As we near the end of our 2024 FCA Challenge, we also find ourselves near the end of Revelation. This week will take us through Revelation 13-17 which introduces us to a “beast coming up out of the sea” and “another beast coming up out of the earth.” They will be full of blasphemies and wage war against the saints. John implores the reader that “this calls for endurance and faithfulness” as well as wisdom.

As we continue on, we are introduced to “the Lamb standing on Mount Zion” who is with the 144,000 who have been redeemed and are singing a new song to the Lamb. It’s almost an ethereal, beautiful scene until we are then moved to “another great and awe-inspiring sign in heaven” that concludes with the “seven angels with the seven last plagues” poured out in the “seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.” These bowls are devastating and yet those on the earth refuse to repent of their works or give glory to God.

One of the seven angels then goes on to introduce John to a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. She was named “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Detestable Things of the Earth.” She is filled with everything blasphemous, impure, and abominable.

John continues to implore the reader that “this calls for a mind that has wisdom.” Though war is being waged against the Lamb, “the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.” We can take heart as we wrap up our time in Revelation that ultimately, “the words of God are fulfilled” only according to His purpose and sovereign plan!

Devotional provided by:

Kari Richards - Regional Director of Field Operations - Great Lakes