Revelation 11 15 19
Woe on Earth, Worship in Heaven
Revelation 11:15-19
Introduction:
Last time we looked at the two powerful witnesses that will come and testify during the tribulation period
This reminds us of God’s mercy
Revelation judgments: judgment, pause, judgment, pause, etc.
God is merciful and giving every opportunity to be saved
Also reminds us of the hard heartedness of mankind.
I. The Announcement of the Kingdom v. 15
1. Many are surprised to learn that the kingdom of the world now belongs to Satan
1) It is obvious to look around and see that it does not
2) Scripture teaches that it does not:
a. John 12 “prince of this world”
b. John 14:30 “prince of this world”
c. John 16:11 “prince of this world”
d. At temptation of Christ Satan promised to give Jesus the kingdom of this world
2. Here is the announcement that it will be taken back v. 15
Seems to be a fulfillment of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2:42-45
What the Disciples were looking for in Jesus before death
II. The Response of Heaven to this announcement vv. 16-17
1. They fall on their faces to worship and praise
Also see in 5:8-9
2. They have longed for this day: Asked “How long”
Now the time has come
Application Point: How often do we praise God? Really stop and praise Him.
In heaven we see this continually
When do we stop and suddenly, spontaneously praise the Lord?
Good time now to stop and praise the Lord together.
III. The Anticipation of the end v. 18
There are several events pointed out in verse 18, there are periods of time in between that this verse doesn’t point out.
1. God’s wrath: He will judge the nations that are angry with Him
See Psalm 2:1-5
Note the progression of the nations
11:2 trod Jerusalem under foot
11:9 Rejoice at the murder of God’s witnesses
11:18 Almost as if they are shaking their fist at God
Believe that they will wipe Him out
2. The dead will be judged
This will come after the 1000 year reign of Christ
Rev. 20:5, 11-15
3. Rewarding of the saints
4. Destroy them that destroy the earth
Satan and his demons
IV. The Assurance of God’s Faithfulness v. 19
David Jeremiah: “At the beginning of chapter 11 we were given a picture of the temple which is to be rebuilt in Jerusalem during the Tribulation. But at the end of chapter 11 we are given a vision of a temple in heaven. The temple was opened and we are able to look inside while surrounded by lightning, thunder, earthquake, and a great hailstorm. And there, in the midst of all the horrendous and cataclysmic events of the tribulation, we look into the temple and see the ark of the covenant – the symbol of the presence of God. The ark of the covenant represented the power of God in the midst of the Jewish people. It was the ark which the people of Israel followed as they crossed the Jordan River and went into Canaan to claim their inheritance (Joshua 3:11-17).
The ark was symbolic. It represented God’s law, for in the ark were the tablets of the law. It also symbolized God’s sufficiency and provision, for in the ark was a pot of manna collected in the wilderness. And it was also symbolic of God’s life, for it contained the rod of Aaron which budded (Heb. 9:4). Every Jew—and remember, the Tribulation is a time of God’s dealing primarily with Israel—would understand the implication of the presence of the ark. During the darkness of the Tribulation, the ark represents the certainty of God’s Word, God’s provision, and God’s life.
We are reminded by verse 19 that God is always in the midst of the most difficult times in our lives—He even is in the midst of the Tribulation for those who are saved during those days. Men’s hearts will be failing them for fear, but those who have eyes of faith, they will see the Word, provision, and life of God through the terrible things that are happening. A glimpse into heaven reveals the Ark of the Covenant. His covenant promises are the anchor for the soul of everyone who faces overwhelming circumstances.”