Preparing for Armageddon (Revelation 15)

As you may have read in God's word, his people have had many victories. Many individuals, groups, and even armies of God have been victorious when confronted with overwhelming circumstances. However, their victory was never the result of their personal strength and might. The people of God were victorious because the Lord fought the battle. Two great examples of this are the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat at Jericho. God always brings victory to the faithful, especially when victory seems impossible. The future Battle of Armageddon will be no different. If God can win these supernatural battles, he can certainly win our battles we will experience in the end times.

I. The Song of Victory

Revelation 15 opens with a victory song. The strange thing about this is that the battle has not yet been fought. Normally, the celebratory victory song occurs after winning the battle. For example, after God's people crossed the Red Sea, they celebrated by singing a song that Moses' sister, Miriam composed. Why did the song come before the battle? It is because the people of God were that confident of a victory. When God is in the battle, victory is guaranteed. Too often, God's people forget that battles fought by God will be victorious. Too often, we live and serve God in doubt. We forget God's promise, while he never forgets us. He is El Roi, the God Who Sees. He sees us in the battle, and he rescues us. There are two things that we never have to doubt about God. First, we never have to doubt God's character. He is consistent. He never changes. He loves you as an individual. Secondly, God will always direct your path. You do not have to fight your battles alone. Just trust God fully, enough to sing your victory song before the battle.

II. Preparing the Weapons

Our weapons that we use to fight Satan are not of this world. They are "divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses." (2 Corinthians 10:4) Whatever "walls" are keeping us from victory, God's weapons can break them down. As we read the latter part of the chapter, we see that our weapons are being prepared in a temple (not physical) located in heaven. This temple is consumed by the overwhelming glory of God. In the temple are angels holding bowls that are filled with the wrath of God.

Today, we are still battling evil. Evil is on the earth now and will continue to be present until the final battle. This final battle will put an end to evil. In the meantime, Satan is actively accusing the followers of Christ. His mission is to make them lose hope. From where does our hope come? It doesn't come from a place, but it comes from a person. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Edward Mote

Place your hope in Christ. He is the ultimate winner. Trust in him. Walk with him. Win with him. Amen.

#Revelation15