May 7, 2023

Kingdom & Characters #

Revelation 11:14-18

Introduction

You will recall the woes were introduced way back in chapter 8.

Rev. 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

The first WOE is explained in 9:1-11

Rev. 9:12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Second WOE 9:13-21

Chapter 10, starts a parenthetical in which relevant information is given to us. This continues through most of Chapter 11. We have a quick mention of the Third WOE here in verse 14… but it is simply mentioned that it will come quickly. Verse 15 gives us a quick context of it, but then it seems to actually be described in Rev 16:1

Rev. 16:1 ¶ And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Chapters 12-15 add a lot of relevant information to the context of the book of Revelation. It is probably some of the most disputed portion of the book.

We could literally spend hours in these chapters, I don’t want to get lost in every detail, and rabbit trail.

I. The Kingdom Come! (Rev 11:14-18) #

A. Cometh quickly (14) #

There is more to come. In the tribulation period, we have already saw war, famine, destruction, earthquakes, natural disasters, and many things take place… and YET there is MORE!
People who say the we are in the tribulation period, I have to scratch my head. Yes, some terrible wars, earthquakes have been witnessed, but the worse is yet to be.

Prov. 29:1 ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

This verse fits so appropriately here. Reproof, and judgement have taken place over and over again, and yet still they refuse… suddenly be destroyed!

B. Seventh Angel sounded #

1. Kingdoms #

Clearly in the Bible are mentioned, the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven (which have similarities, and yet are distinct). There is Jesus Kingdom, that the Jews expected him to setup.
Jesus said at the mock of a trial they had for him:

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Even in prayer it was to be said:

Matt. 6:9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

2. The ‘god’ of this world… will lose his kingdom. #

The Devil has limited space to work (the world)
The Devil has limited time to work!

3. “Shall reign for ever and ever.” #

This prophecy stems all the way back to the beginning of time!

C. Worship (16) #

This is NOT spontaneous, but rather very much associated with Jesus!

1. 24 elders #

Mentioned 6 times in the Bible, each time in the Book of Revelation! (4:4, 4:10*, 5:8*, 14*, 11:16*, 19:4*)
They are introduced to us in Chapter 4… when we will meet them, because we are raptured out! We find them Worshipping Living LORD
5:8, 14 – Worshipping the Slain Lamb
11:16 – Worshipping the KING of the Kingdoms!
19:4 – Worshipping the Justice of God!

2. Taking the throne! (17) - Many people watched the coronation of King Charles III… he doesn’t even really write the laws of England… but our King… He is KING OF KINGS! #

D. Nations angered! (18) #

1. In the timeline, this jumps right to the end of the tribulation, battle of Armageddon, Millennial Reign #

Malachi 3:16-4:3

2. Judgement #

3. Rewards to the servants “small and great” #

4. Final destruction #

II. Characters (Rev 11:19-12:11) #

A. The Temple of God (11:19) #

1. This is a literal Temple in heaven #

2. There is a literal Ark in heaven. #

If God can bring man to heaven, there is really not a problem bringing the Ark of God to heaven!

B. The Woman (12:1-2. 6) #

This woman is referred to throughout the rest of this chapter. We will not dwell on it now, but it fits very well as a picture of Israel.
It is very apparent that a historical story is being told here in these verses.

Revelation 11:14