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Revelation 13 - Day 872 (link to reading)
Scripture: Revelation 13:1-18 Commentary: ...John closes this section with a statement that has fascinated and puzzled interpreters throughout history. He summons the readers to be wise so that they can calculate the number of the beast. We are told the number is the number of a man: 666. Some manuscripts read 616, but the best reading is 666. If the number refers to a particular individual, the best guess is Nero. If “Nero Caesar” is transliterated from Greek to Hebrew, the letters calculate to 666, though it is doubtful the original audience would have understood this complex solution. Many wild speculations about the identity of the person have been promoted throughout history, and every guess has so far been wrong. The advantage of seeing a reference to Nero is that he fits the time period in which John wrote, at which time there was speculation and fear that Nero would return from Parthia after his death. Still, seeing a reference to Nero isn’t easy or obvious, for one must transliterate from Greek to Hebrew to get the number 666, which seems like a stretch for the audience. Also, as noted earlier, if Revelation was written in the 90s, fear of Nero’s return would have lessened considerably by that time. Perhaps it is better to move in a different direction. The number 777 represents perfection, but John says 666 is the number of a man. The number 666, then, represents what is anti-god and antichrist, all that is in opposition to the one true God. If 777 represents holiness and perfect goodness, then 666 signifies the enormity and totality of evil. Hence, John does not intend to point to any particular individual here. Rather, the kingdom of the beast is a human kingdom, an evil kingdom, instead of a divine one. The nature of humanity apart from God is demonic. The kingdom of the beast promises life and prosperity but brings death, misery, and devastation. This article is adapted from ESV Expository Commentary: Hebrews–Revelation: Volume 12 edited by Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr, and Jay Sklar. Application: The book of Revelation confirms God's love for his children, in having reconciled the world back to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Yes, evil exists but only for a determined time, for Christ reigns. Prayer: Come Lord Jesus and rule over us today and forever... Revelation 12 - Day 871 (link to reading)
Scripture: Revelation 12:1-9 Observation: John continues the prophecy... Application: It’s easy to read the prophetic books in the Bible and get all excited and think, “That’s happening to us right now. Oh, no, what are we going to do? Should I or shouldn't I get the vaccine? Is that the number of the beast?” Take a deep breath and remember ‘why’ John wrote the book and ‘who’ his original audience was. The details in the book of Revelation (beast, dragon, 666, etc) often distract us from the intended message, that Jesus is Lord and that He has overcome our enemy. Take heart and be glad that Christ reigns. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for... Revelation 11 - Day 870 (link to reading)
Scripture: Revelation 11:7 Observation: John continues Application: The United States of America just concluded a war that we have been fighting since October 2001. Unless you have a family member or friend serving in the military, you have probably been oblivious to what’s been happening. The Bible tells us that we have a spiritual enemy who is determined to "steal, kill, and destroy” God's children and unless we’re actively engaged, we will fall victim to their plans. Prayer: Lord, give us eyes to see the spiritual battle before us... Revelation 10 - Day 869 (link to reading)
Scripture: Revelation 10:1-11 Observation: The biblical definition of “prophecy” is simply - a message from God, communicated to a human, who shares it with the intended audience to give them hope, to warn them of potential consequences, and to inspire change. Application: God's will for our lives is to be sanctified and He will do anything and everything to help us achieve that goal. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of Your love. Revelation 9 - Day 868 (link to reading)
Scripture: Revelation 9:1-12 Commentary (Torah Class - Rediscovering the Bible): What can be so very challenging about this chapter is that indeed it uses many symbols, but John also uses real-world creatures and examples to try and describe these other-worldly critters and events. So the symbolic is mixed with the literal and it can be hard (and at times speculative) when trying to separate these events and beings and their meaning into categories of symbolic or literal. So, for example, these locusts aren't actual locusts but rather they have the characteristics of locusts in that they swarm and fly. At the same time they have very uncharacteristic attributes for locusts in that they don't harm vegetation but they do sting. Application: Rather than focusing on what John meant to be literal versus symbolic, I want to focus my energy and efforts to help people know Jesus so that they would be spared of these tribulations. Prayer: Lord have mercy on us and send Your Holy Spirit to draw us closer to You. |
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January 2024
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