Frogs in Armageddon

Revelation 16:8-16

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire.  They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.  And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.  For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.  (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)  And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Global warming on an extreme scale.  When the Creator decides to end the world, it will become very evident who is in charge of the climate, the elements, and the universe.  God alone, controls the end of time.  Mankind can make bad decisions, and often does, but destroying the planet is not within our purview or authority.  God created the earth, the sun, the moon, the planets, the stars, and the cosmos (ref. Genesis 1) and knows exactly what can/cannot destroy them.

In the seven bowl plagues outlined in Revelation 16, we see God’s control over the sun, the waters, Satan, and even the demonic spirits.  Again, these plagues resemble the plagues in Exodus when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.  Fire from heaven, sores on their bodies, frogs, and dried-up river beds are similar, but on a global scale.  All of this is to set up the final battle between God and Satan over mankind.  This battle will take place in the valley of Megiddo (Armageddon), in the north of Israel between Mt. Carmel and Mt. Tabor  

Since biblical times, the Euphrates has been a major waterway separating the Middle East from the Far East.  A major trade route and a sustaining water source for the inhabitants of that region.  Today, we see reports about the Great Euphrates River drying up.  Global Climate supporters blame this on global warming and mankind’s abuse of natural resources for political gain.  This has a significant impact on those in the region; farmers, wildlife, livestock, and health concerns are making headlines throughout the region.  In this, we still see mankind even denying the sovereignty and authority of God over all things.  Scientific communities and the media will tell us that these are all natural events caused by man’s abuse of the Earth’s resources.  Some of this is true, but why they refuse to see the biblical connection remains a mystery to me.

John’s vision in the great throne room paints a picture of a hard-hearted community.  Refusing to grasp ahold of the mercy and grace from the Father, they align their loyalties to Satan and his forces.  God grants these remaining individuals what they wish for – eternal separation from Him and instead an eternity of pain and suffering.  The plagues will fall upon them in these last days, and in their anger, they still curse God and deny His authority and sovereignty.  A debased mindset that only sees evil as good.  God’s sovereignty reaches as far as Satan’s throne room and the army he is building in the end days.

Satan’s call goes out to the kings all around the globe to join forces against the almighty Creator.  The stage is being set today as we see the political landscape leaning away from God in all reaches of the globe.  Succumbing to worldly desires, leaders around the globe push agendas focused on removing God from the spotlight and putting themselves into the spotlight.  We are living through the decline of the church age and nearing the entry into the tribulation years.  I hope you are remaining alert and ready for the return of Christ.  Again, we see Christ’s words that His return will be “like a thief in the night, just like in Matthew 24:43.  We must be prepared and ready on that day.

What this means for you and me is to be in the Word.  Daily walking with the Lord, so when He returns to call His children home, you know Him.  Jesus makes himself available to all of us through studying the word, prayer, and loving others.  He is not absent, though many would think so, because they haven’t met the real Jesus yet.  That’s where we come in.  Share your story, tell others about His love, His sacrifice, His grace, and His promise for eternity.  Be active in helping others know who your Lord and Savior is, and why they need to know Him as well.

First 3 Judgement Bowls Poured Out

Revelation 16:1-7

I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.

The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood.  And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say,

“Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was,
for you brought these judgments.
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
and you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!”

And I heard the altar saying,
“Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”

As Moses pleaded with Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt, as captured in the book of Exodus, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let them go.  Moses asks him one last time, “Let my people go,” and Pharaoh refuses, setting off a series of 10 plagues to fall upon the Pharaoh and the people of Egypt.  His attempt to demonstrate His power and authority to Pharaoh fell upon an unwilling recipient.  Plagues of blood in seas and rivers, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock death, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and even the death of the firstborn in every family in Egypt, God’s message was evidence; but to the hard-hearted, it meant nothing.  Finally, Pharaoh, after losing his only son, relents to Moses’ request.  Yet, even then, Pharaoh and his army pursue Moses into the desert our of his hatred and vengeance toward God.  This results in the complete loss of his army, chariots, and horses at the bottom of the Red Sea.  God will not be challenged, and despite our anger and denial, His way will always come to be.

So it is in the coming end days.  John’s vision of the bowls being poured out upon mankind will once again demonstrate God’s sovereignty and omnipotence.  He has all authority, and His plan will come to fruition.  Those who will oppose Him will fall to their demise at His hand in one way or another.  

Those who remain defiant toward the Lord in those days will suffer greatly as the end draws near.  Boils and sores will cover their bodies.  No salves will release the pain.  No Tylenol, no compress, no ice bath, nor bandage will ease their pain.  Following this, the living creatures in the seas will die, as the second angel pours out his bowl into the sea.  The waters will turn to blood such that none shall live.  Imagine every ocean turning crimson red, and washing dead creatures from the depths up onto the shores.  The third angel pours his bowl out into the rivers, springs, and lakes.  The fresh water turns to blood, around the globe.  Mankind requires water for survival.  67% of the human body is comprised of water, while 70% of the earth is comprised of water.  It is the life-sustaining force within each of us, and without it for an extended period of time, we will perish.

Do you see the similarities to the mercies from God on those in Egypt to the wrath of God in Revelation 16.  The plagues on Egypt were temporary and local focused to Pharaoh and his people only.  The plagues were progressively worse in an attempt to encourage the changing of their hearts.  Similarly, God’s wrath poured out at the end of days will become progressively worse in an attempt to persuade mankind to come back to Him.  When these bowls are poured out, though, it is the final judgement.  Mankind will have had its chance to repent, leading up to this point.  Those who are left will suffer greatly from every bowl that is poured out.  The angel comments that this is deservedly so because they have refused and defied Him through every progressive warning.  Woe to those who must endure these plagues, for they will not find God’s mercy.

And then there were Plagues

Revelation 15:1, 5-8

(1)Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished….

(5)After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests.  And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished

Up to this point, we have discussed the seven seals broken by the Lamb of God, the seven trumpets blown by the seven angels, and now we are introduced to seven angels with seven plagues for the end of the great tribulation and seven bowls full of wrath.  The temple of God then becomes off-limits until the end is complete.

His glory filled the temple to the point no other being could enter in.  In the final stages of tribulation, God’s wrath will demonstrate His unmatched omnipotence and power.  He alone has the authority to give these angels the ability to pour out the coming wrath upon mankind.  Every element of His wrath and judgment to this point has demonstrated His authority over all creatures, even Satan.  Despite Satan’s attempt to usurp God’s authority, this ending scenario makes it very clear that Satan is fully beholden to God’s authority.

The angels bring the bowls of wrath upon those who have denied and refused His mercies and grace.  Those who have decided to follow Satan, the Antichrist, and False Prophet will feel this wrath completely.  Do not let the world tell you that this shows that inherently God is evil.  This is 100% based on mankind’s decision to reject Him, and not based on God’s decision to reject mankind.  

Let us not forget that God sent them Jesus Christ as the propitiation of sin, redemption, and salvation.  God in the last days will send them 144,000 Saints to share His word and testimony, to help them repent and turn from their evil ways.  God will send them plagues to demonstrate His authority and omnipotence.  God will send them two witnesses to prophecy and share His mercy and grace with them.  Despite His attempts to bring them back into His love and eternal rest, there will be those who maintain their self-centered, self-righteous denial even to the point of death.  

Pray and share His love with those you meet today.  Help them understand and see His loving mercy and grace.  Each day, our path crosses the path of others struggling in life; help them find God.

The Reaping Begins

Revelation 14:9-20

Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.  And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.”  So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.”  So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia (about 200 miles).

Three things to take away from Revelation 14.  John’s vision tells us that 1) Eternal fire and sulfur will come upon those who take the mark; 2) Those who kept a faith in the Lord will finally receive their reward; 3) Jesus, coming on a cloud, will bring death to those who remain on the earth, having not recognized God’s omniscience and grace.  

Fire and brimstone preachers for 100’s of years have preached eternal damnation, fire, and endless torment for those who do not believe and follow Jesus Christ.  Today, many would say that was wrong, that these preachers were too judgmental, too condemning,  and pushing people away from the church.  But, in reality, shouldn’t we be telling them the truth?

We are not following Jesus Christ just to avoid Hell, but it is one of the facts we mustn’t avoid discussing.  We follow Jesus Christ because we love God and want to spend eternity with Him.  We follow the good and turn from the evil.  There is a hope in this life that is greater than the evil.  It comes from something greater than what we see before us in this world.  Let us not forget that Satan has been given rule over this world for a time, but that time is finite.  Our hope is our Creator, the One who is in control of all things, even the authority given to Satan..  

God is our eternal hope; Hell is separation from God for eternity.  It’s black and white.  In verse 14, a voice from heaven tells John to write that those who die in the faith will receive the reward of rest in the Lord, and that He sees their deeds and labor.  We are seen by the Almighty.  Our deeds, good and bad, are known, for He is omniscient and sovereign over all things.  It is so critical for each of us to take this as a calling to share with our loved ones and friends, so they may also celebrate in this hope.

Jesus and His angels will bring judgment on the earth, on all of those who have defied God throughout the tribulation.  Despite receiving multiple signs and warnings, they continued to turn from Him.  This refusal will set their eternal destiny, and as much as it hurts, it is a decision they have made through their own free will.  God does not intend that any are lost, but mankind has free will to deny this love.  God doesn’t send anyone to Hell; they choose to be apart from Him, and He will oblige them. 

This reaping will be so great as to create a flowing river of blood for 200 miles (or so) at 5-6 feet deep.  I picture I-45 from Houston to Dallas as a river of blood from those Jesus and the angels will reap with the sickle.  The average person contains approximately 1.3 gallons of blood.  One could imagine that it would be greater than 150 million people to create a river of blood for 200 miles.  We must be diligent in our prayers for those whom we know are not saved.  This reaping will take place, and I, for one, do not want any of my friends or family included.  The days are short, and the harvest is plenty.  We must be busy doing the Lord’s work.

Two Beasts and a Mark

Revelation 13

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads…  One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.  And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”….  Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain….

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.  It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed….  Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,  so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.  This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Enter into the ring the 2 beasts of Satan.  We have all heard the terms anti-christ and false prophet as they relate to the end of times.  The first beast appears from the sea with 10 horns and diadems (crowns) on them, with 7 heads.  We are told in Daniel 7 that the 10 horns represent a federation between 10 kings, and the 7 horns are 7 mountains on which the beast will stand and rule. He was given authority and power from the dragon, Satan, for 3.5 years of the great tribulation.  This beast is likened to Jesus Christ, having been given authority from the Most High.  This beast is known as the Anti-Christ.  He will blaspheme God and make war on the saints to once and for all conquer them.  He will receive a deadly wound to his head, but will miraculously survive.

The saints referenced here are those who have given their lives to Jesus during this time of the Great Tribulation.  For Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:18, “the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.”  Therefore, the saints that the beast will rain war upon must be those who have committed themselves to Christ after the church had been removed.  For this period of time, those who have not put their faith in Christ will fall down to worship the beast. The saints will be martyred for their beliefs, for not worshipping the beast and Satan.  Satan has ruled over the earth as long as God allows, and he will give this authority to the anti-christ.

The second beast mentioned in Revelation 13 has two horns and speaks like Satan, the dragon.  This beast is the False Prophet and reigns on the earth to lift up the anti-christ, perform miracles, and great signs, and to draw people to the beast.  He deceives the people of the earth to follow and worship the anti-christ, even as far as receiving a mark, on their right hand or forehead, of allegiance to the beast.  We all know this mark as ‘666’, the mark of the beast.

The time will come when man will not be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast.  Man will be forced to take the mark or face death.  The technology exists today to biologically tattoo or implant a chip into the hand or forehead, to allow for buying and selling.  We have seen the increase in chip readers for debit cards, Apple Pay, Smart Pay, and tap pay.  One can envision a time when that technology is simply embedded biologically, so we need not worry about our cards being stolen or lost.  Also, take digital currency as another example of a controlled buying/selling environment.  If all governments got behind digital currency and the physical currency were eliminated, then the governing bodies could determine one’s ability to buy or sell simply through their control mechanisms.

We live in a world where it has become an acceptable norm to blaspheme God without fear of His wrath.  Through movies, social media, music, and the internet, we have normalized the depraved, the sick and twisted, the evil, and the blasphemous.  We idolize those who blaspheme God and don’t think twice about it because it brings us temporary joy.  Musicians and movies that profess Satanism, witchcraft, and idolatry are elevated and lauded for their actions, while the masses pay homage through ticket sales and imitation.  You can’t look at the society we live in and not realize that we are living in the end days.  Satan is alive and well; the beast (anti-christ) and false prophet are not far away, based on the debauchery present in today’s daily walk.  

Is it feasible to happen in our lifetime? Yes, very much so.  But, we are confident to know that God, the Creator of all things, knows exactly where we are and when enough is enough.  His promise is true that He will return to take His church home, and to separate us from the wrath to come.  I put my faith in Him alone and pray for those around me to do the same.  Today, can you think of 5 people in your life to lift up in earnest prayer for God to intervene and bring salvation?  Please take the time to do so now. 

War in Heaven

Revelation 12:7-9

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.  …

War in heaven, yes, in heaven.  So those of you who have thought war was an earthly evil only, now you know.  We must realize that the battle between God and Satan takes place in both heaven and on earth.  

Satan was in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  His attack on mankind was to create confusion between man and God.  In an attempt to draw them away from God and to himself.  Evil has ever since existed in this world.  So, then we draw that Satan had the ability to be in both earth and heaven at that time.  His actions in Genesis 3 to deceive Eve and Adam were a complete betrayal of God, the Father.

We see Satan in the heavenly realm in Job 1:6-12, discussing with God about the loyalty of Job, a follower of God, the Father.  God allows Satan to test Job.  Even here, we see that Satan is subject to God, the Father’s, authority and sovereignty.  But, we draw from this that the war between God and Satan (good and evil) is an enduring battle that has always been and will continue through the end days.

Isaiah 14:12 and Luke 10:18  also reference imagery that represents Lucifer (Satan, Morning Star) falling from heaven.  In a prophetic statement, they are also referring to Satan being removed from the heavenly realms, just as John sees in his vision.  The reign of Satan is on the earth for a time.  That time is finite, and only God knows the day on which it will end.

The red dragon pursued the child to devour it, then pursued the women (nation of Israel), and finally the followers of Jesus Christ (referenced in Revelation 12:16).  We are in this window of time now, but there will come a day when Satan and his evil will be cast completely from heaven forever.  This will come at the end of time, when Jesus Christ will return for one last battle on earth.

We see his evil surrounding us today, and know that it is getting worse with the passing of more and more time.  God is patient, though that more may come to know Him.  But I fear, time is short, and soon we will see these things roll out before us, just as John has said. 

Written in the Stars

Revelation 12

And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on head a crown of twelve stars.  She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.  And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.  His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.  She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to nourished for 1,260 days.

In the coming chapters 12-13-14 John will reveal the next part of his vision in God’s throne room.  This vision will reveal seven signs and the main characters during the Great Tribulation.  The first sign, the Great Sign, in the skies was a woman amongst the cosmic wonders, the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Who is this woman referring to?  Many believe it is a representation of Mary in the stars, pregnant with the Christ child.  Others refer to Old Testament verses in Genesis 37 and believe it represents the nation of Israel, Jacob (Sun), Rachel (Moon), and the 12 tribes.  This is where my belief aligns, as out of Israel will come the Christ child, referred to in verses 4 and 5, who is with God on his throne.

The second sign in the heavens is a great red dragon.  I believe it is obvious that this great fiery red dragon refers to Satan.  The description of the dragon demonstrates the fullness of evil that is represented by Satan’s reign on earth.  Even his power and authority, represented by the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns, are provided by God.  Even though he puts himself in a position of royalty and power, he realizes that the child being born is the true King.  He intended to eliminate the child as soon as it was born, so his reign would continue forever.

Satan, as we recall, was created as Lucifer, an anointed angel in heaven.  He was described in Ezekiel 28 as perfect and beautiful, full of wisdom, covered in precious stones, with high status amongst the angels.  His selfish desires and self-righteousness bring separation from God the Father.  His intent of wanting to be equal or above God caused great conflict in heaven, resulting in Satan being cast from heaven, along with his demons (angelic followers).  Here we see the great fiery red dragon’s tail sweep across the skies and cast 1/3rd of the stars to the earth.  This is a reference to Satan bringing 1/3rd of all the angels in heaven to earth. This aligns very well with Isaiah 14:13-14: “I will ascend to heaven, I will make my throne above the stars of God, I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, and I will make myself like the Most High.  Ezekiel 28 continues on to tell us that Satan (Lucifer) was cast down from the heavens with his followers.  

The male child is none other than Jesus Christ, the Messiah, coming from the nation of Israel to lead all nations back to God.  From Satan’s attempt to use Herod to kill all the children born in Bethlehem, to his temptations of Jesus before he started his ministry, all the way to the cross, where Jesus was crucified and killed, he has pursued eliminating this threat to his own kingship.  Yet, God still comes away victorious, with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension to the right hand of the Father.  Satan and his followers continue to this day to deceive mankind to move away from God and Jesus Christ.

He desires to defeat God and rise above Him through deception, self-gratification, self-righteousness, worldly desires, and all sorts of evil.  His playbook has never changed: pride, greed, love of self, and hate of authority.  It can be seen throughout history, and it is alive and well in today’s world.  He is the author of lies and the accuser of all that is good.  Billions of people have been deceived into refusing the gospel truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.  But, in the end, God will cast Satan into the bottomless pit, the abyss to which only the Son may lock or unlock.  In the end, Satan must abide by the sovereignty and authority of God Almighty.  Though Satan’s temptations tickle our eyes, His eternal plan is filled with pain and death.  Live today in preparation for the eternal plan of life with God, the Father.