January 27: GATHERED AGAINST THE LORD
And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Revelation 19:19
Today’s verse brings us back around to the earthly scene as Jesus is approaching. We have already been informed that these will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings (17:14a). An important question comes to mind: What is so very compelling that religious and political authorities work steadily to unite the world against the Lord? The answer is the power of deception that Satan has exercised; he has slowly conditioned the world to accept a counterfeit Sabbath day. But in these last days a concentrated effort will be projected as a way to “save the planet.” As the everlasting gospel is preached around the world, more and more eyes will be opened. Just as support for the beast begins to dry up, John tells us: And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty (16:13-14).
At this point in John’s vision, the Lord speaks twenty-five words to all who would truly follow Him: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” (v.15)
These twenty-five words are so very precious, reminding us that His coming will be sudden, as a thief. By His Spirit we are enabled to get ready, to be ready, and to stay ready. This is abundant living even as the world slips further away from God! Being watchful and alert brings the blessing of peace even as the world becomes more and more fearful. The wedding garments that are provided by His righteousness to those who believe Him (James 2:23) are to be kept and guarded as great treasure. They represent our hope for the eternal future, for as His righteousness is accounted to those who believe Him, their lives become filled with righteous acts (19:8). In ever-growing gratitude must remember how He willingly suffered to cleanse us from our old sins (2 Peter 1:9), along with His divine plan to remember [our sins] no more (Hebrews 8:12).
In these truths, we are both freed and empowered to reach out to those who are being gathered together against Christ in the Babylonian system of this world. Who is doing the gathering? According to John’s vision, spirits of demons: And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (16:16) Many within this system are not aware of Satan’s desire to gather them against the Almighty, the God of love who created and sustains them!
With Him are wisdom and strength. He has counsel and understanding, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind. Job 12:13,10