This study, taught by pastor Barry Forder at our Sunday morning service on Sunday 15th May 2016 is the 17th in our verse-by-verse study through the book of Revelation.
Following on from the parenthetical chapters (11-14) we now rejoin the time-line where we left off, at the mid-point of the Tribulation. Antichrist’s world Government is now established, Israel has fled to the wilderness of Edom (modern day Jordan) to escape the world-wide persecution – and seemingly the world government will have no jurisdiction there. The remaining believers (those who have converted since chapter 6) have come under extreme persecution, and the false religious system that has dominated and manipulated the world for so long has been destroyed by Antichrist’s 10 ‘kings’.
This is Satan’s moment of glory, when the world has all but eradicated the God of the Bible. But the situation is very reminiscent of Adonijah’s claiming the title to the throne of Israel in 1 Kings. Although Solomon had been promised by his father (David) to become the king, we read “Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him” (1 Kings 1:5). Adonijah’s ego trip was brought to a sudden end and Solomon was crowned king. With that in mind, remember where we left off in chapter 10? A mighty angel, with one foot on the land and one in the sea, declared that time was up! (Rev 10:6), and in chapter 11 we had the great declaration that “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev 11:!5). As with Adonijah, Satan will have his tenure rudely interrupted when the Rightful King returns to establish the Throne of David.
In preparation for that, the earth will now be purged and made ready for the Coming King!
This is one of the most anticipated moments in Scripture; the great day of His wrath has come!
May this study encourage you and deepen your love for God and His Word!
To aid your personal study, the Powerpoint slides used in this teaching are available for download here, and a verse-by-verse text commentary of Revelation Chapter 15 & 16 is also available in the Pastor’s Blog section of this web site entitled: “The Great Tribulation”
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry.
