Revelation - Week 30

Day 1 

The Mystery Revealed

READ

Revelation 17:7-8

7 “Why are you so amazed?” the angel asked. “I will tell you the mystery of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits. 8 The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died.”

The angel did not understand why John was so perplexed about the woman mentioned in the previous verses. Many think the references in these verses are to the Roman empire and its various emperors. John had been exiled to the island of Patmos by Domitian. It is assumed there will be a revived Roman empire at the time of the Tribulation and that Satan’s person, the Antichrist, will be the chief ruler over all others.

REFLECT

Although uncertain about many of the details, you can be sure that in the future there will be much more Satanic activity than we see even now.

RESPOND

Revelation 17:8 indicates unbelievers “will be amazed” at these supernatural events. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 that also tells about the Antichrist and those who will be deceived by him.

Day 2

Seven Hills and Seven Kings

READ

Revelation 17:9-10

9 “This calls for a mind with understanding: The seven heads of the beast represent the seven hills where the woman rules. They also represent seven kings. 10 Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief.”

The angel now identifies for John who is referred to by the seven heads of the beast. They represent “the seven hills where the woman rules.” Some take this as a reference to the city of Rome, which was considered to be on seven hills. The angel goes on to say, however, they also represent “seven kings.” This could refer to the emperors of the Roman empire. Five were already in the past and the sixth that rules at the time would be a reference to Domitian who had exiled John to Patmos. The seventh is likely not the Antichrist because the next verse will identify him.

REFLECT

In considering the book of Revelation, it may be difficult to determine exactly who is referred to by the people and events. Remember, however, that God is in ultimate control and this is a preparation for the return of Jesus to the earth.

RESPOND

With a friend, take the time to read Revelation 6:9-11 that tells of the souls of martyrs crying out to the “sovereign Lord.” In times of persecution it is comforting to know that God is sovereign. Talk about world problems today and be reminded that God is in ultimate control over all.

Day 3

Ten Kings

READ

Revelation 17:11-12

11 “The scarlet beast that was, but is no longer, is the eighth king. He is like the other seven, and he, too, is headed for destruction. 12 The ten horns of the beast are ten kings who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast.”

Now the eighth king is mentioned. He will rule over ten other kings who will rise to power. Their strength may be impressive at the time but their rule will be short-lived. They will reign with the beast but all are headed to defeat.

REFLECT

Does this help you to see that no matter how powerful unbelievers and kingdoms appear for a time, God will have the ultimate say and judgment of them?

RESPOND

Read Daniel 7:7-9 that tell of ten horns and a little horn boasting arrogantly until the Lord returns.

Day 4

King of All Kings

READ

Revelation 17:13-14

13 “They will all agree to give him their power and authority. 14 Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.”

The ten kings will join with the beast in making war against the Lamb. It seems as if this cannot possibly be an equal battle with ten kings against a lamb. The Lamb defeats them, however, when He returns “because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings.” Note that Jesus has believers with Him at this time.

REFLECT

A great assurance of every believer is that he or she is in the care of the Lord Jesus Christ no matter what period of time is involved.

RESPOND

At the rapture of the saints, mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Jesus comes “for” believers. At His second advent to the earth He will come “with” His saints, as Revelation 17:14 says.

Day 5

Burning Hatred

READ

Revelation 17:15-16

15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters where the prostitute is ruling represent masses of people of every nation and language. 16 The scarlet beast and his ten horns all hate the prostitute. They will strip her naked, eat her flesh, and burn her remains with fire.”

Verse 15 reveals “waters” represent all of humanity. Here the beast will hate the prostitute and devour her. It seems the prostitute, representing the apostate church, dominates the beast in the first half of the Tribulation, but then the beast gains control during the last half of the Tribulation and dominates the apostate church.

REFLECT

This is a reminder to realize that when the church and government are intertwined, the government usually dominates. It certainly will in the Tribulation.

RESPOND

Talk with a Christian friend about always supporting biblical values when they conflict with governmental values.