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Apocalypse Redemption

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 5/20/12

There is evil in the world. I mean sometimes, don’t we long for the judgment of God; the cleansing fire of retribution? People tearing and ripping, discarding, abusing, using; people callously maim and trample others. It pops out at you from the news; it assaults you every day from the internet. Evil rampages and souls are damaged and stained. Ah, can the judgment of God come soon enough? But there is another force at work here; there is something deeper here. You see, there is a lot of longed for judgment in Revelation. Underlying all of that judgment is the heart of God who longs for all of his creation to be redeemed.

Isn’t it nice that near the end of this revelation of wrath and retribution there is a section (22:12-17) that shouts of redemption; that invites; that offers hope? Jesus tells John that he is coming quickly. He is coming to judge. He has his reward with him, which probably alludes to Isaiah 40:10. If Isaiah 40:10 is in view here, the message is that God is coming to shepherd his flock. Jesus will also render to every man according to what he has done. This quotes Proverbs 24:12 and serves as a warning. Most of us probably shiver here. Right? But what deeds are we talking about? The overall determining deeds of Revelation are: receiving the mark of the Beast and bearing the name of the Lord on your forehead. Who do you belong to? That is what Jesus is coming to judge. Verse 13 reminds us who it is exactly who is coming. The “I am” is coming; the Alpha and the Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the end. He is the one who has always been and will always be; the creator and sustainer of all things.

Verse 14 contains the final of seven beatitudes: blessed are those who wash their robes. In Exodus 19:10 God tells the people to wash their garments because he is coming. The holy God was coming into their midst and they needed to purify themselves; even their clothes had to be made ready. Some have suggested that here in Revelation this may be an allusion to baptism. Here’s what we know; whoever washes their robes has the right to the tree of life, which means they have entered the city, which is the church. Whether this refers to baptism or not, we know it speaks of redemption; it speaks of purifying one’s self to be in the presence of God. Verse 15 tells us who is outside of the city. They are dogs, which when ascribed to people, always means something negative. The Jews called the Gentiles dogs and they weren’t referring to their loyalty. In the east dogs often ran in packs and displayed less than desirable characteristics. Sorcerers are also excluded. In Deuteronomy 18:10-11 we are given a list of things that would fit here. The rest of the list of outsiders probably needs little explanation. The point is that there are people outside of the city and they are outside for good reason; they would defile it.

In verse 16 Jesus identifies himself and tells us who the message is sent to. The “you” is plural and this has caused a lot of discussion. Many suggest that the “you” is the members within the churches. The revelation is for the churches and sent specifically to “you” in the churches. There are many more suggestions, some of which just didn’t make sense to me. Personally, for what that’s worth, I think that Jesus is making sure that we understand that this message is for each person within the churches. It is not just for the leaders. It is for everyone. Then, in verse 17, we have the Spirit and the bride inviting someone to “come”. So, the Spirit, who is very much a part of this revelation and the church are inviting . . . who? Anyone who is thirsty, that’s who. The people in the city; in the church, are not thirsty. They have the water of life running within them; they have the tree of life constantly producing twelve kinds of fruit. The invitation is for all who are outside the city; for the lost; for the dogs and murderers. Come! Wash your robes in the blood of the lamb and come on in, the water’s fine.

Yes, there is evil in the world; soul sucking; spirit wrenching; innocence stealing evil. I long for God’s judgment. But judgment isn’t my job. No, my job is about redemption. Our job as the church is to invite, along with the Spirit of God, the dogs to stop being dogs and to instead become citizens of the holy city. Our job is to offer redemption to the murderers; to all of those immoral people. Our job is to invite everyone to drink deeply from the cool redeeming waters that flow freely within the church; to eat freely from the tree of life. The best response to evil is redemption. So, get out there and do some inviting. Grace and peace to you, fellow redeemed of God. Walter

Apocalypse Word of God

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 5/13/12

I have heard people set themselves up as modern day prophets; spouting an authoritative “thus says the Lord” fully expecting you to listen to their words as you would listen to Yahweh himself. God said that you should marry so-and-so; that you should work at such-and-such a place; that you should give money to, well you know, me. This is quite the power play isn’t it? As we continue our journey through Revelation, you need to understand that I am sometimes wrong; that I don’t expect you to read these articles the same way you read the Bible. God forbid! The other day, while at the Christian book store, I overheard a lady say that the book that she was purchasing had drawn her closer to God than the Bible. Man, that scared me. No other book should do that. No other writing should make that claim. Nothing else is God breathed. So, let me explain my goal in writing these devotional thoughts on the book of Revelation: my prayer is that my words help point you to the wonder and truth of God’s unerring word. I am convinced that no matter how difficult or bizarre, we can come to the original intent of the Bible. And yes, that includes Revelation.

Revelation 22:6-11 emphasizes two things: 1) the revelation is from God; and 2) it will all happen soon. Somebody, and there is much debating about whom, assures John that the message he had been given is faithful and true and from God himself. To clarify, this messenger tells John that the word comes from the God of the spirits of the prophets. Now, that’s a fairly loaded phrase. The prophets were individuals and their writings reflect their character. Isaiah and Jeremiah may have some similarities, but they are also quite different. They have their own spirit; their own made in the image of God character. But God is Lord of the message in spite of their individuality. This message; this symbol; this warning; this book is from God; given to John to deliver to God’s slaves. Now, those slaves are the original readers and every reader since then.

And the things wrapped up in these symbols must soon take place. And then, to reinforce that thought, apparently Jesus interjects with, “Behold I am coming quickly.” Most will say this refers to the Parousia. Parousia is the transliteration of the Greek word for “coming” or “presence.” For what it’s worth, I agree. Jesus’ coming doesn’t always mean the final coming at the culmination of all things. Sometimes it means his coming in judgment, as it does here. Otherwise, we will need to redefine “soon” and “quickly.” Then Jesus pronounces the sixth beatitude: “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Hey, you want to be blessed don’t you? Then don’t receive the mark of the Beast. Instead, receive the name of the Father and the Lamb written on your forehead; be sealed by the spirit.

John assures us that he heard and saw these things. It is not some random person and it is not something he cooked up himself. And then once again we see John falling down and worshiping an angel. Can this be real? Can John be that obtuse? I mean, he has already been reprimanded for the same thing. It’s a good thing that you and I never do anything we’ve been reprimanded for. Ah, but I wax sarcastic. The angel says, “Hey, don’t do that! I’m just a servant like you and all of the prophets. Worship God.” Now that’s good advice. Don’t worship angels. Don’t worship prophets. Worship only Yahweh. Otherwise, you might find yourself worshiping the image of the Beast. John is told not to seal the book, which is the opposite of what Daniel is told in Daniel 8:26. Daniel is told to seal the message because it is too far in the future; about 400 years. John is told not to seal the message because the time is near. People who do wrong will continue to do wrong and those who practice righteousness will go on practicing righteousness. This most likely comes from Daniel 12:10. The point in Daniel seems to be that even though many will be purged, those who are truly evil will continue in their wickedness. Paul might say that they are so fleshly minded that they cannot understand the things of the spirit. I think the point is the same here in Revelation.

This is not just some other apocalyptic document. This is God’s message to his people. It is true and it is about to happen. Are you listening to the word of God? Don’t take my word for it. My writings are not God breathed. Read Revelation and listen to the voice of God; glean the message wrapped in the symbols. Our job is not to tell people what they have to do or not do. Our job is to point them to what God says in His book. Trust in God’s Holy Word and worship Him and Him alone. Peace, Walter

Apocalypse Garden

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 5/06/12

I heard a speaker recently talking about the brokenness of Christians. I have no argument here; I know we’re broken. I know that we are the gathering of the forgiven. I know that it is not about perfection; it is about direction. I know. But aren’t we also saints? You know, set apart; not for common use; sanctified; dedicated for the service of God. Do we sometimes emphasize our failings so much that there remains no real benefit to being a Christian? I mean if there is no difference, I might as well join some kind of club and just hang out. I mean, what is the point of serving God if I end up looking just like everyone else; if all I see is the monster that is me? Randy Harris said it this way; “For the most part, the problem has not been that we have the wrong message; the problem has been it has been attached to the wrong lives.” You see, being in a relationship with a holy God ought to shape us; to change how we live. Shouldn’t hanging out with God turn us into saints?

Revelation 22:1-5 is still speaking of the church, I believe. In the New Jerusalem John sees a river of the water of life. Ezekiel saw a similar thing in Ezekiel 47:1-12. This river flows from the house of God to the east and everything it touches has life. Here in Revelation it comes from the throne of God and of the Lamb. So, in the city which is the church there is this clear or bright river. Water is life! We sometimes forget this because we turn a faucet and water comes pouring out. Hezekiah had to dig a tunnel to bring water to Jerusalem. But from the New Jerusalem a river is going to flow right down the middle of the street. It seems likely that the water represents blessings here. The blessings of God flow from God down through the middle of the Church. Now, this is something we can believe in, isn’t it. Is the church blessed by God? I mean always blessed by God, or do we have to wait until after judgment before those blessings flow?

On both sides of the river is the tree or trees of life. The word “tree” is often used as a collective term referring to many trees. These trees produce twelve kinds of fruit all year long. So, any time of the year you can pick twelve different kinds of fruit. Picture yourself walking in a garden within this massive and beautiful city called New Jerusalem. It is reminiscent of the garden of Eden, isn’t it? Everything is green. The water is glistening like a crystal. The fruit is always plentiful and ripe. Ah, you could live here. Right? Oh, by the way, if you are a Christian you do live here. The leaves of these marvelous trees heal the nations. Now, if this is heaven, where do the nations come from? Maybe we should see the Church in all of her glory, drinking and eating the blessings of God; overflowing with the blessings of God. So much so, that the nations have opportunity for healing here. If they would but drink of the water; if they would merely touch the leaves of these glorious trees, they could be healed. Can you see the church like this? Can you see the blessings flowing from the throne of God?

And there is no longer a curse in this garden. There has been a lot of discussion about this. You see Zechariah 14:1-11 speaks of Israel no longer being a curse and it is possible that John has this passage in mind. But we are seeing the garden of Eden being reestablished in the church. Maybe we should also think of the curse language that is associated with the fall. What can counteract the curse; the curse on man; the curse on the earth? The blessings of God flowing abundantly in the church; the garden of Eden springing anew in God’s people. There is no curse anymore; not in God’s church. And we see God’s face. Now drink that in because I think this is the most amazing blessing in this passage. Moses was not allowed to see the face of God. We, the church, where the garden of Eden has sprung back to life, are able to see the face of God. Kind of like God walking with Adam and Eve in the coolness of the garden.

I know that I’m not perfect. I know that the church is still maturing. I know that sometimes the world is disgusted by our inconsistencies. Ah, but I also know that we are saints. I know that the garden of Eden springs anew and eternal in the church of God. I know that the blessings of God gush all over and around us. I know that the only hope for ending the curse is God pouring his blessings in and through his people. I know that we can look at the very face of God. Don’t tell me there is no difference between us and the world. There is a massively huge difference. God chose to shower his blessings on us. God chose to set us apart. We are hanging out with God in the coolness of the garden. That has to change us; that has to mean something. Doesn’t it? So, be renewed! Drink deeply and pick yourself some fruit. Peace, Walter

Apocalypse Shining

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 4/29/12

Sometimes I don’t feel especially close to God. How many are with me here? Sometimes, in the darkness; in the pit, I wonder where God is. Why hasn’t he saved me? Why hasn’t he dealt with the cruel enemy? Why did he let me get stuck here; cold and lonely? Sometimes I have a temple view of God: God is accessible to a select few; people more holy than I am; more faithful than I am. Sometimes I feel relegated to the outer court beating my head against the wall. Sometimes I have doubts; wondering whether God is there at all. Is this something we can admit to?

John is still seeing the New Jerusalem; which seems likely to be the glorified church; the bride of the Lamb. You know, the Church who has been oppressed by the Great Harlot that was Rome. But Rome has been judged. And now, we are seeing the set free; dancing in the streets; tears wiped away by the finger of God Church; and we see her as God sees her. So, as John is looking at this city, he exclaims, “I saw no temple in it”. There may be an implication here that he was rather surprised not to see a temple. What no temple! What in the world? Now, here is an amazing thing; the Lord and the Lamb are the temple. I think the message; the symbol, is the same as what we find in Hebrews 9:1-14. The New Jerusalem; the Bride; the Church; in all its glory has the Lord and the Lamb dwelling in their midst, without any semblance of priestly hierarchy. Everyone has access to the Lord. Let that sink in for a moment. This is a very present reality; an already but not yet reality. You see we can boldly enter the very dwelling of the Lord, but it is not yet what it shall be.

And the glory of God shines day and night in this city. This is a clear allusion to Isaiah 60:19-20. As a matter of fact, the Jews liked this passage so much that it snuck into their morning prayers: “O come a new light to shine upon Zion.” They fully expected that this rising of a new light that replaces the sun and the moon would be the Messiah. And since the Lamb is the lamp of this city, they were right. So, the glory of the Lord is shining in the Church and there is no need of any other light. Now, that sounds right doesn’t it? The nations walk by this light. They have no light of their own, but they will see the light. It’s kind of like walking on the outside of a well lit city; the glow showing you where to walk. And by the way, if this is heaven after the final judgment, where do these nations come from? And who are these kings?

The gates of this “glory of God in her midst” city are always open. Some will object that every ancient city kept its gates open during the daytime, but John is emphasizing that it is always day here. And since it is always day, the gates are always open. And guess what, it is not our job to close them. Verse 26 may be referring to the conversion of nations, and that makes good sense. People have come into the church from nations all over the world. And they are always welcome. In verse 27 we are reminded that even though the gates are always open and the nations can bring their glory inside, that this is a holy city. Nothing common or unclean can come in. Do you remember those angels posted at the gates? It seems likely that it is their job to let people in and to make sure that those who are common; those who practice abominations (a word often connected with sexual immorality and idolatry) and lying, remain outside of this holy city.

I believe we are being given a picture of the church which is in close communion with God and Jesus. Did they understand that God was in their midst as they were being persecuted? Did they feel close to God as their children were being torn from their arms and killed? Did they feel as if God was sitting in his temple and only a select holy few could actually gain access? In the darkness did they understand that their savior shines like a never ending day? They remained faithful, but did they wonder why God was allowing this to continue on? Ah, but now they were in the promised dawning of a new day; a day that stretched out before them and never stopped stretching. Now, they knew; they felt; the presence of the Lamb and it was as if they could walk with him and talk with him and see his glory shining. You see, sometimes I have doubts; sometimes in the midst of pain I feel stuck on the outside of the temple, where God may as well be a million miles away. But the truth is something different. I live in a city that shines; I walk in a city that is filled with glory; I work in a city that is also the dwelling place of God and the Lamb. Man, that rocks, doesn’t it? Grace and Peace to you, Walter

Apocalypse Church

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 4/22/12

How do you see the Church? Man, bunch of hypocrites! Am I right? Do you see the ugliness in your fellow pew sitting brothers and sisters? Is it sometimes glaringly obvious, like a freakishly humongous black mole in the middle of their face? And the Church as a whole? It isn’t motivated enough; it isn’t reaching out into the community enough; it isn’t worshiping God enough; it isn’t loving enough; why, it just plain isn’t enough, is it? Does the Church seem like some kind of hideous feral dog; growling; snarling; biting; hating; and just downright dogmatic about scraps picked up in the gutter? Do you sometimes dream of just worshipping God in the desert all by yourself? Maybe, your family could come if they sign a conformity clause. I wonder how God sees the Church; the assembly we are so willing to bash and bruise.

I am fairly convinced that Revelation 21:9-21 is NOT a description of heaven. For a moment try to let go of the “heaven is paved with streets of gold” theology. You see, I think verse 9 makes it very clear. John sees one of the angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues. This angel tells John, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” If we stop right there, what do you think the angel is going to show John? Most would not expect to see heaven here. And with good reason. In the Old Testament, the bride of God was the people of Israel. In the New Testament it is the Church. Now, we need to make sure that we keep things in their context, because John may be using the concept of bride in a different way. But in what way could we describe heaven as the bride of Christ? And what John sees is the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. So, whatever John is seeing is coming down out of heaven. Can this be heaven coming out of heaven? Hmm. It seems that John is seeing a vision of the Church as God sees her; as the Groom sees her.

She is like this majestic and splendorous city shining with the very glory of God. This city has twelve gates, guarded by twelve angels, which is reminiscent of the cherubim who guarded the garden of Eden; three gates on each side of the city (cf. Ezekiel 48:31; Numbers 2:1-30). These gates have the name of the twelve tribes written on them. O, and there are twelve foundation stones which had the names of the twelve apostles written on them. Essential to the Church is the twelve tribes of Israel, in that Christianity sprang from Judaism; it is the fulfillment of Jewish prophesies. The city is built upon the teachings of the apostles. Paul says something similar in Ephesians 2:20, where he tells us that the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. The Church is not some crazy offshoot of Judaism. Christianity is not a new religion fabricated by those wacked out fishermen. No, it is the fulfillment of Judaism. Now that is a solid city. I mean Church.

The angel begins to measure the city with a golden measuring rod. Okay, try to picture this beastly huge cube. 1500 miles wide, long, and tall. Now, my friends, that is enormous. Something like 250 times higher than Everest. Can you picture it? I can’t. This cube has walls that are about 216 feet thick. It has twelve angels guarding the gates. It has streets (or possible a city square) of pure gold, like transparent glass (you cannot get gold thin enough to make it transparent). It is made of precious gems. You are intended to see strength and splendor. This massive cube is glorious.

This is how God sees the bride; the Church. When we see a weak, ugly, brawling wretch; God sees a strong and beautiful city; a city whose gates are always open; a city guarded by angels; a city glistening in the sun. Maybe we should try to view the Church with God’s eyes. I know that Church can be frustrating. I know that in some ways we are broken and bleeding. But I also know that we have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. Is the Church dingy? No. It is shining brilliantly; full of gems and paved with gold! Is the Church like a growling mongrel; full of corruption and evil? No. It is like a bride, adorned in majesty and reflecting the glory of God. I know that we have to be cautious and not become arrogant. But sometimes, in our attempt at humility, are we disparaging what God says is truly beautiful? We are not perfect. You and I know that all too well. But we, the Church, are cleaned and adorned and faithful and majestic. Is there work to be done? Yes there is. As a Church, keep looking into the eyes of your beloved. See the Lamb looking at you with love and tenderness and know that you are the Church; the Bride; the people of God; the New Jerusalem. Grace and peace to you. In Christ, Walter

Apocalypse New Jerusalem

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 4/15/12

We do an odd shift when we arrive in chapter 21 of Revelation. All of the symbols fade away; all of the Old Testament allusions drop out of sight.  And now we are dealing with a real description of heaven where there will be no tears or pain or death. And to be honest, this sounds like heaven, because it is not our reality on this earth is it? Even in Christ, we have pain. So, if this isn’t heaven, then I must be failing at this Christian thing, because, blast it all, my eyes still leak with suffering. But, what if John is describing that overwhelming joy that comes after the fall of an evil empire? What if we are intended to think of images of people dancing in the streets; of others toppling statues of a toppled dictator; of tears drying with shouts of inexpressible joy; of the end of years of oppression; of relief sinking into the soul; of the cool drink of water after a long journey through the desert?

We read of a new heaven and a new earth and we leap to the final judgment; to eternal glory. But several times John tells us that the time is near; that Jesus is coming quickly (Revelation 1:3; 3:11; 22:7, 10, 12). Some can accept that everything up until this point has been dealing with Rome and its judgment. But, come on! A new heaven and a new earth? Well, that must be heaven, right? I mean, the first heaven and earth have passed away. Ah, but there are several Old Testament passages that speak of world-wide destruction when describing Yahweh’s judgment on a specific nations (Isaiah 13:6-22; 34:1-17; Nahum 1:1-5; Micah 1:3-6; Zephaniah 1:2ff). Why? Because they were their whole world; they held the power of death and life in their hands. They believed that they would rule forever. Then God broke into their reality and shut them down; disassembling their world; destroying everything they trusted in. Now, the opposite of this would be a new heaven and a new earth; blessings that are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden; where lions and lambs share the same patch of green grass without a thought of sinking carnivorous teeth into wool covered flesh. It is still a symbol.

Out of this new heaven and new earth; this new reality where the oppressor has been judged and punished by Yahweh, the holy city; the New Jerusalem, descends to earth. This New Jerusalem is clearly the Church; the bride of Christ. Even though she has been torn and beaten; even though she has journeyed through the wilderness of oppression, she is adorned to be married. We would expect her to be bruised and bloodied. But no! She is the faithful bride of the Lamb and she is properly adorned with purity. Not at all like the great Harlot, whose attire was appropriate to her filthy profession. This is the Church; the beaming bride; the pride of the Lamb. A voice from the throne said, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men.” In this new reality, the Church will have become even more aware that they are the temple of the Holy God. The language may represent an adoption formula or a wedding declaration.  And then this voice tells us that God will wipe away all their tears; that there will no longer be death; mourning; crying; or pain. And this sounds too good to be a present reality, doesn’t it? Try to imagine the Christians as their oppressor was punished by their God. Did they feel as if the hand of God wiped away their tears; as if their pain flittered away; as if death itself had been vanquished? Until this time, the Tyrant Rome held their physical death and life in her hands. But no longer. Was there dancing in the streets? Did they feel as if the weight of the burden they were born under had been lifted; that the first things had passed away? And then He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new”. He is the Alpha and the Omega and he has finished what he started. Those who thirst can come to Him and receive a cool glass of the water of life without cost. They have traversed the desert of persecution and God himself gives them water and life.

So, will there be tears in heaven? I don’t know. What I do know is that there will be times in this life when a loving and merciful God wipes away our tears; when death loses its sting; when pain ceases.  I know that God is the Beginning and the End and everything answers to him. I know that those who are described in verse 8; those who have received the mark of the Beast will be punished. I know that the Lamb is victorious. I know that I want to serve him through the heartaches; through the persecution; through the pain. I know that I want to treasure those moments when I am sure that God has reached down into my reality and dried my tears. There is a heaven, but there are also moments of relief now; moments that are pain-free and full of joy. And God is still making all things new. Praise God! Grace, Walter

Apocalypse Big White Throne

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 4/08/12

Okay, let’s say that you know that you are going to stand before a judge; a judge who is going to take into account everything you have ever done. Will you try to do enough good to overshadow the bad? Will you work hard to make up for your mistakes? Maybe if you gave enough money to the poor. Maybe if you could just show enough kindness to the marginalized. What if you lived in a monastery the rest of your life; whisking yourself away from evil influences? Could you stand before the judge with confidence? What if he judged, not only your actions, but also your thoughts? And can our good actions erase our evil ones? Does it work that way? Is there a point system? Murder is 60 points; theft is 30; lying is 3. How many positive points would you have to accumulate in order to nullify your negative points?

In Revelation 20:11-15 John sees the Judge sitting on a huge white throne. If our God is a big God, he’s going to need a large throne. And our God is a very big God. He is the God of gods; King of kings. His throne is white because he is pure and holy. Why do heaven and earth flee? Creation always responds when God bursts onto the scene to lay down some judgment (Judges 5:4-5; Psalm 18:7-15; Psalm 68:7-8; Micah 1:4-5; Habakkuk 3:4-15). When God sits on his throne for judgment, it is significant. It is so important that creation shutters; earth rattles; heaven weeps. Here, in Revelation we see the earth and heaven fleeing, but no place is found for them. You cannot hide from the judgment of God. For centuries Rome reigned supreme. Or, so she thought. She believed that judgment would never come for her. How could it, when the world trembled at the mere thought of her? But they didn’t reckon on God and his great white throne. Now, the whole of creation is trying to flee, but can find nowhere to hide.

Then, the dead are standing before the throne as all of their deeds are being read from books of judgment. This is reminiscent of Daniel 7:9-12, which also deals with the judgment of Rome (the fourth beast of Daniel’s vision). Even death is no escape from God’s judgment. Many ancient nations believed that there were two dwelling places for the dead; the depths of the sea where those who died in the sea were trapped, and Hades which was under land. Hades, for some reason, was generally believed to be the better of the two. Both of these places give up their dead. You cannot hide from the judgment of Yahweh! Death will not bring eternal peace or non-existence. God is the Lord of all things; living and dead.

Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. They are enemies of God and are judged accordingly, and their judgment is complete. This is the second death. Now, what in the world does that mean? Did Death and Hades experience the first death, which many assume is the physical death? Death is separation. The second death, which is represented by the lake of fire, is a complete and final separation from the Judge. There is not even a hint here of second chances. The judgment is final, and even Death and Hades cannot escape it.

We are told in verse 15 that “if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Who are these dead, vomited up from the sea and the realm of the dead? Who must stand before the throne and be judged according to their deeds? Who is it that was cast (note the past tense here) into the lake of fire? It is everyone whose name was not found in the book of life. It is the servants of the beast. It is not the saints. You see, the name of the saints was found in the book of life. They will not be judged by their deeds. And isn’t that amazing. If their name is in the book of life, they are not judged at all. No trying to make sure that the positive actions outscore the negative actions. Nope! And how did they get their names in the book of life? Well, they belong to the Lamb that was slain, of course. They have the name of Jesus and the name of God written on their foreheads. They don’t have the mark of the beast anywhere.

Our God is a big God and he sits on a big white throne. You cannot run from the judgment of Yahweh. You cannot hide from it. You cannot bribe the judge. Heaven and earth shatter in his presence. And you don’t want to be judged according to your deeds. I don’t care how many good things you’ve done in your life. It will never be enough. You cannot outscore your sins. But there is amazingly good news here; you don’t have to. If your name is found in the book of life, you will not be judged according to your deeds. Praise God! So, follow the Lamb and live. In Christ, Walter

Apocalypse 1000 Years

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 4/01/12

Our fight is not against flesh and blood. We sometimes act as if it is, but it’s not. Rome was not the enemy. Rome was a puppet. The enemy has always been the Dragon; that decrepitly deceitful old serpent. Now, we have to deal with the puppets. It is flesh and blood that hurts and maims us. But it is Satan who orchestrates the pain; who pulls on the threads; who manipulates and controls whole nations. How do we struggle against the forces of darkness; against the spiritual powers of wickedness in the heavenly places? It would almost be better if our fight were against flesh and blood. Then we might be able to accomplish something; then we might be able to inflict some hurt ourselves. But maybe that’s the point.

Revelation 20:1-10 is full of difficult images. It helps if we can remember that we are swimming in symbol infested waters. John sees an angel come down from heaven with the key of the abyss in one hand and in the other hand a chain. Right away we can see that power to seal and open the abyss comes from heaven. We might be tempted to think that Satan is ruler of the abyss. Satan is ruler only over what God allows him to be ruler of. There’s comfort here, isn’t there? We can also see that the power to bind comes from heaven. And binding is exactly what the angel does. He grabs the dragon; the filthy serpent who seemed to hold so much power, and binds him for a thousand years. And here we have the concept that has spawned several millenialisms (theories of the thousand year reign or in this case, binding). What if the thousand years was a symbol, not of years, but of completeness? What if the binding; the casting into the abyss; the closing of the abyss; and the sealing of the abyss, was complete? What if the whole thing is a symbol representing the complete and utter end of Satan’s use of Rome as his instrument of persecution against the Christians? Some have viewed the thousand years as representing the whole Christian dispensation, from the cross to the second coming. This leads to problems because after the binding there is a little time where Satan is released. So, the Church reigns on the earth and Satan is bound, but just before Christ comes again, Satan is going to be allowed to wreak havoc for awhile? To what end?

Then John sees those who are sitting on thrones, to whom judgment has been given. This most likely refers to the saints who have survived Rome’s persecution. Then John sees those who have been beheaded (the word refers specifically to being decapitated with an axe, a punishment reserved for the poor) resurrected to reign with Christ for 1,000 years. This is complete victory! The wealthy, those who had status in Rome, could not be beheaded with an axe. Only the marginalized citizens or non-citizens could have their heads hacked off with an axe. These poor, non-status, saints are now enjoying a perfect reign with their Lord and Savior. This is the first resurrection – the resurrection of the martyrs to victory. They are blessed and holy and the second death has no power over them. Both the saints and the servants of the beast experience the first death. But only the beast’s minions experience the second death; the complete death.

So, Satan has been completely bound from using Rome as his instrument of attack. Even though the binding is complete, it is a binding from the use of Rome. He will be allowed to use other nations, specifically Gog and Magog (cf. Ezekiel 38-39), which became a symbol for any great force from the north. They are as numerous as the sands of the sea because Satan will be allowed to use several other nations throughout the years. I know that it is said to be a little time, but that seems to imply that it is nothing; it is not as significant as it feels to you and I. Even though the army is massive and it surrounds the camp of the saints, God wipes them out with fire from heaven (again, several passages going back to Sodom and Gomorrah use this imagery of God’s judgment). The devil is thrown into the lake of fire to join the beast and the false prophet. They have been thoroughly judged by God; his judgment is complete.

We can debate the symbols until Jesus comes again and we probably will not reach an agreement. Can we agree that God wins? Can we agree that it is God who will rain fire on the enemy and judge them and reign victoriously? Can we agree that no matter how much Satan manipulates a nation; no matter how much we are gouged and maimed by flesh and blood, that God is sovereign? I cannot stand against a corrupt nation. I cannot stop the inhumanity. But I can serve the Almighty who holds all things in his hands. I can refuse to allow the stinking dragon to put his mark on me. I can reign with the Lamb. Peace, Walter

Apocalypse Blood Stains

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 3/25/12

Try to imagine that you live in a country that hates you and everything you stand for. Try to imagine that it is not merely one person who has preyed upon another that you must figure out how in the world God wants you to handle this reality. What if it was the country? What if the country as a whole was preying on Christians? What if there was wholesale torture of your brothers and sisters in Christ? What if those brothers and sisters were your wife and children? And can there be a battle where you are not stained with the blood of the enemy; where you aren’t left feeling dirty?

In Revelation 19:11-21 we are given another vision of the Conquering Hero. The heavens open up and Jesus rides out to wage war riding a white horse. The image of the heavens opening up is a symbol of either a divine revelation or the coming of judgment, and maybe both are in view here. John is being given a revelation of divine judgment, isn’t he? This conquering hero is called Faithful and True. The beleaguered Christians have had enough of faithless liars. They have had enough of a nation that waged war on the righteous. Now, the Conquering Hero is riding from heaven and his war will be a righteous judgment; a righteous war. His eyes are like fire because his vision is sharp and clear and pierces to the very soul. That’s why his judgment is righteous, because he knows the hearts of men. He wears several diadems because, contrary to the dragon and the beast, he is truly the King of kings and Lord of lords. Ptolemy VI wore two crowns to represent that he was ruler of Egypt and Asia. The dragon wore seven crowns, representing seven kings. Ah, but Jesus is ruler of all kings and kingdoms. Now, that is a conquering hero you can get behind.

He has a name that nobody knows, even though several names are given him in this passage. To the ancients, if someone was able to discover your secret name that meant that they could gain control over you. Philo said of the name Yahweh that only those whose ears and tongues have been purified could hear it and utter it. The true name is a name that must be revealed, and it will be revealed only to the righteous. His name is the Word of God; the Divine Message.

His clothes are stained with blood. In Isaiah 63:1-6 God is represented as the conquering hero whose clothes are stained red with the blood of his enemies. This may seem gruesome, but what did you expect from war? War is never pretty. But there is wonder here in the midst of the ugly reality of war. The armies which are in heaven, who follow the Lamb on white horses, are wearing white and clean linen. There is some debate about who this army represents. Some say the angelic host and others say the believers; the followers; the saints. If this is the saints, the wonder of the passage is magnified. The followers are not stained by the battle. Jesus, the Conquering Hero, takes the stains upon himself. Those who follow him into battle remain clean. That is the kind of Hero we follow. Isn’t that just plain amazing? Doesn’t it fill you with awe? This hero strikes down the nations with the sword that come from his mouth, which may be an allusion to Isaiah 49:2, where the suffering servant’s mouth is made like a sharp sword. He rules the nations with a rod of iron, which is definitely an allusion to Psalm 2:9.

An angel stand in the sun, clearly visible, and cries out an invitation to all the birds of the air to come to the feast. The battle hasn’t happened yet, but the result is sure. This is a gruesome call to feast on the slain enemy. The Jews were terrified of the thought of not being buried. That’s why Tobias risked his life to bury fellow Jews who were slain in captivity in the book Tobit. This was a curse upon the enemy; they would not be buried; they would be bird food. Then the battle takes place and it is described as if it took place in the blink of an eye. See the armies arrayed against the Hero. Then they are conquered and the beast and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire. Their punishment is complete and eternal. Then the rest are slain with the sword and the birds feasted. War is ugly.

We need a hero, don’t we? We need a hero who will battle against the forces of evil; who will lead the charge; who will take upon himself the stain of battle. Do you sometimes begin to feel stained? Do you sometimes wonder how long evil will be allowed to rage and ravage innocents? We have a hero who will strike down evil and take on the stain, leaving us clean. Ah, the wonder of it. The battle, the stains, the gruesome reality are all taken up by our Hero. Again, I say, the awesome wonder of it! In Christ, Walter

Apocalypse Wedding Feast

Author – Walter Clark, source – Bismarck Church of Christ bulletin, 3/18/12

Let’s say that your soul is beat up and bloody; weak from battle; scared by the seemingly overwhelming evil that keeps pounding on your face; dirt clinging to your pours as you cling desperately to a tattered hope that God will bring this to an end and give you victory. Some of you are cringing; painfully aware of the war being waged in your battle ravaged heart. Some of you may not have any point of reference. Well, I doubt that actually. Sometimes we are beat and bloodied without acknowledging it; hiding it behind our clean Sunday clothes. Try to imagine this gritty war; try to put yourself in the fight; try to imagine that you are not at all sure that you’ll survive it. Are you there yet? Now picture a table almost bending under the burden of food. People; friends and family who have fought alongside you are sitting there. Can you see them?  At the head of the table is the Lamb. There is safety here at this table. The battle is over. You have cleaned the cloying dirt and bandaged the open wounds. There is laughter here at this table. You look at the Lamb to make sure you belong. He smiles warmly at you; picks up a piece of bread; breaks it; and thanks his father. Your heart leaps with joy. He laughs as he takes a bite and gestures for you and your battle worn companions to eat. There is rest here at this table. You eat; you laugh; you share; you talk; you eat some more; you drink; you actually guffaw. There is feasting here at this table.

Revelation 19:1-10 is a scene of an outburst of joy. John hears a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven. There is much discussion concerning the source of this loud noise. All that we need to know is that it is a multitude in heaven; it is a raucous outpouring of praise of the righteous judgments of God. Four times we hear the cry “Hallelujah”; three times in heaven and once on earth. This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word that means “praise Yahweh”. It is found several times in Psalms 104-150, sometimes in the title and sometimes at the end of the psalm. This is an outpouring of praise for the conquering hero; the one who has judged the Great Harlot; who has avenged the blood of the saints. The second “hallelujah” praises the eternal fiery destruction of Rome. This is a quote from Isaiah 34:10 which is a prophecy about the judgment against Edom. There, as here, eternal fire is a symbol for a complete judgment. The twenty four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, proclaiming, “Amen. Hallelujah!” This scene of the praise of Yahweh has come to an end.

In vv. 5-6 the scene shifts to the praise of God from earth. A voice from the throne tells the servants; all who fear God, to praise him. We don’t know who this voice belongs to, but we can be sure that it speaks with authority. It comes from the throne, after all. The servants respond with such exuberance that it sounds like the roaring of waters or like the sound of thunder. And they shouted out “Hallelujah!” Praise Yahweh! He is the Almighty and He reigns. If there was any doubt, it has been swept away along with the filthy harlot. Then the scene switches to that of a wedding feast. Don’t read too much into this. A wedding feast was a symbol for many things. Here it is a symbol for rejoicing. The Lamb is victorious and his bride; his church has been avenged. Can you see her there dressed in her fine linen? Ah, when the harlot traded in fine linens it was filthy opulence, but here, on the bride, it is the righteous deeds of the saints. The bride is clean and ready; the battle is over.

So, a voice tells John, “Write, Blessed are those who are invited.” This is the fourth of seven beatitudes found in Revelation. Man, to be invited to the wedding feast. You can’t get more blessed than that, can you? John is so overwhelmed with emotion that he makes a very human mistake: he falls at the feet and worships the angel. This is not acceptable and John receives a mild rebuke and is reminded that angels are servants of God and his message, just like we are.

Let’s go back to the feast and linger there. We are all of us waiting anxiously for that perfect table in the house of our Father, aren’t we? But aren’t there feast moments on this earth as well? When Rome fell, the saints gathered around the table and feasted with the Lamb. Jesus is the ultimate hero and all time will culminate with his final victory, but isn’t he also the victor in our lives right now? So, why not sit at the table in between the fighting? Why not laugh and sing and praise God as we recover from this week’s wounds? There is healing here at this table. With watering mouths of anticipation, let’s join the wedding feast and do some riotous praising. In Christ, Walter