Follow the Lamb - 21 Day Study on the Book of Revelationعينة

Day 16: New Jerusalem as Promise for Victors

Scripture Reading:

‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.’

- Romans 12.2 (NRSV)

There’s a TV show called Pointless. It’s a bit different, a sort of upside-down version of the old game show Family Feud. Instead of trying to guess the most popular response to a question, the aim is to guess the answer nobody chose, and the person with the lowest score, the most ‘pointless’, is the winner. The Kingdom of Heaven is a bit like Pointless; it’s not the ones with the most who are the winners, and very often, it’s the ones who have the least. Much of the Revelation is about the battle. People of the time were very familiar with battles and wars, as the Roman Empire gobbled up every territory it could find, like a giant Pac-Man.

Some people have misunderstood the conflict in the Revelation, and think that there will be a battle similar to those in Rome, or Iraq, or Ukraine, and that Christians should stockpile provisions or even be armed to the teeth in preparation. When we look at the Scriptures, though, we see that the victors don’t commit any acts of violence. They are the crowned winners through their witness to Jesus. Those on the side of the Lamb don’t enter into the conflict at all. They worship God and witness his love to the world. It is Jesus himself who wins the battle, and again, not through violence, but through the sword which comes from his mouth, and we are reminded that the sword of the Spirit is the word of God (Ephesians 6.17). The winners in God’s kingdom are those who are faithful and speak out the truth of the Gospel into the world.

Some things to think about:

1. Do you have a favourite sport, game or competitive show? What do you like about it?
2. Do you think Christians should go to war?
3. How do you deal with conflict in your workplace or home?

Prayer:

Risen Lord, I thank you that you will always overcome evil. I thank you that you are present with the suffering. I ask your Spirit to give me the strength to speak truth and peace to those you have placed around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.