“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven,  saying, “The Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”” – Revelation 11:15

Scripture reading:  Revelation 11:14-19

In contrast to the opening of the seventh seal, where silence reigned, here we are introduced to the final woe with a scene of exultant celebration! Here we see Christ reigning over the world and judgment day at hand!  We read, “The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time for judging the dead and rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great – and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

We don’t see the final judgment, just the announcement of it and the celebration of it. The magnitude of this judgment is yet to be revealed. In our world we see the nations raging and the people’s plotting against Christ (see Psalm 2). But in the end, Christ will reign and the raging of the nations will end, and they will be destroyed. And yes, this is a reason for celebrating. We celebrate Christmas because it is the birth of the King Who will bring all sin and opposition to God to an end, Who will destroy the wicked and will make all things new!

In verse 19 we see the temple opened and we see the ark of the covenant. This is a picture of our restored fellowship with God. But as we are restored to Him, there is judgment coming upon the world! This is great news for believers, but a call to all others, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12).

Suggestions for prayer

“O God do not keep silent, be not quiet O God, be not still, see how your enemies are astir… May they ever be ashamed and dismayed, may they perish in disgrace – let them know that you, whose name is the Lord, that you alone are the most high over all the earth.” AMEN (Psalm 83:17-18)

Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.