Revelation 11:15-19

March 22 – Revelation 11:15-19
The book of Revelation is often considered a frightening book. Weird creatures, plagues, battles…. It's unsettling. But it’s not meant to be. Revelation was given to the Church as a sort of behind the scenes to show us that God is in control. Which is illustrated in today’s reading.

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Nothing stops God’s kingdom. His will is done no matter what. The nations rage, but the judgment comes.

The wording here brings to mind Psalm 2. “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1). Psalm 2 is all about how The King, the Son of God, is ruler over all the earth. Just as stated in today’s reading. He will break those who oppose Him and His wrath will come upon those who do not fear Him. This thought can make our sinful flesh tremble.

But just as Psalm 2 ends with this promise: ”Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12b), there is also this comforting notion in Revelation 11:18, that even as His wrath comes, so too will it be the time “for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great…”

While God’s judgment and the end of the world are frightening concepts, especially to our sinful flesh, we remember that we are baptized. And as baptized children of God, we do not need to fear the coming judgment, for we are clothed with Christ’s righteousness. It is His will that we be with Him in His Kingdom for all eternity.