READ: Revelation 16-17
BACKGROUND: Tons of imagery in these chapters. Entire books have been written about it. Please feel free to ask questions as they come to you. Post them in the comments and I’ll get back to you.
THINK: More than 3 decades after his death, sales of Elvis Presley’s music, memorabilia, and licensing agreements still generate millions of dollars each year for his estate. His fame reaches far and wide, and his popularity spans both time and culture. As he rose to fame he was nicknamed “The King of Rock and Roll” but with time he’s become known simply as “The King.”
“The King” is an interesting nickname. And it’s a moniker that gets thrown around at other people as well, and not just royalty. Anybody who excels at something the world values is liable to be labeled “The King – or Queen – of ________” and most have a huge following. But the truth is that whether the “kings” of this world are celebrities, athletes, crowned heads, or tycoons, they come and go. Their influence may be immense and their followers fanatically loyal, but it doesn’t last forever.
Revelation 17, however, refers to Jesus Christ as the eternal King. The passage speaks prophetically of earthly kings who will fight to establish their authority at the end of the ages. Biblical scholars have debated the identities of these kings, but there is no mistake about the One they cannot overpower: “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).
Jesus Christ is King, and he will reign forever. There is no greater privilege than to be a subject of the King of kings.
ASK: To what “king” or “queen” does my loyalty belong? Whom do I spend the most time and energy following – Jesus or someone/something else?
PRAY: Thank Jesus for the victory he has already won for all of his people. Humble yourself before him today and give him the kingly honor he is due.
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