• Revelation 12:18-13:18
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    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Today we read about the beast that comes out of the sea and the beast that comes out of the earth.  This is a pretty intense chapter that ends in the infamous number of the beast, 666.   One thing I learned from reading Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion book today is that the 3 sixes could represent the unholy trinity of Satan – which is comprised of Satan, the first beast, and the false prophet coming up in Revelation chapter 13.  Also, the number 666 was probably applied to the emperor Nero, whose Greek letters in his name represent numbers that total 666, by John’s 1st century readers.  The other way to look at this number is that each of the numbers fall short of the holy numbering of 777 – which represents complete perfection.  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s take on “The Three Beasts and 666”:

    20Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    In verse 1 we read: “And written on each head were names that blasphemed God.”  Back in the Roman empire many emperors assumed titles of deity and require worship of them, which would obviously be blasphemous to God.  An example was the emperor Domitian (AD 51-96) required people to address him as Dominus et Deus, which means “our lord and our god”.  Below is an ancient bust of Domitian:

    Domitian

    Verses 13 – 15 should be warning to us to not fall for false signs and wonders that do not come from God…  as we read about the beast from the earth –  “He did astounding miracles, such as making fire flash down to earth from heaven while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people of the world to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.”  The danger of these above verses can best be demonstrated by Deuteronomy chapter 13 verses 1 through 4 – “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,”  you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”  How do these 2 sets of verses – from Revelation and Deuteronomy – speak to you?  Are there possibly even false signs and wonders and false idols in our world today which draw our attention away from loving God with all of our heart and soul?  Will you hold fast to God?

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 13 titled “The Beast and The False Prophet” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of “Silent Night” sung here by Matt Maher:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxgOvJh-Tg

    Do you know the peace of God’s Silent Night?  Click here for heavenly peace!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 12:1-17
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    In Revelation chapter 12 today we read about the Woman and the Dragon!  The woman is representative of the believing Messianic community and the twelve stars represent Israel’s twelve tribes.  The red dragon is Satan.  In verse 5 we read about Jesus: “She gave birth to a boy who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And the child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne.” The “caught up” part of this verse is representative of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s “The Woman and the Dragon” –

    17
    Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    In verse 7 we read about Michael the Archangel, who we recently read about in the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1 when Daniel is prophesying about the end times: “”At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book-will be delivered.”  In the remainder of the chapter we see a war in the spiritual realm, with Satan becoming alarmed that his time is short and increasingly angry at those who love God.

    18Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Verse 10 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has happened at last–the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ!”  What a great proclamation!  Are you looking forward to the salvation and power and kingdom of God?   And do you believe in the authority of Jesus Christ?

    Jesus_second_coming

    Below is an incredible image for verses 13 & 14: “When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.  But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.”

    19Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    And below is an incredible image for verses 15-17: “Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon.  And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.”

    19eArt used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 12 titled “The Angelic Conflict” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of a beautiful song by JJ Heller called “Your Hands,” performed here on K-LOVE with her husband playing guitar.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-F6DGGF4Qs

    Are you in God’s Hands today?  Click here and be in His hands forevermore!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.’” Revelation 12:10 (NIV)

    Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that God wins! Pray in thanksgiving that good wins. Pray in thanksgiving if you are in God’s hands, through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 11:1-19
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    Today in Revelation chapter 11 we read about the Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet bringing the third terror!  The two witnesses in today’s reading are modeled after Moses and Elijah.  They may be representing two actual believers who will be martyred or they may be symbolic of all testifying believers in the final days.  Below are two incredible pieces of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith of the two witnesses prophesying and being taken up to heaven:

    16
    Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.16d
    Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    In verse 11:7 we have the first mention of the beast in the book of Revelation – the enemy that comes from the bottomless pit and wages war in the hearts and lives of men and women.  In verse 11:8 allowing dead bodies to lie out in the street is a major violation of decency.  In verse 15 things begin to shift in big ways as we read: “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The whole world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.””  Is the whole world now part of the kingdom of God?  What are some examples of why or why not?

    16upfromthepit

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 11 titled “The Temple, the Two Witnesses, and the Seventh Trumpet” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation 11:15 reminded me of Handel’s Messiah “Hallelujah Chorus:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYzOQFpGPYE

    Do you know Jesus, who will reign forever?  Click here and meet your eternal King!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 10:1-11
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    Revelation chapter 10 brings forth the angel and the little scroll!  Note that this scroll is not the same as the scroll in Revelation chapter 5, verse 1.  This first scroll contains a revelation of judgments against evil, whereas this little scroll’s contents are not disclosed – though, it may contain a judgment as well.  You will recall from our readings of Ezekiel earlier this winter that, similar to John in this chapter, Ezekiel was instructed in a vision to eat a scroll that was sweet to taste but contained judgments against Israel.  From Ezekiel chapter 3 verse 3 you’ll recall: “Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”

    _scroll

    Revelation Chapter 10 Verse 1 in today’s readings has some cool stuff going on in it – “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire.”  The angel being surrounded by a cloud recalls God speaking to Peter James and John on the mountain of the Transfiguration in Matthew chapter 17 verse 5 – “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”   The rainbow over the angel’s head recalls God’s promise to Noah after the flood to never destroy the earth by water again, as we see in Genesis chapter 9 verses 15 & 16 – “I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.””  And the angels feet being like pillars of fire recalls the pillars of fire and cloud that guided and protected the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, as we see in Exodus chapter 13 verses 21 & 22   “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”

    15Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Bluetree song (made famous by Chris Tomlin) called “God of this City.”  Bluetree are from Belfast, Northern Ireland, so you’ll pick up the great Irish accent in this live acoustic version of the song:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YECQwk1_g

    Do you know the God of your city?  Click here and meet your God!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 9:1-21
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    Revelation chapter 9 brings forth the 5th and 6th trumpet plagues at the end times!  A note on the star in verse 1 – this is likely an angel that descends from heaven with the key from Jesus to open the abyss. 

    3angelkey

    The fierce demonic locusts in today’s readings are intense.  You may recall we read about locusts in a similar fashion in the Old Testament in Joel chapter 1 through chapter 2 verse 11

    2locusts

     

    21secondwoe

    Verses 20 & 21 in this chapter stand out: “But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to turn from their evil deeds. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood–idols that neither see nor hear nor walk! And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their immorality or their thefts.”  Even in the midst of such destruction and horror, many people do not repent.  Is it possible that we receive much less severe signs in our own life today to repent, and we ignore them?  Why do we ignore the signs?  Is this wise?  Below is an image of the first six trumpet judgements by the incredible artist Pat Marvenko Smith:

    14Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Sidewalk Prophets song “The Words I Would Say:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htyU9cwNp0k

    Do you know how much He loves you?  Click here for His eternal love!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 8:1-13
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    Revelation chapter 8 transitions from the breaking of the seals on the scroll to the trumpets! 

    13Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    In Old Testament times trumpets represented the announcement of important events or times of war.  Here we will see plagues that are more devastating than the seals, but not as devastating as the bowls to come in Revelation chapter 16.  The eagle in this chapter represents swiftness and destruction.  When the eagle speaks of “all who belong to this world” in verse 13, it is referring to people who are not in relationship with God.

    41_4thtrumpet2

    Verses 3 & 4 in this chapter today are beautiful: “Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.”  I love that analogy of the incense mixing with the prayers of the saints.  Do you believe that your prayers reach God’s altar in heaven? 

    21goldenvial

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “How He Loves Us” sung here by David Crowder:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIdvtRcPGBg

    Do you know how much He loves you?  Click here for His eternal love!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” Revelation 8:3-4 (NIV)

    Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that your prayers to God are like incense smoke, going up to God from the hands of angels. Pray without ceasing. Pray right now.

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 7:1-17
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    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Revelation chapter 7 verse 3 in today’s reading tells us: “Wait! Don’t hurt the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”  Commentaries suggest that the seal represents the name of God being stamped on the foreheads of his followers – to protect them from the coming judgments.  This imagery is very similar to Ezekiel 9:4 – “”Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”

    11Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Verse 4 tells us: “And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God. There were 144,000 who were sealed from all the tribes of Israel.”  Some interpret this to mean 144,000 descendents of the actual Jewish tribes during the time of tribulation, which I agree with.  Others interpret this passage to be symbolic of all the faithful believers who live during the time of tribulation.

    12Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Verses 5 through 8 are interesting in that Judah is listed first, which is unusual.  When the twelve tribes of Israel are listed usually Reuben, his older brother, is listed first.  The thought here is that since Jesus and David came from the tribe of Judah, that is why it is listed first.  Also, the tribe of Dan is not listed – which may be because Dan had some idolatry issues in Judges 18:30.  Instead, Manasseh, one of Joseph’s son’s is listed – along with Joseph.

    Judah

    Verse 12 is very powerful in that it has 7 attributes of God: “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever.”  Will you attribute to God – Blessing?  Glory?  Wisdom?  Thanksgiving?  Honor?  Power?  Strength?  Forever….?  Has anyone read A.W. Tozer’s book “The Attributes of God“?  I haven’t, but have heard it is terrific!

    Attributes_god_1

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VvmuyhbIUQ

    Are you a captive in need of Ransom?  Click here to meet your Emmanuel!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 6:1-17
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Revelation chapter 6 begins the first of 3 seven-part judgments with the opening of the seals on the scroll!  The seven trumpets in chapters 8 & 9 and the seven bowls in chapter 16 are the remaining two.  The unsealing of the seals on the scroll by Jesus in this chapter sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history.  Verse 12 today tells us: “I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood.”

    10Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    The imagery of the four horsemen in this chapter comes from Zechariah chapter 1 verses 8-17 and chapter 6 verse 1-6.  In chapter 1 of Zechariah verses 8-10 we read: “During the night I had a vision-and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. I asked, “What are these, my lord?”  The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.” Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.””  This is a good example of how John is utilizing a lot of imagery for the book of Revelation from the Old Testament.  And of course it is a great example of how the Old Testament is fulfilled by the New Testament.

    08Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    A portion of verse 8 should be noted about the 4 horsemen: “They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth.”  Some commentaries have noted that this demonstrates that even in the end of days, God is continuing to show compassion.  He only allows the four horsemen to do their work over 1/4th of the earth, giving everyone in the other 3/4ths of the earth an opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus.

    Repent_

    Below is another incredible piece of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith for Revelation chapter 6 verses 9 through 11!  “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.”

    09Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation remind me of the Matt Maher song “Alive Again.” Here’s a great live performance from Matt:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSTaVmDQP5s

    Are you truly alive?  Click here and be made Alive Again!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 5:1-14
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Revelation 5 is another beautiful chapter looking at worship in heaven!  And in this chapter we see the worship of Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb, who opens the scroll.  It is interesting that Jesus is described first as the Lion of Judah in verse 5 and then as a Lamb in verse 6.  This demonstrates both Jesus’ authority and power (lion) and Jesus’ submission to God’s will (lamb).

    Lionandthelamb

    Verse 9 is certainly powerful in today’s readings: “And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”  Do you believe that Jesus’ blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation?  How do people accept this gift – this ransom?  Are the stakes high enough that we should accept this ransom?

    Exchange

    And verse 12 is powerful: “And they sang in a mighty chorus: “The Lamb is worthy–the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”  Do you believe that Jesus is worthy to receive power?  And riches?  And wisdom?  And honor?  And glory?  And blessing?  Will you give these things to Jesus in your life today?

    Revelation_worship

    To powerfully close out this New Testament post today, below is an image of Revelation Chapter 5 titled “The Opening of the Sealed Scroll” by the amazing artist Pat Marvenko Smith from www.revelationillustrated.com.  Based on today’s readings, please take a few moments to reflect on this image and what it means to you personally…

    07Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of this terrific Chris Tomlin song that was written based on Revelation Chapter 5 called “Is He Worthy?”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY

    Do you know our Worthy Lord??  Click here to meet Him!

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Revelation 4:1-11
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Revelation chapter 4 today is an amazing chapter, where we get a great glimpse of worship in heaven!  Verses 1 & 2 are an awesome start to this chapter with John first seeing an open door in heaven and then being instantly in the Spirit!  “Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit.” 

    04Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Verse 3 stands out today with a great glimpse of God’s glory – “The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones–jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.” You’ll note that there is not a clear description of God, as he is often described as dwelling in an “unapproachable light”.  But I think the gemstones and the emerald rainbow are pretty good starters for envisioning God’s glory…  Can you imagine seeing God face to face some day?  Does this make your heart leap with excitement and joy?

    God_light__1

    Verse 4 stood out in today’s readings as well: “Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.” It is said that these 24 thrones represent both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of Jesus.  Thus, representing all righteous and redeemed men and women before and after Jesus’ life.

    05Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Verses 6 & 7 will remind us of the seraphs in Isaiah and the cherubim in Ezekiel – “In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings had the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth had the form of an eagle with wings spread out as though in flight.”  These creatures are said to represent aspects of the attributes of God.  The lion representing majesty & power.  The ox representing faithfulness.  The human representing intelligence.  And the eagle representing sovereignty.

    Seraphim_

    Verses 10 & 11 is a beautiful look at elders worshiping God!  “The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”   Imagine yourself in heaven with a crown of some sort.  Will you lay down your crown before the throne of God and worship God in this same manner?  Do you believe that God is worthy to receive all glory, and honor, and power?  Do you believe that it was for God’s pleasure that everything exists and was created?

    06Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
    To order prints visit her “
    Revelation Illustrated” site.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation reminded me of the song “Joy to the World” sung here by Phil Wickham:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbZNk5uSYK4

    Are you joyful?  Click here for Joy!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’” Revelation 4:10-11 (NIV)

    Prayer Point: Pray that you will always fall down and lay your crown at the feet of Jesus. Pray that you will praise and worship Jesus giving Him all glory and honor and power.

    Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!