Sermon snippet – Simply Heaven – Part XV
INTRODUCTION – Following the kind and courteous command of Colossians 3:1-2, we continue to endeavor to focus our attention “on things above.” We return this week to Revelation 19:11-16, where we find “heaven opened” (verse 11).
- JESUS REIGNS OVER ALL NATIONS
He is “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (verse 16), a clear statement of the full deity of Jesus, for Psalm 47:7a says, “God is the King of all the earth.” Isaiah 40:15a states, “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance.” The word picture is of a tiny droplet of condensation on the outside of a pail and of a small grain on balance scales. Think of Daniel’s prophecies regarding Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel 7-8); these empires were raised up and brought low (over a period of about 900 years). Jesus reigns over all nations.
- JESUS WILL DEFEND HIS PEOPLE
Verse 15 provides three compelling images. First, a sword proceeds “out of His mouth,” indicating that Jesus’ spoken word will “smite the nations” in defense of righteousness, including God’s righteous people. Second, “a rod of iron” or a scepter points to Psalm 2:9a, which says, “Thou shalt break them [the nations] with a rod of iron.” Third, “the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” is also mentioned.This threefold symbolism indicates that Jesus is returning to defend His people who are still on earth, especially Jews under attack in Israel. Revelation 16:12-16 speaks of “Armageddon,” literally the Mount of Megiddo, which overlooks the Plain of Jezreel in northern Israel. The Jewish people are still the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). God is not finished with the Israelites (Romans 9-11). The return of Jesus, then, is partly a defensive action by Jesus, defending His people who are saved during the Tribulation.
- JESUS WILL JUDGE THE NATIONS
If we compare Revelation 19:6-9 and Revelation 19:17-21, we find two types of meals. Which one we are part of depends on our decision. Will we choose Christ Jesus and be blessed, or will we reject Him and be judged?
CONCLUSION – As a practical matter, all Christians need to pray for their leaders (II Timothy 2:2), for only righteousness can exalt a nation (Proverbs 14:34). Certainly, each one of us must make the individual decision to call upon Jesus as Savior and to call Him “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Anyone who trusts in Jesus for forgiveness will find “heaven opened.” The door will be open, the light will be on, the table will be spread, and each believer will be welcomed by Jesus Himself.