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

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 104:19-24.

Read: Revelation 11:19–15:4 (Message). Note 1–3 insights or questions that arise from the paraphrase. 

Reflect: As we learned last week, the the bread crumb trail introducing Sanctuary elements in the first 11 chapters of Revelation indicate that the Sanctuary is significant. In particular, this is because they point to the role that Jesus holds there. He is our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary (Hebrews 4:15, etc.), who understands us and knows us better than we could ever imagine. Each scene so far has opened with an element of the Sanctuary, and now as we enter into the heart of the book of Revelation, as we come to the Radical Call of Jesus to each of us to become Radical Disciples, John brings us into the Most Holy Place of the Sanctuary—the Ark of the Covenant.

Access to the The Ark of the Covenant, at the end of the Seven Trumpets, fits perfectly into the Day of Atonement. This was the day observed once a year when all of Israel would gather together and reset themselves with God. This is a beautiful process well studying in the book of Leviticus. Also, in light of Daniel’s prophetic visions, now coming together in the passages for this week, Seventh-day Adventists believe that since 1844 we have been living in that final period—a long day of atonement. A period in which to prepare ourselves. A period in which to become Radical Disciples. The image of the Ark of the Covenant also serves as a reminder that God’s promises never fail. As Jesus shared in Matthew 28:20, He will be with us right to the end.

As we enter into Revelation 12, two new symbols are introduced. The Woman and the Dragon. Today, let us start with the Woman. Ranko Stefanovic in Plain Revelation provides a succinct breakdown:

The remarkable woman of Revelation 12 stands as a symbol for the church in both the Old and New Testament. This reality is expressed through her portrayal—clothed with the sun and standing on the moon. The sun, as the source of light, stands for the gospel (2 Cor. 4:6; cf. John 8:12; 12:46). The moon reflects the light of the sun; therefore, the woman stands on the revelation of the Old Testament that reflects the light of the gospel. The twelve stars on her head stand for the twelve tribes of Israel as well as the twelve apostles. In this part of the vision (12:1–5), the woman represents Old Testament Israel bringing the Messiah into the world; however, in verses 6 and 13–17, she represents the Christian church (p. 140).

Recalibrate: ​​​How should we as Radical Disciples prepare each day? How does knowing Jesus is your High Priest help with your preparation?

Respond: With a prayer of confession and thanks. 

Research: What happens to the Woman later in Revelation?