Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Solutions
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 105:43–45.

Read: Revelation 19:1–20:15 (ESV). As you read the English Standard Version, note 1–3 insights or questions.

Reflect: Jacques B. Doukhan summarizes this section of his book Secrets of Revelation as "Star Wars". He draws our attention to the movement outside the Sanctuary and prepares us for a celebration. 

For the first time the book does not mention the Temple and its objects. All of the atoning rites of the Temple have been accomplished, and the Temple has no more “raison d’être.” The judgment continues now outside its walls. The Kippur ritual set a ram apart (for Azazel), not to be sacrificed, but to be chased into the dessert, bearing the sins of Israel (Lev. 16:10, 20-26). After Kippur the people were delivered from their sins. From a prophetic perspective, the lesson is laden with hope. God is not content merely to forgive us of our sins. He also wants to deliver us from them, The devil, embodied by the ram in the ritual of Azazel, gets chased from the camp to its death. 
From now on, all becomes praise. According to Jewish tradition, the days following Kippur are joyous ones. The festival after Kippur, Sukkot (the Feast of the Tabernacles), is also called reman simhatenou, “time of joy.” People must not fast on the days devoted to the build of the huts (Sukkot). (p. 169)

That is why, following the plagues and final call for everyone to leave Babylon—as that city is now thrown into the sea (Revelation 18:21)—we enter into thanksgiving. If there were could be only one word used to summarize this scene, it would be “Hallelujah!” This is powerful word used in the First Testament, and it appears for the first time in the closing verses of Psalm 104 (assigned last Thursday in the Daily Walk). It is translated as “Praise the Lord.” This “Hallelujah” comes immediately after the wicked have been removed. Jacques B. Doukhan continues:

It is no coincidence that hallel (Psalms 113–118) is the principal text of the liturgy of Sukkot. Jews traditionally recite the psalms during the eight days of the festival. (p. 170)

In the radical solution in which evil is at long last removed, the response of those who have lived under intense oppression is one of relief and praise.

Recalibrate: ​​​What is evil in this world today and how would you feel if it were removed?

Respond: Pray through Psalm 104:24–35.

Research: When does Sukkot take place each year?