you investigate and search for answers to your questions?

If you have chosen to repent and follow Jesus, will you, like John and John Mark, testify to the truth you know of Him with those who don’t? Will you pray for three others in your circle who don’t know Jesus personally? Will you meet with 2 others in to help disciple them in God’s Word and Jesus’ Walk? Will you spend time with one whom is farther along in their spiritual journey and seek accountability in your daily walk with the Spirit? Choose this day to live out loud for Jesus!

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see! When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’d first begun.” John Newton

How do you respond to the promise of the Lord’s return? John’s last chapter can help you take inventory...

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1–5 (ESV)

“In the new Jerusalem will be the tree of life, off-limits to people since Eden but now available for nourishment and healing. The city’s glorious light will proceed not from the sun but from the very person of God himself. Heaven will be a place of energetic commercial and social activity, whose gates will never close.The Millennium will last for 1,000 years, but the new Jerusalem will last “forever and ever.” (Dr, Harold Wilmington, Bible Handbook)

“And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” 7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” Revelation 22:6–9 (ESV)

The angel restated the purpose of the visions John had seen. Christ once again declared he was coming soon and pronounced a blessing on those who would keep his Word. And John, for the second time, tried to worship his angel guide but was prohibited from doing so.

“And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” Revelation 22:10-12 (ESV)

Are you doing the work He has called you to do? He promises to reward faithful servants.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:13-17 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Our Lord’s own validation of John’s prophecy. As the Root, Jesus established God’s plan to send the Savior through David’s descendants and created David’s ancestral line beginning with Adam. As the Offspring, He brought that plan to fulfillment. From the beginning to the end He is our Savior. As the Morning Star, He is our full reward. When He comes, darkness flees.”

Are you treasuring His Word and obeying it? This is His message to you, and it must not be altered. There is a special blessing for the obedient.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:18–21 (ESV)

John ended the report of his visions with the warning not to add to or take from what had been revealed and stipulated a severe penalty for doing so. While John intended his warning only for this one book, it unquestionably applies to the entire Bible as well. Finally, one last promise from the Lord: “Yes, I am coming soon!”

Do you really want Jesus to return today? Do you “love His appearing?” If Jesus were to come today, would you be disappointed and your plans be upset?

“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

Are you urging lost sinners to trust Him and be ready for His coming? The Holy Spirit works through the church to bring lost people to the Savior.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (ESV)

Who are you praying for to become a new creature in Christ and ready for the new heaven and earth.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
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Will you invite them to receive Jesus?

​“The hope of heaven under troubles is like the wind and sails to the soul.” Samuel Rutherford

For those who believe in Jesus Christ, the future means “all things new;” but for those who reject Him, it means the same old sins for all eternity.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:1–8 (ESV)

“When God dwells with humanity, He Himself will tenderly remove every sorrow and pain just as He promised. These evils are so much a part of this world that to remove them God must make all things new. He will do this because His promises are true and faithful. (Dr. Tony Evans, Study Bible)

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “John now saw “a new heaven and a new earth” and the new Jerusalem, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. God will now dwell with his people forever and will banish all sinners, all sin, and the terrible results of sin, such as illness and death. The present heavens and earth, incurably tainted by sin, will have been destroyed by now. The new heaven and earth is the place Christ is now preparing for believers.”

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1–4 (ESV)

“Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:9–21 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes in his Word Commentary, “Human history begins with a garden (Gen. 2:8–17) and ends with a city that is like a garden. However, the most important thing about the heavenly city is not the absence of sin but the presence of God in all His glory, for His presence makes “all things new.”

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:21–27 (ESV)

He is the temple and the light; and His presence means there is no more sin, pain, death, sorrow, or crying, and no more curse. Heaven is so wonderful that the only way John can describe it is to tell us what will not be there! Its beauties and blessings are beyond human words to describe or explain.

Why did Jesus give John this preview of eternal glory? To encourage His people who go through testing and persecution.

“And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1–6) is the best medicine for a broken heart and the best foundation for wavering feet.

“No man ought to look for anything in heaven but what one way or another he has some experience in this life.” John Owen

John saw the Judge of the universe seated behind His great white throne in Revelation 20, sentencing all the unsaved to the lake of fire forever. Understand that faith in Christ would have placed their names in the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” and they would have been saved for all eternity. The only other possible avenue of salvation was to be judged “according to what they had done,” but the Bible is clear that no one can be saved on this basis for all our works are like filthy rags... besides, if our works could save us, then why did Jesus have to die?
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For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 (ESV)

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:1–3 (ESV)

And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:7–10 (ESV)

Since Satan’s rebellion, God has permitted him to work on this earth, but He has always kept him in control. How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!
​How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 ​You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 ​I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 ​But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Isaiah 14:12–15 (ESV)

We see this in the life of Job. Satan will exchange his throne for a bottomless pit, and his final destiny will be the lake of fire where he will spend eternity with the Beast and the false prophet—and with those who choose to follow Satan instead of Jesus Christ.

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41 (ESV)

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4–6 (ESV)

The first resurrection takes place before Jesus ushers in His kingdom and involves only those who have trusted Christ (John 5:24–29; 1 Thess. 4:13–18).

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:24–29 (ESV)

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (ESV)

They will reign with Him and have responsibilities commensurate with their faithful service while living on earth.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes, “This judgment involves only the lost and follows the second resurrection, the resurrection to condemnation. Sinners who rejected Christ will face Him (John 5:22) and hear Him say, “Depart from Me!” (Matt. 7:23; 25:41).

Know today that this solemn scene ought to move us to pray for the lost and witness to them and thank the Lord for His grace in saving us!

How does this passage move you? Are you compelled to share the Gospel with those in your circle of influence? Who are 3 people you can pray for, pursue, and persuade to follow the One who sits on the Throne?

Oh, tell me the story!
God’s banner exalted shall be;
The earth shall be filled with His wonder and glory,
As waters that cover the sea. Anonymous

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 ​for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Revelation 19:1–6

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Sinners cry “Alas!” but saints shout “Hallelujah!” at the fall of the godless world system called Babylon. Sin has been judged, God’s servants have been vindicated, God has been glorified, and Christ is about to usher into His kingdom. Even as you anticipate these victories, by faith you can shout “Hallelujah!”

Just as the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures worship the God who created the world and the Lamb who provided redemption and restoration for all who have sinned, so they worship the God who finally destroys the evil of the world. “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 ​it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:7–10 (ESV)

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.” Revelation 19:17–21 (ESV)

Wiersbe continues, “Two contrasting suppers are named in this chapter: the marriage supper of the Lamb, which brings blessing, and the “supper of the great God,” which brings judgment. The bride makes herself ready at the judgment seat of Christ where her “spots and wrinkles” are taken away and she receives rewards for faithful service. In contrast, the godless armies of earth are defeated by the Lord and become food for the birds.” This is the battle of Armageddon mentioned in Revelation 16:16 which states, “And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25–27 (ESV)

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11–16 (ESV)

The conquering Christ comes with His armies and defeats all His enemies! Contrast this with His ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matt. 21:1–11) and the Fathers Promise in Psalm 2 which is much different. It is also quite different than the ride of the Antichrist (6:1–2).

This revelation encourages us to know that our Savior is today King of kings and Lord of lords, and that the future is secure because He is reigning. Do you believe and trust the Savior Jesus Christ with your today and your future?

“In our well-intentioned identification with the world, we do not mold it—it molds us. We are not to be isolated but insulated, moving in the midst of evil but untouched by it.” Vance Havner

During the tribulation period and in the first appearance of Christ’s return; from John’s pen in Revelation 18, we see judgement being poured out. The heavenly city of Jerusalem will be the bride’s home for eternity, but Babylon will be destroyed by God. Flames will engulf the land—everything and everyone. We see the governments destroyed and the world’s economy will be ruined.

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 3 ​For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living. 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues, 5 ​for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 ​Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. 7 ​As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ 8 ​For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” Revelation 18:1–8

John certainly had Rome in mind when he wrote this chapter, but his imagery means much more. Babylon symbolizes the whole godless world system that caters to the appetites of sinful men and women.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)

True believers have nothing in common with the harlot and her city and should be separated from them. In every age, the church has had to identify its Babylon and separate from it.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (ESV)

“And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” 11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. 14 “The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!” 15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
​16 ​“Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 ​For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” 19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste. 20 ​Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; 22 ​and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, 23 ​and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. 24 ​And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” Revelation 18:9–24 (ESV)

While the kings and merchants of the world mourn the city that made them rich, the saved in heaven will rejoice that their persecutor has received divine justice. When God judges sinners, earth laments and heaven rejoices.

"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." James 1:15

Most people are concerned primarily with satisfying their physical desires; they are not concerned about things spiritual or eternal. They live for the temporary and the immediate, not the eternal.

Are you praising God for your salvation when you read these passages of the intensifying destruction and wrath of God? Today, thank Him for His Glory, redemption, and for eternal life. Thank Him for hope today.

Though Christians must be good citizens and seek to influence government for the Lord, the church must not marry political systems. It is this idolatry that we see with Babylon throughout Revelation 17. The systems will only use the church to promote their own plans and then abandon it much like Pilate did when he washed His hands with Jesus and those wishing to crucify Him. Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and the enemy is spiritual. We must use spiritual weapons to fight spiritual enemies.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” 2 Cor. 10:3–6 (ESV)

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” Revelation 17:1–6 (ESV)

John saw a blasphemous prostitute sitting on a seven-headed, 10-horned beast, wearing costly clothes, drunk with the blood of the believers she had killed. She had had “immoral relations” with the “rulers of the world,” which has an intoxicating effect on all people. The beast, who will cause the world to marvel because he “was alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up,” is the Antichrist, whose miraculous recovery will cause the world to marvel. He will proceed from the bottomless pit and eventually go to “eternal destruction”

Dr. Tony Evans has much to say on Revelation 17, “The Holy Spirit transports John into the wilderness (a deserted, lonely, desolate wasteland), perhaps to give him a better understanding of the vision. The woman is the harlot or Babylon. Scarlett or The Antichrist, who for a time will support and use the false religious system to effect world unity. Then he will assume political control. Scarlet is the color of luxury, splendor, and royalty. This pictures the extent of Antichrist’s political alliances. The colors of royalty, nobility, and wealth. The woman is portrayed as a prostitute who has plied her trade successfully and become extremely wealthy. Prostitutes often dress in fine clothes and precious jewels to allure their victims. The religious harlot Babylon is no different, adorning herself to lure the nations into her grasp. Still another evidence of the harlot’s great wealth; but the pure gold is defiled by the filthiness of her immorality. Just as a prostitute might first get her victim drunk, so the harlot system deceives the nations into committing spiritual fornication with her.


Dr. Evans writes, “It was customary for Roman prostitutes to wear a headband with their name on it parading their wretchedness for all to see. The harlot’s forehead is emblazoned with a 3-fold title descriptive of the world’s final false religious system. A NT mystery is truth once hidden, but in the NT revealed. Spiritual Babylon’s true identity is yet to be revealed. Thus, the precise details of how it will be manifested in the world are not yet known. This Babylon is distinct from the historical, geographical city of Babylon (which still existed in John’s day). The details of John’s vision cannot be applied to any historical city. All false religion stems ultimately from Babel, or Babylon... Some see the first group as OT saints, and the second as NT saints—an unimportant distinction since this pictures the “witnesses,” or martyrs, of the Tribulation. John’s point is that the harlot is a murderer. False religion has killed millions of believers over the centuries, and the final false system will be far more deadly than any that preceded it."

“When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.” Revelation 17:6–8 (ESV)

Each person must identify with either the harlot or the bride; there can be no compromise. The woman represents the ultimate in godless world religion. She is joined with government (carried by the Beast) and corrupts everything she touches. The bride is the true church of Jesus Christ, cleansed by His blood and destined for glory.

“This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:9–14 (ESV)

It is agreed upon that the harlot or prostitute mentioned in this passage represents the worldwide false religion that has always existed and that the Antichrist will turn toward worship of himself during the Tribulation. Participating in false religion is like committing adultery: you are unfaithful to the one to whom you pledged your love.

Dr. Tony Evans continues, “Representatives of the 7 great world empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and that of the Antichrist). Daniel’s image in Daniel 2:37–45. five have fallen, one is, the other. When John wrote, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence; Rome still existed; and the Antichrist’s empire had not yet come. When it does, it will be brief and he will end in perdition.”

“And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17:15–18 (ESV)

The harlot was popular for a time, but then her “lovers” turned on her and destroyed her. The Antichrist will use a world church to get himself into power and then establish his own religion.

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist—with the help of his 10 sub-rulers—will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself. They will be carrying out God’s will."

“In righteousness God reveals chiefly His love of holiness; in justice, chiefly his hatred of sin . . . Neither justice nor righteousness . . . is a matter of arbitrary will. They are revelations of the inmost nature of God.” Augustus Hopkins Strong
​
“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” 2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. 3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. 4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” Revelation 16:1–7 (ESV)

Despite what you hear, or the unbelieving world says or believes, no one can accuse God of being unfair. His judgments are always righteous. As hard as it is to accept , sinners reap what they sow. Because “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” (Ps. 97:2).

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. 10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.” Revelation 16:8–11 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes in his Word Commentary, “God’s judgments do not change men’s hearts. God judges sinners not to reveal His grace but to uphold His holiness. Sinners in the last days will be like Pharaoh in the days of Moses; they will harden their hearts more as God’s judgments increase.”

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” Revelation 16:18 (ESV)

Against the dark background of judgment shines the promise of God. Jesus Christ is coming soon, and we must watch eagerly and walk carefully, so that we will be ready to meet Him.

“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 1 John 2:28 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe defines Armageddon in his Word Commentary like this: “Armageddon is Hebrew for “the hill of Megiddo”; and Megiddo means “place of slaughter.” It is the plain in the Holy Land where Barak defeated the Canaanites in Judges 5:19 and Gideon the Midianites in Judges 7. King Saul fought his last battle there in 1 Samuel 31. One of the greatest natural battlefields in the world, it is where the Antichrist will gather the world’s armies to fight against Jesus Christ (Isa. 24; Joel 3; Zech. 12–14). Revelation 19:11–21 records the outcome.”

“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” Revelation 16:17–21 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes in his Study Bible, “It is done.” This bowl will complete God’s wrath (except for final judgment on the rebellion at the end of the Millennium; 20:7–10) and immediately precedes the second coming of Christ. It will usher in the worst calamity in the history of the world. The voice from the temple in heaven is undoubtedly that of God Himself. “It is done” is best translated, “It has been and will remain done” (cf. Jn 19:30). God will punctuate the completion of His wrath with a devastating earthquake—the most powerful in earth’s history.”

Dr. Evans continues his interpretation of this horrific and cataclysmic event, “Jerusalem will be split into 3 parts (Zec 14:4), not as a judgment (cf. 11:13), but as an improvement. The additional water supply (Zec 14:8) and topographical changes (Zec 14:4, 5) will prepare the city for its central place in the millennial kingdom. Jerusalem is the only city to be spared the judgment and will be made more beautiful (Ps 48:2), because of her repentance (see 11:13). cities of the nations. God’s purpose is very different for the rest of the world’s cities—they are to be destroyed. Babylon. The capital of the Antichrist’s empire will receive a special outpouring of God’s wrath as prophesied in Is 13:6–13. Chapters 17, 18 give details of its destruction... every island fled … mountains were not found. This powerful earthquake will radically alter all the earth’s topography, preparing it for the coming millennial kingdom. The huge size of the hailstones indicates unparalleled atmospheric convulsions. Such massive chunks of ice will cause unimaginable devastation and death.”

Know today that God’s judgment will one day be finished. God’s long-suffering will finally end, and His wrath will be revealed. What holds Him back today?
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance... And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,” 2 Peter 3:9, 15 (ESV)