We open to what most Bible commentators over the centuries have called perhaps the most challenging chapter in the Bible, Revelation chapter 9. Before we dive in we need to step back and remember one of the most amazing features of this book: the role of the Gospel in relation to the horrors of the Tribulation.
An Invitation from God
The Bible closes with one of the greatest invitations of all, found in the final chapter, of the last book of the Bible. So, before the horrors of Rev. 9, listen to the offer of endless life from Jesus Christ to all who will listen:
Revelation 22:16-17 (NKJV) “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Simple Truths
This great invitation is filled with some powerful truths. If we were listing truths (like in the devotional method of Bible study) we could say:
1. Jesus sent the content of the Book of Revelation to His Church. When we study in the book of the Revelation, we are giving attention to what was sent by Jesus to us the saints in Christ’s church through all ages.
2. Jesus Christ is unique: He is the Root of David (that means David came from Him, even though Jesus was born 1,000 years after David’s life, so Jesus can do the impossible, and is thus Divine); He is the Offspring of David (that means Jesus is the Christ promised to rule over the people of Israel in a future Earthly way, as the Divine-Human descendant of David); He is the Bright & Morning Star (that means that He signals the dawning of a day that knows no night; and He is the One who offers endless new beginnings).
3. Salvation is offered to Anyone who is thirsty and will come.
So, the Bible closes with one of the greatest invitations of all, an amazing offer of endless life, given by God the Father, Son, and Spirit to any human that will hear and by faith respond. That’s what can be found in the final chapter, of the last book of the Bible.
Now turn with me to perhaps the most vivid portrayal of death, evil, and destruction in all of God’s Word, it is in Revelation 9.
Our theme this morning is the amazing contrast in the Stark Choices:
Christ Who Offers Endless Life & The Devil, and the
Destroyer from the Abyss, Who Offer Endless Death
Now, please stand with me and listen to the entirety of this chapter, before we look at each part and the truths God has given to us.
Revelation 9:1-21