Revelation - Week 28

Day 1

The River Dried Up

READ

Revelation 16:12

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance.

This prophecy reveals the alignment of armies leading to the final great conflict. These “kings from the east” will march their armies toward Israel. This is all in preparation for the last great world war. Even now there have been dams constructed, but this verse indicates it will be a supernatural event. It is typical of God-deniers to endeavor to explain everything apart from a miracle-working God.

REFLECT

Even though there are natural means for many things, are you confident God can work miracles when He desires to?

RESPOND

As you examine these verses in Revelation 16 you are viewing the events leading up to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth. Share these with a fellow believer.

Day 2

Gathering for War

READ

Revelation 16:13-14

13 And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. 14 They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.

From the previous passages in Revelation, the “dragon” refers to the devil (Revelation 12:9). The beast refers to the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1-3). The false prophet refers to the second beast in Revelation 13:11-13. They will work miracles as they gather armies against the Lord “on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.”

REFLECT

These will be terrible times on earth as the Lord readies to bring on the great judgment day.

RESPOND

As you meet with a fellow believer in Jesus, talk about reminding people who are concerned about future events to realize they have no assurance of how long they will live. This is why it is important to trust in Jesus as Savior now. Discuss how you can gently approach this topic with them.

Day 3

Unexpected Arrival

READ

Revelation 16:15

15 “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

During the church age as well as in the future Tribulation there are warnings for people to be on the watch for the Lord’s return. A thief comes unexpectedly and many will not be ready when the Lord returns. This verse in Revelation is warning those near the end of the seven-year Tribulation not to be caught off guard when the Lord returns to earth. The clothing mentioned may refer to the righteous acts of the saints (see Revelation 19:7-8).

REFLECT

Are you prepared if the Lord should appear in the sky to catch up believers to Himself? Believers in Jesus should live as if He could come back at any time.

RESPOND

Read 2 Peter 3:9-11 to see the warning the apostle gave about what will occur at the end of the age and how it should affect our lives now.

Day 4

Armageddon

READ

Revelation 16:16

16 And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon.

“Armageddon” refers to the mountain of Megiddo. This is thought to be on the plain of Esdraelon, which Napoleon thought was a perfect battlefield. The focus is against Israel because Satan and his demons have always wanted to destroy Israel through whom the Messiah came. They failed in His first advent and are still trying to destroy Israel before His second advent.

REFLECT

Think of how much Satan despises the Lord Jesus Christ because Satan wants to be worshiped instead of Him.

RESPOND

Read Matthew 4:8-9 to see that Satan, also known as the devil, wanted Jesus to worship him. Read verse 10 to see what Jesus answered.

Day 5

A Mighty Shout

READ

Revelation 16:17-18

17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” 18 Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth.

As the seventh angel poured out his bowl judgment, a mighty shout from heaven exclaimed, “It is finished!” This brought the seven bowl judgments to an end. The Lord is about to appear but before He does other events will take place. The thunder crashed and rolled and lightning flashed, and there was a great earthquake such as there had never been.

REFLECT

Consider the signs in the sky that will accompany these end time events. Even nature will seem to be in an upheaval.

RESPOND

Read Luke 21:7-11 to see what Jesus predicted about the end times when His disciples asked Him. Those who know Jesus as Savior now will be caught up to heaven before that time (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).