Today’s selected reading continues in and concludes the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ which was given unto the apostle John while he was upon the isle of Patmos. More specifically, today’s passage is found in chapters seventeen through twenty-two of this New Testament book. THE JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT WHORE! THE FALL OF BABYLON! THE CAPTURE OF THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET! THE BINDING OF THE DRAGON AND CASTING INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT! THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB! THE LAMB DEFEATS AND OVERCOMES THE BEAST, THE BEAST KINGDOM, AND THE FALSE PROPHET! THE FINAL SHOWDOWN AROUND THE CITY OF JERUSLAEM! THE LORD PROTECTS AND FIGHTS FOR JERUSALEM! THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT! When you come to these chapters you will not only come to the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, but you will also come to the final chapters of the entire canon of Scripture. It is actually incredible to read and consider the words which are found within these final chapters, for what you will find contained within them are wonderful and incredible declarations of victory—and not only declarations of victory, but declarations of victory of the Son over the kingdoms and empires of the earth. You cannot read these chapters and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous overthrow, the tremendous upheaval and the tremendous removal of those enemies and adversaries which raised themselves up against the living and holy God, and against Jesus His Christ within the earth. These final chapters are chapters of absolute and wonderful triumph of the Lamb of God who comes back unto the earth—not as a Lamb needing to be sacrificed again as an offering for sin, but rather as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. It has been said that when Jesus the Christ came to the earth in the first place He came as the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world, while when He comes back the second time He is coming as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to exact judgment, vengeance and wrath against His enemies. In all reality, I can’t help but think about and consider the words which are written and recorded in the second chapter of the New Testament book of the Psalms when seeking to understand that which is found in these final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            The more I read and the more I consider the words which are found within these chapters the more I am brought face to face with just how absolutely marvelous and incredible this triumph is within them—and not only the triumph itself, but the triumph of the Lamb. In all reality, I would dare say that what we find and read within these chapters is indeed the triumph of the Lamb of God as was mentioned within and throughout Scripture. If and as you read Scriptures you will clearly find and discover that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in a place of dominion, authority and power until all enemies have been crushed under His feet and brought under the dominion of heaven. Scripture is replete with example after example of the kingdoms of the earth becoming the kingdoms of our God, and this is a reality that is expressed within and throughout Scripture. I cannot help but be reminded of the words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic book of Daniel when Nebuchadnezzar has his dream which Daniel interprets. It is within the second chapter of the prophetic book of Daniel we find this Hebrew prophet interpreting the dream which this Gentile king had concerning the kingdoms and empires of the world, and how there is coming a day when a kingdom which has not, and which was not made with human hands will completely and utterly destroy all the kingdoms and empires of the earth. I am absolutely and completely convinced that when you read these final chapters in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ you must needs allow yourself to be immersed and captivated with and by the awesome and incredible truth that they are chapters of complete and utter triumph—and not only triumph itself, but rather the triumph of the Lamb. It is with this in mind I invite you to first consider the words which are written and recorded in the second chapters of the poetic book of the Psalms, as well as the prophetic book of Daniel concerning the ultimate destruction and demise of the kingdoms and empires of the world:

            “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The LORD has said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (Psalm 2:1-12).

            “Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thights of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king> Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwel, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferiror to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, tpart of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold: the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure” (Daniel 2:31-45).

            It is absolutely necessary that we read and pay close attention to the words which are found within these two passages of Scripture, for not only do these chapters present us with the rage and rebellion of the kings and kingdoms of the earth, but these chapters also bring us face to face with the ultimate victory and triumph of the kingdom of heaven and the King of kings over all the kingdoms and kings of the earth. I find it incredibly powerful and captivating when reading these chapters, for these chapters not only bring us face to face with the rage, the rebellion, the wrath, and the conspiracy of the nations, the kingdoms, the kings, and rulers of the earth, but also their rebellion and conspiracy against the throne of God which is in heaven, and against the kingdom of heaven. When in the wilderness being tempted of the devil the Lord Jesus Christ was shown all the kingdoms of the earth in a moments time, and the Devil offered all the kingdoms of the earth unto the Lord Jesus Christ if He would but fall down and worship him. What we must needs realize and recognize when reading the words which are found in the second chapters of the books of Daniel and of Psalms, as well as the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the physician Luke is that the ultimate objective, goal and desire of the living and eternal God in the heavens was to set up and establish the nation and kingdom of Israel as the direct manifestation of His kingdom and His authority and His dominion upon and over the earth. We know that Israel ultimately forfeited that authority, that dominion and that government within and upon the earth, and was not only divided into two distinct parts, but were also cast forth from the land. We know that the northern kingdom of Israel would be cast forth from the land and carried away into captivity by the Assyrians, and we know that the southern kingdom of Judah was cast forth from the land and carried away into captivity by the Babylonians. What we must also realize and recognize is that when the nation and kingdom of Israel forfeited their dominion, their authority, and the government they were supposed to exercise upon the earth the enemy and adversary raised up his own kingdoms and empires in the midst of the earth. This would ultimately be expressed—not only in the books of Second Kings and Second Chronicles, but also in the prophetic book of Daniel.

            I sit here this morning thinking about and considering the words which are found within these chapters and be brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth that what we read about in the second chapters of the book of Daniel and Psalms is a picture of the nations and kingdoms of the earth which would not only raise themselves up in dominion and authority upon the earth, but would also raise themselves up in defiance and rebellion against the Lord. It’s quite astonishing to think about and consider that the nations and kingdoms of the earth could indeed and could in fact use their dominion and authority—dominion and authority which was given unto them by the living God—to exercise themselves and raise themselves up in defiance and rebellion against the throne of God and against the kingdom of God. This is precisely what is evidenced and manifested in the second chapter of the Old Testament poetic book of the Psalms, for within this passage of Scripture we find the nations and kingdoms of the earth together with their kings and rulers raising themselves up against the throne of God, and raising themselves up against the kingdom of heaven. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of just how absolutely tremendous and incredible this truly is, for within it we are brought face to face with just how incredible this rebellion and defiance is in the midst of the earth. We dare not and must not miss the awesome and powerful importance of this truth and reality, for it helps us to understand that which is found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is when we come to these final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ we are brought face to face with the kingdoms of the earth, the kings of the earth, the rulers of the earth, and the empires and nations of the earth raising themselves up against the rider on the white horse, and against the Lamb of God and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. You cannot read the words found within these chapters and not be brought to terms with the tremendous level of defiance and rebellion that was found within these chapters against the Son of God who came forth from heaven riding on a white horse with a tremendous and powerful army.

            The more I read and consider the words which are found within these chapters the more I am confronted with and by the tremendous truth surrounding the defiance and rebellion of the nations, the kingdoms, the kings and the rulers of the earth in the midst of the earth. Not only this, but I am absolutely and completely struck with and by the defiance and rebellion of the Antichrist, the false prophet and the kingdom and empire they both were a part of in the midst of the earth during the last days. You cannot read the words which are found within these chapters and not encounter the tremendous level, degree and measure of defiance and rebellion that would take place in the last days, as the kingdom of the beast would raise itself up in the midst of the earth in defiance against the throne of God in heaven, and against the eternal and only begotten Son of God. I cannot help but read the words which are found within these chapters and come face to face—not only with the defiance and rebellion of the kingdoms of the earth and the kingdoms of men, but also the ultimate triumph of the Lamb of God who is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. These final chapters which are found in the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ are incredibly unique and powerful, for these chapters present us with a powerful picture of the attempt of the Antichrist and the false prophet—together with the kingdom and empire they rule over in the midst of the earth—to exercise their dominion, their authority and their government within and upon the earth. It is in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ we are presented with a war which broke out in heaven—a war which was fought between the devil and his angels and Michael and his angels. It was revealed unto the apostle John that the devil and his angels tried to overcome and triumph over Michael and his angels, and yet they could not prevail in the battle. What’s more, is that we ultimately find it being revealed unto the apostle John that not only could the devil and his angels not prevail against Michael and his angels, but also was their place no longer found in heaven. As a direct result of this the devil and his angels were cast unto and cast upon the earth. It is incredibly important that we recognize and understand this truth concerning the devil and his angels being cast unto the earth, for when the twelfth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ concludes it does so with the dragon making war within and upon the face of the earth against the remnant of the seed of the woman—those who keep the commandments of God, and who have the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            We must needs understand these awesome and incredible truths, for what we find in chapters thirteen through eighteen is the rule and the dominion of the Antichrist and the false prophet upon the earth. Not only this, but what we find within these chapters is ultimately the wrath and rage of the dragon in the midst of the earth as he seeks to make war with and war against the saints of God. Not only this, but what we find within these chapters is the dragon’s attempt to exercise his own dominion, his own authority, his own control, and his own government within, upon and over the earth. Oh we have to recognize and understand this, for it helps us truly understand and recognize the final chapters of this prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. In fact, I would dare say that we cannot truly understand the final chapters of this prophetic book without first understanding the wrath and rage of the dragon in the midst of the earth, and how the dragon—after and upon being cast forth out of heaven and unto the earth—will move in rage and wrath upon the earth knowing that he hath but a short time before his ultimate demise and destruction. What we must ultimately realize and recognize when reading the words which are found within the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ is that Babylon will be cast down and will rise no more. We must needs realize that the Antichrist, the false prophet, and the armies that are with them will be defeated, and that the Antichrist and the false prophet will be taken and cast alive into the lake of fire. The armies of the beast kingdom and of the Antichrist and false prophet will be defeated and overcome by the rider on the white Horse whose name is FAITHFUL and TRUE. Eventually and ultimately the Antichrist and the false prophet will be captured and will be cast alive into the lake of fire.

            I cannot help but be absolutely and completely gripped and captivated with the words found in these chapters, for currently and presently the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God is seated at the right hand of God—is seated in the place of all authority and dominion in heaven, in the earth and under the earth. Not only this, but eternal and only begotten Son of the Father is seated in that place of dominion and authority until everything has been brought in subjection unto the eternal Father which sits upon the throne. Oh we must needs realize and recognize that there is coming a day within the earth when the kingdoms of this world can and will become the kingdoms of our God, and that the kingdoms and the kings, the empires with their rulers, and the nations and peoples of the earth will be brought under the dominion, the authority and the government of heaven. Not only this, but Scripture makes it very clear that there is coming a day when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. We have great need to pay close attention to these words and this reality, for it helps us to understand that what we find and read in these final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the triumph of the Lamb and the wrath of God once and for all upon sin, upon iniquity, upon transgression, upon rebellion, and upon wickedness within and upon the earth. You cannot read the words which are found in these chapters and not be brought face to face with the absolutely remarkable and astonishing truth that what is contained within them is the fall of Babylon, the capture of the Antichrist and the false prophet, the defeat of the armies of the Antichrist, the casting alive of the Antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire, the binding of Satan and casting into the bottomless pit for a period of one thousand years, the release of Satan from that bottomless pit after one thousand years is over, and Satan’s final attempt to defeat and overthrow the Lamb of God and ultimately the living and eternal God Himself. Within these final chapters is ultimately the final defeat and destruction of Satan, and how Satan’s final casting down will not be casting out of heaven unto the earth, nor will it be his being cast into the bottomless pit, but ultimately his being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews concerning the Lord Jesus the Christ:

            “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore, God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:1-14).

            “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou  madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will pout my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same: that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18).

            Oh it is absolutely necessary to read and understand these words which are found in the first and second chapters of the New Testament epistle which was written unto the Hebrews, for these words bring us face to face with the awesome and incredible truth that Jesus is indeed seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven where He has been since He ascended from this earth in the view and company of the disciples and followers at that time. It is in that place of being seated at the right hand of the Father that He sits until all things can be put under His feet. It is the apostle Paul who emphatically writes about this in the first epistle written unto the saints which were at Corinth. If you turn and direct your attention to the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle which was written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth you will find the apostle writing concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ—and not only the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, but also the transformation of the saints and disciples of Christ in that moment when their corruptible bodies will put on incorruption, and when their mortal bodies shall put on immortality. Ultimately this passage is one that is centered upon the transformation of the saints and followers of the most high God, however, there is contained within this chapter incredibly powerful language written concerning the reign of Christ at the right hand of the Father until all things are brought in subjection unto Him under His feet. Oh it is truly something intriguing to think about and consider that Christ is indeed sitting at the right hand of the Father until all things are brought under His feet and He can turn everything over to the living God and the One who sits upon the throne. If we are to truly understand the words which are written and recorded in the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we must needs understand and recognize this foundation, for it helps us to understand the triumph of the Lamb—and not only the triumph of the Lamb, but the triumph of the Lamb over the kingdoms, over the kings, over empires, over nations, over rulers, and over all that seeks to rebel and raise itself up against the living God. With this in mind, please consider if you will the following words which are found in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints:

            “…But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming. Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

            WHEN HE SHALL HAVE DELIVERED UP THE KINGDOM TO GOD, EVEN THE FATHER! WHEN HE SHALL HAVE PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER! FOR HE MUST REIGN, TILL HE HATH PUT ALL ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET! THE LAST ENEMY THAT SHALL BE DESTROYED IS DEATH! FOR HE HATH PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET! The words which we find listed here in this passage present us with an absolutely incredible and astonishing truth concerning Jesus the Christ, and concerning His being seated at the right hand of the Father who was in heaven. The more I read the words which are found in the final chapters of the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ the more I am brought face to face with the fact that within these chapters we are presented with the triumph of the Lamb, and the triumph of the Lamb over the kingdoms, the empires, the kings, the rulers, and the nations of the earth. While it is true that Jesus is indeed seated at the right hand of all Majesty on high right now we must needs understand that there is coming a point when He will ride forth from heaven as a conquering King riding upon a white horse with the armies and host of heaven riding with Him to conquer and subdue the earth. Scripture is replete with references to Jesus moving throughout the earth conquering and subduing the nations, the kingdoms and empires of the earth. What makes this truly astonishing when you take the time to think about it is that there is coming a point in time when Jesus the Christ will come forth out of heaven as a mighty conquering King who will march upon the earth as He conquers and subdues His enemies. In all reality there are indeed two distinct and two decisive battles which are found in the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ in which the enemies and adversaries of the living God are completely and utterly annihilated. You cannot read the words which are found within these chapters and not be brought face to face and confronted with the fact that in the last days there are two final rebellions—two final insurrections and uprisings if you will—which will take place within and upon the earth. As you read the words which are found within these chapters you will immediately be confronted with the fall and the destruction of Babylon, however, before I even delve into that demise and destruction, I feel it is absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the victories of the Lamb over the beast, over the kingdom of the beast, over the armies of the beast, and over those insurrections and rebellions which will take place in the Last Days.

            As I read the words which are found within these final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ I can’t help but think about and consider that part of that revelation of Jesus the Christ is indeed the triumph of Jesus the Christ. You cannot speak about the revelation of Jesus the Christ without and apart from also writing and speaking about His triumph and victory over His enemies, as well as His ruling and reigning upon the earth for a period of one thousand years from the city of Jerusalem. We dare not and must not attempt to read the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ solely through the lens of Jesus the Christ coming back for His church, and for His body and bride, and leave out the rest of the words and language that are found within this prophetic book. It would be incredibly easy to read the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ—together with the words the apostle Paul wrote in the first epistles written unto the Corinthian and Thessalonian saints—and read it in terms of Jesus coming back for His Church, His body and His bride within the earth, and completely and utterly miss the point that when Jesus comes back—He is coming back as a conquering King who rides forth upon and in the midst of the earth. The prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ paints a very clear and vivid picture of the Lord Jesus Christ coming forth out of heaven riding on a white horse accompanied by the host and armies of heaven whose garments have all made white by, with and in the blood of the Lamb. It is within these final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ where you will truly begin to see the Lord Jesus Christ coming forth out of heaven as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and coming forth to conquer within and conquer upon the earth. Although we find in these final chapters the continued—and ultimately the final rebellions and insurrections of the kingdoms and kings of the earth against the throne of God—we are met with the undeniable truth that the Lord Jesus Christ will emerge and ride forth from heaven upon the earth to conquer, to subdue, to overthrow and to put down such rebellions. Despite the fact that the Antichrist, the false prophet, and the armies of the earth with them will seek to mount a rebellion against the rider on the white horse they will ultimately be subdued and triumphed over by the sword which proceeds forth out of the mouth of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ:

            “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying, to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the fles of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before hi, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone, and the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh” (Revelation 19:11-21).

            If there is one thing I  can’t help but think about when reading the words which are found within the nineteenth chapter of this prophetic book, it’s that there is a powerful shift and transition that takes place between the twelfth and thirteenth chapters and the nineteenth chapter. As you turn and direct your attention back to the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book you will find the great dragon which had seven heads and ten crowns waging war in heaven against Michael and his angels. Of course we know and understand from Scripture that not only could the dragon and his angels not prevail against Michael and his angels in heaven, but their place was no longer found in heaven, and they were cast down to the earth. This chapter concludes with a powerful statement and declaration of the wrath and rage of the dragon within and upon the earth, and how that wrath and rage would be manifested in his making war against the remnant of the seed of the woman—those who kept the testimony of Jesus the Christ, and those who kept the commandments of God. It is this reality and concept of war beginning in heaven and moving to and upon the earth that must needs be considered, for when you come to the thirteenth chapter you will find the dragon given unto the beast his seat, his power and his authority in the midst of the earth. One of the manifestations of this seat, this throne and this power within and upon the earth is the war the beast and Antichrist will wage against and make with the saints. It is in the thirteenth chapter of this prophetic book you find the beast and the kingdom of the beast making war with and war against the saints of the most High God—a reality which was first expressed within the prophetic book of Daniel. It is within the prophetic book of Daniel where you discover that the Antichrist and the kingdom and empire he has within and upon the earth can and will make war with and war against the saints—and not only will the Antichrist make war with and against the saints, but the Antichrist will actually prevail against the saints for a period of time. Oh dear reader—it is something worth considering when reading the words found in the prophetic book of Daniel that not only can and will the Antichrist make war with and against the saints of the most High God in the midst of the earth, but for a season he will actually prevail against them.

            It is necessary that we recognize and understand this war in heaven transitioning to the earth, and how the war which originated in heaven would ultimately and inevitably be brought to and manifested upon the earth. We must needs pay close and careful attention to this, for the war which the Antichrist wages against the saints of the most High God will eventually and ultimately turn and transition into a war against the Rider on the white horse. As you read the words found in the nineteenth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ you will find that the war which the Antichrist made with the saints would ultimately reach a climax, zenith and culmination in his war against the Rider on the white horse, and against the Word of God. The Antichrist can and will make war with and war against the saints of the most high God within and upon the earth, and that war against the saints will ultimately and eventually transition to a war against the Rider on the white horse and against the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. If you are to truly understand that which is found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ—particularly and especially in the final chapters of the book—it is absolutely necessary we recognize and understand that the war of the dragon which began in heaven would ultimately and eventually translate into the war of the beast upon the earth. This war in heaven which would take place between the dragon and his angels and Michael and his angels would ultimately transition to the dragon making war within and upon the earth against the remnant of the seed of the woman who keep the commandments of God, and who have the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is this war of the dragon that can and will be picked up by the Antichrist whom the dragon can and will give his seat, his throne, his power and his authority to. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found within the final six chapters of the prophetic book of Daniel concerning this war of the beast within and upon the earth:

            “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. SO he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; and of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, AND THE SAME HORN MADE WAR WITH THE SAINTS, AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM; until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. AND HE SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH, AND SHALL WEAR OUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart” (Daniel 7:9-28).

            “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it” (Daniel 8:23-27).

            As I continue to read and seek to understand the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ I can’t help but be brought face to face with the awesome and powerful truth that the wrath and war of the dragon in heaven would eventually and ultimately transition to the wrath and war of the dragon upon the earth. That war and that wrath would ultimately be manifested against the remnant of the seed of the woman who kept the commandments of God and who had the testimony of Jesus the Christ. This war and wrath of the dragon upon the earth would be carried out and continued by his beast and by the kingdom of the beast, as he would seek to make war with and against the saints. This is precisely what the prophet Daniel saw and that which was revealed unto him, for unto Daniel it was revealed that this individual would not only seek to make war with and against the saints, but would also seek to wear them down. What’s more, is that if and as you read the words found in the prophetic book of Daniel you will find it being revealed unto the prophet that the little horn which made war with and war against the saints will prevail against them for a time and a season, and will ultimately turn and direct his attention to the Prince of princes as was mentioned and spoken unto Daniel. Oh we must needs realize and understand this when reading the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, for what we find within this prophetic book is a powerful picture of the war of the dragon transitioning from heaven to the earth where he wages war against the remnant of the seed of the woman who keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus the Christ. This war of the dragon would ultimately be manifested even further in a full-blown and all-out war against the saints of the most High God in which the Antichrist can and will seek to wear them out and wear them down. What we must needs understand is that this war against the saints will indeed and will in fact be one in which he is allowed to prevail. Oh there will be a period of time when the Antichrist will not only make war with and war against the saints of the most High God, but will also prevail against them. This war of attrition the Antichrist can and will wage against the saints of the most High God will ultimately and eventually transition to a full blown war against the Prince of princes and the King of kings, as the beast, the kingdom of the beast, the false prophet, and the armies that aligned themselves with them will mount a full blow insurrection against them.

            What I so absolutely love about the words which are found in the prophetic book of Daniel, as well as the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is that although the Antichrist would indeed make and wage war against the saints of the most High God it would be the saints who would ultimately possess the kingdom—and not only possess the kingdom, but would possess it for ever and ever and ever. What’s more, is that if you read the words which are found in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book you will find that the saints overcame the accuser of the brethren, and they did so by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, having not lived their lives unto the death. If and as you read the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ you will not only find the Antichrist and the false prophet being defeated and captured, and not only will you find the residue of their armies slain by the sword which proceeds out of the mouth of the Prince of princes, but you will ultimately find the saints of God ruling and reigning with Christ for a period of one thousand years. What would begin with the saints of God overcoming the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony would ultimately result in their ruling and reigning upon the earth with the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh how absolutely wonderful, remarkable and powerful it is to think about and consider the fact that there is coming a point in time when the saints and bride of Christ will not only partake in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but will also rule and reign with Christ upon the earth for one thousand years.

            With all of this being said it is important that we understand that while in the end the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ does indeed and does in fact include the triumph of the Lamb over the Antichrist, over the false prophet, and over their armies, there is this intense affliction, this intense warfare, this intense conflict, and this intense battle that will ensue within the lives of the saints of the most High God. Scripture does not entirely reveal how the Antichrist can and will make war with and war against the saints, however, we must needs realize and recognize that it can and will most likely involved intense affliction, intense opposition, intense suffering, and intense persecution. The prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus the Christ does indeed and does in fact present us with the triumph of the Lamb, however, we must needs realize and recognize that the Last Days—the days in which the Lamb will in fact triumph over the armies of the earth, and over the Antichrist and the false prophet—can and will be days filled with intense suffering, intense persecution, and intense opposition. We must understand and recognize that although the Lamb ultimately does triumph over all His enemies and adversaries in the midst of the earth—that does not mean that we cannot or will not experience intense affliction, opposition, suffering and persecution within our lives. What makes the words which are found in the nineteenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ so incredibly powerful is when you think about and consider the fact that eventually the Antichrist will take his war against the saints and project it onto the Lion of the tribe of Judah Himself. Having engaged in a relentless conflict and assault against the saints of the most High God the beast and the beast kingdom will direct their sights, their attention and their focus against and upon the Rider on the white horse. Oh beloved, there will in fact be a time when the Antichrist will attempt to mount a rebellion and insurrection against the Rider on the white horse thinking that he will somehow be able to triumph over Him in battle. The truth of the matter is that when and as you read the words which are found in Scripture you will find that the beast and the false prophet are both captured in the battle and cast alive into the lake which burns with fire and sulfur. What’s more, is that the residue and remainder of their army will be slain with and by the sword which proceeds out of the mouth of the Rider on the white horse.

            I have to admit that I absolutely and completely love the words which are found within these passages in the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, for although the beast and the false prophet would make war with and against the saints, and although the beast and the false prophet would make war against the Lamb of God they will eventually and ultimately be captured and cast alive into the lake of burning fire and sulfur. Once the beast and the false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire and the army decimated by the sword which proceeds out of the mouth of the Rider on the white horse we find Satan himself being bound with a great chain and being cast into the bottomless pit where he would be held for a period of one thousand years. During those one thousand years Satan would be completely and utterly unable to deceive the nations, nor assault any of the saints of God. Those one thousand years would be marked with and by tremendous peace which would be known as the Millenial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be during those years Jesus Christ will rule and reign with His saints for a period of one thousand years from the city of Jerusalem upon the earth. It is important for us to realize and recognize this, for when we think about and consider the final chapters of this prophetic book we find it written how after the one thousand years are up Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit and will be permitted once more to move within and upon the earth. In addition to this, we find Satan going unto the ends of the earth and unto Gog and Magog that he might deceive the nations into mounting one final assault and attack against the throne upon which the Messiah sits.

            As I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found within these passages I can’t help but be confronted with the fact that the beast and the false prophet attempted to mount their assault and their attack against the rider on the white horse, while Satan himself will attempt to mount an attack against Jesus the Christ as He is seated upon the throne of David in the midst of Jerusalem. Within the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ we find one final assault and one final insurrection of the enemy and adversary—one that is the ultimate and final culmination in a long line and long history of sieges which have been mounted against the city of Jerusalem. It would be during and at this time we find Satan once more deceiving the nations into aligning themselves together with him that they might mount an assault and attack against the city of Jerusalem and those inside. If you read and study Scripture—specifically during the days of the reign of Hezekiah king of Judah—you will find that Sennacherib and the Assyrian army surrounded and laid siege to the city of Jerusalem and even threatened the king which sat upon the throne, as well as the people in the midst of the city. Upon reading the narrative that is found within this passage of Scripture which is recorded in the Old Testament books of Second Kings, Second Chronicles and the prophetic book of Isaiah you will find that Hezekiah took the initial words of intimidation which were spoken by Rabshakeh and inquired of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah. The word of the Lord would be revealed unto Isaiah and he would emphatically and boldly proclaim unto Hezekiah that Sennacherib and the Assyrian army would not launch an arrow, nor raise up a sword or shield against and upon the city. Moreover, Isaiah would emphatically declare that Sennacherib king of Assyria would hear a rumor and report and would return his own way to engage in a conflict and battle which was separate from the city of Jerusalem. When Rabshakeh returned and found Sennacherib engaging in an army in Lachish he would send additional letters unto Hezekiah king of Jerusalem further threatening and intimidating him. What makes these letters so incredibly captivating and challenging is when you think about and consider the fact when Hezekiah received them he spread them out before the LORD in the Temple and cried out before the LORD to hear the words of threatening and intimidation. What’s absolutely fascinating is when you think and consider the fact that it on that particular night the angel of the LORD slaughtered one hundred and eighty five thousand Assyrians. Not only this, but Sennacherib would also return unto Nineveh where he would ultimately be destroyed and killed by two of his sons.

            I am absolutely and completely convinced that the siege which we find against Jerusalem in the Old Testament books of Second Chronicles, Second Kings and the prophetic book of Isaiah is a powerful picture of the angel of the LORD fighting for and defending the city of Jerusalem—and not only the city of Jerusalem, but the king who sat upon the throne and the inhabitants who were present within the walls of the city. Oh we must needs pay close and careful attention to this, for it draws our attention and our focus to that which we find in the final chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, for what we find in these chapters is one final assault, one final attack, and one final siege of the enemy and adversary against the city of Jerusalem. This time, however, it would not be assaults and attacks that would be mounted simply by puppets and emissaries of the enemy, but rather this time around it would be Satan himself who would mount an assault and attack against the city of Jerusalem, against the Son of David who was seated upon the throne of David in the midst of the city, and against the saints of the most High God who were reigning together with Christ in the midst of the city. What we find here, however, is something much like that which took place during the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and although the angel of the LORD would not slaughter one-hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians in a single night, the living and eternal God would destroy the enemy and adversary with fire from heaven. It would be at this particular time Satan would experience his ultimate and final defeat outside the city of Jerusalem—and not only experience his final defeat upon the earth, but also his ultimate destruction. Oh how absolutely wonderful and powerful it is to think about and consider the fact that on this particular occasion the enemy would experience both his final defeat on the earth and his final destruction at the same time. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the twentieth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ:

            “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurre3ction: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Mago, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire, and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:1-14).

As I bring this writing to a close I feel it absolutely necessary that we recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within these final chapters, for these final chapters bring us face to face with the triumph of the Lamb—and not only the triumph of the Lamb, but also the triumph of the living and eternal God. In the ultimate and final assault and attack of Satan against the camp of the saints of God, and against the beloved city which is present in the earth we not only find the living and eternal God destroying them with fire which came down from heaven, but we also find Satan once and for all being captured—just as the beast and the false prophet were—and cast into the lake of fire burning with sulfur and brimstone. This once anointed cherubim who stood in the presence of the most holy God would experience the ultimate destruction after mounting his final assault attack against the camp of the saints of God in the earth, and against the holy city of God in the midst of the earth. Oh we dare not and must not lose sight of just how incredibly powerful and important this is, for it brings us face to face with the truth that in and at the end the Lamb, the saints, and the living God all triumph over evil, over darkness, over wickedness, and over the enemy and adversary. Oh that we would read these final chapters and make ourselves ready as those who are ready and prepared to meet their Lord in the air, and are those who are ready and able to take part in the first resurrection. Oh that we would bring ourselves to the absolutely undeniable truth and powerful reality that we have been called to make ourselves ready, and to prepare ourselves for that moment when we can and will meet the Lord in the air. Let us this day be those who prepare and make ourselves ready to experience the mighty and awesome powerful truth and reality that we have been called to be those who are purified with and by the blood of the Lamb and that we have been called as those who overcome in the earth—and not only as those who are called to overcome in the earth, but as those who in the end experience the triumph of the Lamb and the triumph of the one true and living God in heaven and upon the earth.