Daily Reading Week 44
Sunday
Day 27 Revelation 12
DISCOVER
In this Sunday’s message, we learned that Satan seeks to destroy us. What are some ways he attempts to do this?
In addition, we learned that Satan is looking for opportunities to deceive us. What are the various approaches he uses to deceive?
Perhaps the most exciting part of Revelation 12 is the birth of this male Child. Who is this Child and what hope does He give us as we deal with the deception and attempts to destroy us?
RESPOND
Revelation 12 typifies the grand symbolism found in much of the book of Revelation. John sees a woman, clothed with the sun, crying out in pain as she gives birth. Waiting to kill her child is a red dragon. The Child represents Jesus and the red dragon represents the enemy, Satan.
John then observes a war in heaven, where Michael the archangel fully casts Satan out of heaven. At this point, however, he will be entirely evicted and thrown down to earth. This results in rejoicing in heaven, but also a dire warning. Now that Satan is running out of time, and confined to the earth, his rage will be taken out on mankind, especially Israel.
This chapter is a chapter bursting with powerful symbolism that narrates an epic spiritual conflict between good and evil. This drama features an array of characters, each symbolizing significant biblical entities, from a radiant Woman, her divine Child, the menacing Dragon, to the Archangel Michael. The chapter portrays a cosmic narrative of persecution, divine protection, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Ultimately we learn the battle is already won; the Child who was saved will rule, and the Dragon's time is limited.
Monday
Revelation 15
DISCOVER
What does the song of Moses and the Lamb tell us about God's righteousness and holiness?
If you were to write your own song of praise like the triumphant saints, what would it include?
We all struggle sometimes to see God’s righteous acts or feel the truth about God’s character 24/7. Spend some time praying for one another so that even in tough situations we’d be able to sing songs of praise in faith throughout the coming week.
RESPOND
Revelation 15 is a short chapter, bridging two sections in John's series of visions. After the trumpet judgments, the focus of Revelation changed from a more-or-less chronological account to a description of certain people and events.
The first vision John sees here is that of seven angels. These angels carry the last judgments God will use during the tribulation. The scene is one of celebration, as redeemed believers sing a song of worship to God. This echoes similar songs of praise offered by Israel after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 15).
Revelation presents God's final judgments on sin in three groups of seven. The first set of judgments was represented by the opening of seals on a scroll (Revelation 5:1). The second set was represented by trumpets (Revelation 8:6). This last pattern will involve bowls, symbolically filled with the wrath of God. This segment also indicates that the sanctuary in heaven was filled with smoke during this time, preventing anyone from approaching God until the judgments were completed.
Tuesday
Revelation 16
DISCOVER
What does the hardened response of people suffering from the plagues say about human nature in the context of Revelation 16?
How can Revelation 16 inspire believers to remain faithful amidst tribulation?
Revelation 16 reveals a God who remembers the persecution of saints and prophets. How can this passage offer comfort to persecuted Christians today?
RESPOND
This chapter resumes the account of God's judgments on the wicked. It describes the bowl judgments. Prior to this were seven seal judgments, the last of which were the trumpets. The trumpet judgments totaled seven, the last of which were these bowls of the wrath of God.
The first bowl judgment brings harmful and painful sores to those who carry the mark of the beast. The second judgment turns the sea into blood and kills all the marine life. The third bowl judgment turns rivers and springs into blood.
Following the third bowl judgment, an angel declares that God is just to avenge the wicked for their murderous acts against the saints and prophets. The angel's declaration is met with full agreement from a voice from the altar.
The fourth judgment scorches the wicked with fire, but instead of repenting, unbelievers curse God. This might refer to a reduction in earth's natural protection from the sun, "allowing" it to burn the people of earth. The fifth bowl judgment plunges the kingdom of the beast into darkness. The wicked respond by gnawing their tongues in anguish and by cursing God. The sixth judgment dries up the Euphrates to prepare the way for the kings of the east.
The seventh and final bowl judgment brings about an earthquake that splits Jerusalem into three parts. Also as a result of this earthquake, cities worldwide fall, Babylon feels God's wrath, islands flee, mountains crumble, and hailstones weighing about 100 pounds bombard people. Still, the wicked refuse to repent. Instead, they curse God.
Wednesday
Revelation 17
DISCOVER
How can the victory of the Lamb over the beast and his allies inspire courage and hope in your personal life?
What are some actions you can take to resist the temptation of spiritual adultery in today's society?
How can you apply the lessons from the beast's alliance with the kings to the relationships and alliances you form in your own life?
RESPOND
Revelation 17 serves as a vivid reminder that the allure of worldly pleasures and alliances are fleeting, ultimately leading to devastation. It reinforces the invincibility of the Lamb, who, despite the powers rallied against Him, emerges victorious. As believers, this passage encourages us to stay faithful to the Lamb, knowing that He is the ultimate authority over all kings and kingdoms.
This chapter, one of the more intensely symbolic chapters of the Book of Revelation, presents John’s vision of a great prostitute, known as Babylon, who commits spiritual adultery with the kings of the earth. Accompanied by an angel, John also witnesses a mysterious beast with seven heads and ten horns. The chapter is a striking picture of the corruption and seduction of worldly alliances and a prophetic foretelling of divine judgment.
Thursday
Revelation 18
DISCOVER
The fall of Babylon was a shock to those who benefited from her. How should we handle the sudden changes in life, especially those affecting our comfort zones?
What does Revelation 18 teach us about the temporary nature of worldly success and the eternal nature of God's Kingdom?
In our modern world, what aspects of life could be seen as "Babylon" that we need to separate ourselves from?
RESPOND
Revelation 18 describes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the downfall of a corrupt and powerful city or system deeply associated with wealth, luxury, and moral corruption. The chapter portrays a dramatic judgment from God, where an angel announces Babylon’s destruction. The city’s fall leads to mourning by kings, merchants, and sea captains who profited from its riches, while heaven rejoices over the righteous judgment.
The imagery emphasizes that Babylon’s sins have reached heaven, and its sudden destruction is complete and irreversible, warning against materialism and idolatry. The chapter concludes with the symbolic imagery of Babylon’s millstone-like fall into the sea, never to rise again.
Friday
Revelation 19:1-10
DISCOVER
In verses 19:1-8 what are the three major reasons the “Hallelujah Chorus/Song of Praise” is sung in heaven?
List the attributes of God emphasized in verses 1-10. Why is God truly the only one worthy of our worship and praise?
There is much celebration in Heaven recorded in chapter 19. What about the future rejoicing helps you to rejoice in your worship of God right now?
RESPOND
Revelation 19:1-10 describes a heavenly celebration of God's ultimate triumph over evil. In this passage, a great multitude praises God for His justice in overthrowing the corrupt forces represented by Babylon. The multitude exalts God's righteous judgments, proclaiming Him worthy of honor and glory.
This section also introduces the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb," symbolizing the union between Christ (the Lamb) and His Church (His bride). The passage emphasizes the blessedness of those who are invited to this feast and concludes with an angel instructing John to worship God alone, not the messenger.
Saturday
Revelation 19:11-21
DISCOVER
Verse 16 says that the Lord will have a name on His robe and His thigh that says “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”. This is to symbolize His soon to be established kingdom. How does knowing Jesus Christ encourage you with this truth? How does this encouragement turn into warning for unbelievers?
How does the description of the rider (faithful and true, eyes like fire, many crowns) reflect the identity of Jesus?
Why do you think the judgment of the wicked, including the powerful kings and mighty warriors, is depicted in such graphic terms? What does this say about the justice and righteousness of God?
RESPOND
Revelation 19:11-21 describes the triumphant return of Christ as a warrior-king. The passage opens with a vision of heaven, where Jesus, called "Faithful and True," appears riding a white horse, symbolizing purity and victory. He comes to judge and wage war in righteousness. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns, representing His supreme authority. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is "The Word of God."
Christ is followed by the armies of heaven, also on white horses, dressed in fine linen. From His mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of God's wrath. On His robe and thigh is written the title "King of kings and Lord of lords."
The passage then shifts to an angel standing in the sun, calling the birds to gather for a great feast, where they will devour the flesh of kings, captains, mighty men, and all who oppose Christ. The beast (the Antichrist), the kings of the earth, and their armies assemble to make war against Christ, but they are decisively defeated. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire, and the rest of their followers are slain by the sword that comes from Christ's mouth.