November 12 With Jesus

Revelation 17:12-14 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
 
THE “ten horns” refers back to the previous lesson describing the beast in Revelation 17:7, referring to the beast, which has the seven heads and ten horns. We learned the seven heads referred both to Rome, the city of seven hills and also to all world nations to come. The ten horns is another reference to many world governments to rise in the future to oppose Jesus until his final victory.
    These governments’ reigns will come at a future time and will be brief. One hour is figurative to describe the many transitions of governments throughout world history. We can see in Rome’s history, for example, some emperors reigned only for months before assassination. Many of you reading this know in your own country of how government leaders last only a short time.
    This picture of constant opposition to Jesus can be disheartening. Why does so much of the world hate Jesus? The answer, of course, is sin. We see this desire to kill Jesus even in the Jews’ rulers in Mark 11:18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. Satan brought death into the world because he hates God. The world constantly opposes our Creator.
    But find hope! The opposition lasts only one hour. Jesus is eternal. He is the victor over all opposition, even the grave. Jesus is risen. He is alive. The Lamb will overcome because he is King of kings, Lord of lords!
    Then see these powerful words of victory: “with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Are you a Christian? Then rejoice because you are called. God has chosen you to be his faithful follower. This is God’s work in you to make you his own forevermore! God has you and will not let you go.
    The world’s ways may seem to be greater than God’s way. But do not focus on your limited view of the world and of God. Look, instead, into eternity. Revelation continually teaches God is the victor over his entire creation. When you are in Jesus’ church, he has equipped you for eternity. Be faithful to your call. Celebrate and activate your faith each day to confidently live for Christ.  
 
Prayer: I pray, Father, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20) Amen.