Reading: Revelation 15:1-8

A few reminders are probably in order. First: the text cannot mean to us what it did not mean for them. Which. The application might be different—because the world looks a lot different than it did 2,000 years ago. However, the cool thing about an eternal God is the Truth He’s trying to convey transcends time. So: it might not have been addressed to us, but it is still for us.

The other helpful tip is that as we’re reading these passages we must also discern is this written about the destruction of the old Jerusalem (in 70AD), or the coming of the New Jerusalem (yet to happen), or both. Remember our Venn Diagram? Generally speaking, it’s both.

Additionally. It’s worth noting that this is a letter written to seven actual churches. These 1st century people were largely illiterate, so they weren’t studying the words, and writing in the margins; like we do. They were listening—and trying to discern, “What do we do?” So. Part of the reason John is using such graphic language is because he’s trying to illicit a response from his hearers. More often than not, it’s a call for endurance and faith. But. The same is true for you. What should you do because of this text? That’s of primary concern.

Finally. Remember signs point us to something. As best I can tell, in this text, they’re pointing us back to when we saw these creatures and bowls before. In chapter 5 we learned that these bowls were initially the prayers of the saints. And what were they praying for? Justice. “How long, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” So. What we’re getting—through John’s vision—is the final answer to these prayers. Justice is about to begin, and the text says, “No more prayers will be heard.” Right? Smoke, that is: God’s presence (fire by day, smoke by night), fills the temple, and no one is getting in.

So. One of the things I want you feeling in your soul is that prayer matters. God listens. God hears. You might not be getting the answer you want, but that’s why it’s called faith. God is doing what’s best for eternity.

Which. 2 things about prayer: first of all, Jesus tells this wild story about a wicked judge and a persistent woman, in Luke 18, and it says, Jesus told them that story for the sole purpose that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Ipso facto. We ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Secondly, according to Daniel chapter 10—when you pray, your prayers are heard in heaven. That’s a monumental deal. Sure, you probably aren’t going to get an angel sent down from heaven to talk to you, like Daniel did—but—then again, you might. I mean. Hebrews says you’ve entertained angels unaware. However. Again. The real consequential thing here is: there’s coming a day when God no longer answers.

In the meantime, keep praying!

With Gratitude,

pLJ