"Who Would Jesus Bomb?" - Revelation 6
I saw this disturbing phrase on a bumper sticker a few weeks ago and I've really thought about it a lot since then. I typically enjoy reading a good acronym, but it disturbed me to think what kind of person would think that, let alone put a sticker on their car for everyone to see. Obviously, the political implication is that Bush, being a Christian, is a hypocrite because Jesus would never hurt anyone.
However, reading this chapter in Revelation would give another perspective on Jesus Christ, The Lamb. In this chapter, The Lamb releases the first of three seven-fold sets of judgement (the other two being the trumpets and the bowls). Each of the four horses is a different color, and are part of the unfolding judgement of God.
However, reading this chapter in Revelation would give another perspective on Jesus Christ, The Lamb. In this chapter, The Lamb releases the first of three seven-fold sets of judgement (the other two being the trumpets and the bowls). Each of the four horses is a different color, and are part of the unfolding judgement of God.
It's easy to read this chapter and fear the coming of the Lord. However, as Christians, we don't have to fear the judgement of God. Rather, when these things start happening, we can rejoice because the return of Christ is not far off. Have they begun already? Hmmmm.
The encouragement for me in this chapter is found in verses 15 - 17:
15 Then the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy people, the people with great power, and every slave and every free person – all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who will be able to survive?"
These people that mock our government, that mock our God, these rulers of middle-eastern countries that call us all infidels, these greedy, self-absorbed people that do nothing but hoard and gloat, the power-mongers and filth-peddling media moguls will all join the slaves and hide among the cracks in the earth. They will cry out to die for the wrath of God has come. Every knee will bow, every tongue confess that Christ is King and that God is on His throne.
No, Jesus does not want to bomb people. But, to people who show no fear of God, who arrogantly flaunt their unbelief and mock God, there will be judgement.
Having said that, my heart is turned toward reaching as many people for Jesus Christ before these things take place. What are we doing to warn people? We don't have to fear judgement, but Christ would not have anyone perish this way. It is our responsibility to live in such a manner that draws men unto God - and that can only happen as He fills us and draws them Himself.
Fill us today, Lord, with Your love and grace so others might be drawn to You.
peace,
e
We are in the end of times. It is now or never for men to rise up and take back what has been stolen from them. It is only when we get our hearts back and come alive, that we will gain ground for the Kingdom. After I watched the news last night, it is obvious to me that the enemy is alive and well! Keep up the God work you are doing!
Donny
http://mancomingalive.blogspot.com
Posted by
Anonymous |
10:33 AM
Revelation 6
>
> The four horsemen of fear. Sounds a lot like the nine horsemen
> in Lord of the Rings. Something I think is interesting about the
> fourth horse, it says he is death and following close behind him
> is hades, then it says "they" were given power to kill 1/4 of man
> on earth. So is hades a spirit not a place? Seems as I have more
> questions than answers these days with revelation. It will be a
> tremendously scareing day as described at the end of the chapter.
> I am curious where do you all land with regards to pre trib or mid
> trib? T
>
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:53 AM
T:
My Bible (NLT) calls "the grave" what your Bible calls "hades." My footnotes questioned whether he was on his own horse or rode on the pale green horse with his buddy death. Either way, it seems "the grave" represents another spirit.
Oh boy. I was wondering when someone was going to bring up the whole Preterist, Premillennialist (Pretrib), MidTrib, PostTrib (Postmillennialist), or "other" issue. But, I really want to know what I believe and why. I have listened to Hank Hannagraff in the evenings on the way home. He has compelling discussions about his views of Eschatology. He calls himself an AMILLENNIAL PARTIAL PRETERIST. Wow! That's a mouthful.
Basically, those in the pre-trib camp (ala Tim LaHaye and his fictional "Left Behind" books) believe that the Church will be raptured before the Great Tribulation and will therefore not have to suffer like all the unbelievers. Christ will later come back and destroy those sinners left behind after the seven years of persecution and establish His 1,000 year kingdom.
A full Preterist has the view that all of Revelation, including the Rapture and Resurrection, took place around 70 AD. A Partial Preterist then, believes that some of the things John writes about happened back in 70 AD and some things are yet to happen. My confusion comes in knowing which things happen when. Hank has co-written a book (also fiction), which I intended to read before we started in Revelation, called "The Last Disciple." Like LeHaye's books, it's fictional, but intended to teach Hank's particular Partial Preterist views.
I think the bottom line is: if you've given your life to Christ, whatever comes, He is strong enough to get us through it. I'm not going to argue with Jesus when He comes back for me.
What are your thoughts?
Posted by
Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) |
12:02 PM