Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Warning
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 104:5–9.
Read: Revelation 8:2-11:18 (ESV). As you re-read the text for the final time this week in the English Standard Version, what new insights did you discover about God’s character?
Reflect: Reimar Vetne recently released his new book, Jesus in the Book of Revelation. This is an excellent read with great applications. Regarding two witnesses in Revelation 11, he writes:
The two witnesses of Revelation are the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit, symbolized through Moses (Torah) and Elijah (the Messianic age). From a Christian perspective, Moses represents the Old Testament and Elijah represents the New Testament story of the Messiah.
So when the Scriptures—the Old and New Testament—are mourning in sackcloth during the Middle Ages, this is referring to the fact that most Christians did not read and study them much. The Bible was only available in Latin, which most people did not even speak or read, and most Christians could not afford a Bible even if they could read it. Generally speaking, only clergy and people living in monasteries had access to the Scriptures, and during sermons in church there was very little or no reading and explanation of the biblical passages in the language of the people. It was a sad time for the Bible (pp. 66-67).
Vetne reminds us further that after “the French Revolution, the Bible was, in a sense, resurrected” (p. 68). Today, we have the privilege and the honor to study the Word of God.
D. R. Briggs in A Simple Look at Revelation, reminded me that both Moses and Elijah faced hard times and God looked after them. When Jesus needed support they were sent to Him on the Mt of Transfiguration. When we face a hard day, there will be strength (p.14 ).
Recalibrate: Who is Jesus calling to to be strong for this time?
Respond: Pray for the sight to see those who need help.
Research: Read Chapter 15 of The Great Controversy.