Window 4 Revelation 11v19-15v4.
This is the fourth phase of the unfolding drama in the book of Revelation; each phase begins with something which is opened in heaven, and it is note- worthy that each event increases in intensity as we move towards the end of the present order of things. The temple of God, the inner temple, the very sanctuary where God dwells was opened in heaven. This symbolism is taken from the Old Testament teaching of the tabernacle. Exposed to full view in heaven was the ark of the covenant, which in the Old Testament symbolized the presence of God, the dwelling place of God. That this is now opened to view is a solemn portent for the earth. The record of the ark of the covenant is that which brought fear and reverence amongst the people of God, because of the presence of God. The same ark which became a symbol of peace amongst God's people, became a symbol of terror to the ungodly. When the ark was removed from Israel by the Philistines in 1st Samuel chapter 4 it was said "the glory is departed from Israel for the ark of God is taken." The presence of the ark of God amongst the Philistines brought such judgment and terror that they could not live with it in their midst. It was then passed from pillar to post over twenty years, the culmination of which was the divine judgment on the men of Bethshemesh where more than fifty thousand perished. The cry of these men was this "who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? and to whom shall He go up from us?" 1st Samuel 6v19-20.
What we have here is 1st Samuel chapters 4-6 taken to a global level. The holiness of God has not changed. His attitude to sin has not changed (will never change). That fearful holiness is now to be exposed to a sinful world. God comes out of His sanctuary. The issue is not grace but judgment. Out from the throne there comes all the symbols of Divine wrath against sin. Never has God been seen in this mode on such a scale The section ends in chapter 15 with the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. God will have His way at the end but first he must clear away the obstacles to His plan. Before describing the details of the final awesome display of the wrath of God, He will introduce to us the evil trinity which has brought all the chaos about.
- In chapter 12 we are introduced to Satan, described as the dragon, the old serpent, the devil, Satan, and the accuser of the brethren. We have here the beginning and ending of his malicious career.
- In chapter 13v1-10 we are introduced to the first beast, a human being energized by Satan but also head of an evil worldwide system which is anti-God.
- In chapter 13v11-18 we are introduced to another beast who is the religious counterpart of the first political beast.
These three are symbolic of the counterfeit trinity who have brought all the trouble to the earth. All this is followed in chapter 14 with a scene which represents a condition of order in heaven, and a corresponding condition of chaos on earth.
- Chapter 14v 1-7 - We have the Lamb on Mount Zion.
- Chapter 14v 8-12 - We have the fall of Babylon.
- Chapter 14v13-20 - We have the harvest of the earth.
- Chapter 15v 1-4 - We have the seven last plagues.
Out of rebellion God will bring His praise; "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain" Psalm 76v10. Out of chaos He will bring order. The depravity of earth will be checked and God will establish a world of righteousness. Satan and the two beasts and all who follow them will be put away, because, in the new world that God will create, "nothing that defileth shall ever enter in." The same Psalm comments "Thou, even Thou art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once Thou art angry? Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah(pause and think about that). Psalm 76v7-9.
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