Podcast Episode 31 (Condensed)
Welcome back to Wytinsea Writes! So excited for a new blog post today. We’re so close to the end of this series. I am amazed at how far we’ve come. If you’ve been with me on this journey, shout out to YOU. The book of Revelation is not an easy read, and I hope I never portrayed it that way. But instead, it is a necessary read. The book of Revelation is prophetic warnings, promises, and God’s love written on page. Because if God didn’t love us, He wouldn’t warn us about the days ahead. We’re living in the last days now. Things are continuing to progress in a chaotic way, but God will sustain His people. We will not allow His people to go under. That’s bible!!
So, John the Revelator has been caught up in the spirit. The Lord has been showing him prophetic visions of what is to come. Today, we’re studying Revelation 19. If you missed the last bible study, click here for Revelation 18 blog, YouTube video, or podcast episode. Choose your preferred method. Now, let’s begin Revelation 19.
Revelation 19:1-3 NLT states, “After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. 2 His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.” 3 And again their voices rang out: “Praise the Lord! The smoke from that city ascends forever and ever!”
These words are worth saying often in our own prayer and worship time. John of Patmos is hearing from heaven sounds of praise because they are celebrating the destruction of Babylon and the soon-to-be return of Christ.
When it comes to the smoke, it could be literal or symbolic in this scripture. Because Babylon was destroyed, the smoke could represent what was destroyed there. There has been times where the presence of the Lord is so high that it causes a cloud or smoke of glory to appear. It is wonderful when that happens. Babylon was a total disgrace and put earthly valuables above God. We must be reminded of Luke 12:15, “Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” This scripture warns us to not idolize our possessions. We can’t take any of it with us to our eternal destination.
Now as the chapter continues, Revelation 19:4-7 says, “Then the twenty-four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, “Amen! Praise the Lord!” 5 And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest.” 6 Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.”
The 24 elders were also mentioned in Revelation 4. Here, the 24 elders bowing down represents their reverence to God’ divine glory. In Hebrew, “Amen hallelujah” translates to “So be it, praise Yahweh. The excitement from the 24 elders echoed the announcement made in Revelation 11:7. I encourage you to reread that scripture. This marriage supper carries pivotal symbolism concerning the relationship between Jesus and the church. Although we have no idea where this supper will take place, what we do know is that Jesus paid a price for His bride (us, the church). Mark 10:45 is a beautiful reminder of His purpose.
Revelation 19:8-10 states, “She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”
White represents purity. It is because of the grace of God that Christ purifies our souls. 1 Corinthians 3:10 speaks about the grace that God has given us. May we never forget that. What the angel told John to write was vital because it lets us know that those who are invited to the wedding feast are friends of the bridegroom. Who is the bridegroom? Jesus Christ. Who are the friends? Those of us who have been redeemed, repented, and submitted unto God. Those who turned to God before it was too late is a friend of Christ. People like John the Baptist, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be invited (Matthew 8:11). Our life goal should be for us to be invited as well. I love the King James Version of Revelation 19:10, it states, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” That is enough to shout! Praise be unto God.
The angel (rightfully so) resisted the opportunity for John the Revelator to worship him because he knows that all praise, honor, and glory go to God only. See, that is the difference between Satan and this angel. The angel has reverence to God and wisdom to understand that he can never be praised. Never praise the creations only the Creator. Satan, on the other hand, desired worship and praise. That is why he got banished from Heaven. That is also why his fate will be eternal damnation in the abyss with no hope of escaping it. We must strive to have a spirit like the angel, one that is humble and fears the Lord. Unfortunately, there are so many people operating out of ego and pride by desiring honor and yearning for praise that only Christ is worthy of all. Don’t fall into the evil trap of seeking praise, stay humble like the angel.
Continuing with Revelation 19:11-16, it says, “Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.”
The white horse seen by John of Patmos in Revelation 6:2 didn’t mention a name. But in Revelation 19:11, it is clearly Jesus Christ here. He is true to His word and will come back to earth at the conclusion of the tribulation period to right every wrong once and for all. God makes no mistakes and will vindicate His people. All evil people will be ceased and destroyed.
The crowns mentioned proves that Jesus is the absolute ruler of the world. The unknown name signifies that He is indescribable and the human mind doesn’t hold the capacity to understand the magnitude of His glory and sovereignty. The followers of Christ mentioned above are riding white horses and dressed in white linen too because they’ve been purified and shares the victory with God. Isaiah 61:10 mentions about being clothed in righteousness.
As for the sharp sword, this isn’t the first time we’ve read about it. In Revelation 1:16, a sharp sword comes from Jesus’s mouth. Now, it is happening again. The sword represents His Word (Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12). The voice of God brought everything into existence, therefore that same voice can cease existence as well (Hebrews 11:3). Even Psalm 2:9 prophesies that Jesus will rule the world with a rod of iron.
The last 5 verses say in Revelation 19:17-21, “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: “Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared. 18 Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and strong warriors; of horses and their riders; and of all humanity, both free and slave, small and great.” 19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies.”
The ending lets us know that there will be demonic entities and forces joining together to fight against Jesus and the army of the Lord. The purpose of the birds gathering is to eat the flesh of the evil ones left. A gory death is upon the ones fighting against God. Christ and His army will not spare anyone going against them. It doesn’t matter their wealth, rank, or status, they will be destroyed. People tend to only describe God as loving, tender, and kind. They fail to mention the other side of God revealed throughout the bible, but definitely prevalent in the book of Revelation. That side of God that will destroy His enemies is very real. It’s all throughout the old testament. But people seem to think that because we’re no longer under the law and under God’s grace, that God is too kind to render judgement. God is too holy to allow wickedness to run rampant forever. Wicked deeds and people must be put to an end. He wouldn’t be a good Father if allowed evil people to get away with sin, rebellion, and darkness. Philippians 2:8, Matthew 26:53, Isaiah 63:3, and Revelation 19:21 reminds us that God will destroy His enemies.
These enemies conspire against Christ and His believers, but they will lose the battle. They are responsible for deceiving many people and leading them into idolatry and evilness. They will be thrown into the lake of fire. Talks about eternal damnation are considered taboos. People shy from those conversations. Those topics are rarely preached from the pulpit. The love message is great, because it does represent one side of God. But the consuming fire side of God (Hebrews 12:29) matters too. Yes, we always need to share with others that Jesus loves us more than anything else in this world. Yes, we must spread the gospel of God’s love for His creations but never ignore the consuming fire side of God. For those who refuse to repent and reject the gospel, they will burn in hell. That is not cruel to say but loving to say. That is the truth that will set us free.
Sadly, people would rather fall for the okey doke and pretend that they can live however they want. They are deceived to believe that just because God loves them, they will still go to heaven regardless of how they lived in sin. Yes, we have all sinned and fallen short of His word, but don’t make a lifestyle of sin. That’s bible! People say often, “all roads lead to heaven…all religions lead to heaven.” Those are the biggest lies from the pits of hell. Yes, nothing can separate us from the love of God, but those who don’t repent and turn from sinful ways will burn forever (Luke 13:5). Only obedience and belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ leads to heaven not Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or any other spiritual practices that doesn’t align with the teachings of the Holy Bible leads to heaven. The bible is clear. If your soul is not anchored in Jesus, you will surely pass away. Just like the old hymn often sung at churches profess. You will perish and be separated from God.
If you’re reading this blog and you’re not saved or you feel the weight of conviction, say this prayer below:
Dear God,
I come before you today and repent for all my sins. I ask that you forgive me. Cleanse me of my iniquities. Deliver me and set me free. I choose today to serve you and live for you. Give me the strength to persevere to the end and not give in to sinful urges and temptations. Remove every idol, distraction, and ungodly connections from my life. Create in me a clean heart. Renew my soul. I want to be a part of the army of the Lord. I denounce and renounce every demonic covenant and alignment in my life (known and unknown). I decree and declare that I have been made new today. I honor you, praise you, and thank you for your love, mercy, and grace over my life. I cover this prayer in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and I call it so very done in Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
If you said that prayer, I believe that the angels in heaven are rejoicing. Hallelujah! I believe that God just righted every wrong in your life. Now all you have to do is walk in the freedom of your deliverance. Today is the day of salvation and I am so proud that you made it right with Him (for the first time or again). Thank you so much for sticking with me until the end of this bible study. We’re only three more chapters before we’re finished with this series and will start a new one. Share this bible study with someone you love. You can find the podcast version of Revelation 19 here. Until next time, with Wytinsea Writes!