a numbers game

​This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. Revelation 13:18

Avoid the temptation for speculation in Revelation. John calls us to exercise spiritual discernment. Scholars vary wildly on whether “666” is a real person or a representation of an empire or political force. I tend to lean toward the latter. What we do know is that the number has intense symbolism. Seven in Revelation often represents completeness, especially in God’s execution of judgment on the world. Six falls short, making “666” a picture of humanity’s futile repeated failures and rebellion against God — an attempt at imitating God’s power but never fully realizing it. This makes sense given the wonders the beast performs and the worship the beast demands in this chapter. The number is man’s attempt to do what only God can do.

We should not try to identify every new possibility to tag the identity of “666”. Instead, we focus on those who belong to Christ bearing His name (Revelation 14:1). The encouragement for us is to stay faithful, refusing to compromise with any human-devised demands for worship, allegiance, or trust. Those belong exclusively to Christ alone! Because Jesus has already conquered by His death and resurrection, believers can face any attempted deception or persecution with confidence. The Lamb has already overcome the beast. Amen!

God the F.O.R.T.R.E.S.S.

​Within her citadels God

has made himself known as a fortress.

Psalm 48:3

For thousands of years

From age to age

Foes kept at bay

Forever our fortress

Over all reigns

On Zion’s hill

Our king worshiped

Omnipotent great God

Ruining the enemy

Raised against Your people

Reaching the world

Radiant with Your glory

Trembling at Your power

Trusting in Your deliverance

Thinking on Your steadfast love

Telling the next generation

Right hand filled with goodness

Righteousness over us

Reaching to the ends of the earth

Ruling and reigning royally

Everyone should notice

Every act of Your mercy

Even in our failures

Eternity we see

Sons of the covenant

Sing of Your great love

Solemn vows are brought

Sacrifices offered

Son of David ruling

Son of God giving

Sacrifice sufficient

Satisfied the Father

dragon’s war

​Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.

Revelation 12:17

Three quick observations from Revelation 12:17:

1. Christians should expect spiritual opposition. We are at war with the dragon (Satan) himself. That is why even today Christians know suffering, persecution, temptation, deception, and opposition. These are not random actions. We have an active enemy. The devil’s domain (the world) hates us because it hated Jesus first (John 15:18-20). We live in the midst of a burning war zone.

2. The dragon rages because he has already lost. This may be our greatest encouragement as the fight goes on. Christ has already been caught up to God’s throne (Revelation 12:5). Satan has already been cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). Heaven has already announced victory (Revelation 12:10). Believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). The dragon is enraged because he cannot win (Revelation 12:17). This war is a temper tantrum as the final minutes of the game tick down. The devil does not have a victory strategy at this point.

3. Christians are known for perseverance and faith in Christ. Faithful Christians throughout Revelation are those who continue trusting Christ despite pressure. Obedience flows from allegiance and faith. Jesus is clearly the Savior with the power. Our security rests in Christ’s victory because it is by the blood of the Lamb that we overcome!

they will know

and the land of Egypt shall be a desolation and a waste. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 29:9

The trumpet sounds where silent idols fell,

And every shattered wall has a story to tell.

Sword, famine, plague, and burning flame

Testify to the holy power of God’s name.

“Then they will know that I am the LORD”, He cries

Above the smoke darkening stubborn skies.

The mountains echo, the valleys feel His weight

There is justice that no person can evade.

Pride is humbled as kingdoms fade to dust,

Everyone must learn in Whom to trust.

His judgments are not mere chaos that is random,

But righteous decrees coming from His wisdom.

Mercy still shines beyond His chastening rod;

The Shepherd drives wanderers back to God.

The exiles hear a promise through their tears,

A faithful King Who overcomes all fears.

At Calvary the nations see the LORD,

Where wrath and grace unite in one accord.

The cross declares to every tribe and tongue

“Then they will know that I am the LORD — the Holy One!”

prince of Tyre / prince of darkness

therefore thus says the Lord GOD:

Because you make your heart

like the heart of a god,

therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you,

the most ruthless of the nations;

and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom

and defile your splendor.

Ezekiel 28:6-7

The prince of Tyre was a ruler whose pride led him to claim godlike status while trusting in his wisdom, wealth, and political/commercial success. The Lord declares that such arrogance will end. He would be humiliated, defeated, and die at the hands of enemies. Ezekiel prophesies a lament over the king telling the story of his exalted position, extraordinary beauty, and tragic fall because of his proud and corrupt heart. No one, no matter how full of themselves, prosperous, or powerful can stand against the sovereign God.

The description of the king of Tyre moves beyond earthly rule and echoes the rebellion and ultimate end of Satan. References to Eden, the beautiful guardian cherub, and being cast away from God’s presence point us to a greater story than just the spectacular rise and fall of Tyre’s king and trade empire. The message is clear: Pride brings destruction. God will easily dismiss every rebellion against His throne and no one can claim to be like God. Through the victory of Christ, Satan’s final defeat is certain, while those who trust in Jesus are delivered into His everlasting kingdom.

A chart of chaos and judgment

​The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come. Revelation 9:12

Sometimes the facts themselves are what I need to think about. Nearly impossible to get application today so here’s a handy-dandy chart:

Woe’s End

​

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”

Revelation 8:13

Eagle cries through heaven’s dome,

Three solemn woes upon our world home.

It’s piercing voice a doom declares

For justice falls on rebel heirs.

The Holy One in righteous reign;

Though rejected speaks not in vain.

The Judge of all the earth — always right

His judgments blaze in holy light.

The first woe sounds; hardened hearts still stand,

Clasping idols with a stubborn hand.

The second woes unveils a pit below

Where evil fruit still darkly grows.

The third woe comes, no refuge to claim,

Every deed must answer now to God’s name.

His patience waited through eons of grace;

His mercy offered to this wandering race.

Every trumpet warns before the end:

“Turn to Jesus — the sinner’s Faithful Friend.”

The Lamb once judged welcomes all who flee;

Accept His grace, bow, and be set free.