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You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!\u00a0<\/strong> Click on this link for more details and to sign up!\u00a0Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link:\u00a0www.bibleinayearblog.com<\/span><\/p>\n Revelation 19:1-22:21<\/strong><\/span> Happy New Year!<\/strong>\u00a0 Congratulations to everyone who completed the Chronological Bible journey in 2025 today!<\/strong>\u00a0 It has been awesome to go through the journey this year with each of you.\u00a0 It is quite a blessing to realize that you\u2019ve read through God\u2019s Word this past year!\u00a0 It has been a huge blessing for me.\u00a0 God has continued to transform me this past year through this journey.\u00a0 Reading through the Bible in a year will change us.\u00a0 For the better!\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42 For those of you wrapping up the Chronological Bible today in 2025, I\u2019d like to ask you to post up your reflections on this experience in the Comments section below.\u00a0 The reason for this request is because we have hundreds of new folks signing up to take the Chronological Bible journey in 2026. What advice would you give them?\u00a0 Any encouragement?\u00a0 What has reading the Bible on a daily basis meant to you over the past year?\u00a0 Has this experience changed you in any way?\u00a0 Thanks for sharing! I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry! If this blog has been a blessing to you in 2025, please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!<\/span><\/p>\n Revelation:<\/strong> Revelation chapter 19 verses 7 through 9 discuss the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus) in powerful language: \u201cLet us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen.\u201d (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)\u00a0 And the angel said, \u201cWrite this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.\u201d And he added, \u201cThese are true words that come from God.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 The wedding feast of the Lamb is the end of human history \u2013 the judgment of the wicked and the wedding of the Lamb and his bride, the church.\u00a0 Are you looking forward to the wedding feast of the lamb?\u00a0 Do you want to be there?\u00a0 Do you believe the words \u2013 blessed are those who are invited to the feast?\u00a0 Have you accepted the Invitation?<\/span><\/p>\n Revelation chapter 19 utilizes the Hebrew for Hallelujah! four times in the first six verses \u2013 but it is interesting to note that Hallelujah is not used anywhere else in the New Testament.\u00a0 Though, certainly we are reading Hallelujah frequently now in the Psalms!\u00a0 (such as today\u2019s Psalm 147).\u00a0 The Hallelujah\u2019s in this chapter, along with verse 16 in today\u2019s readings \u2013 \u201cOn his robe and thigh was written this title: King of kings and Lord of lords.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 reminded me of Handel\u2019s Messiah.<\/span><\/p>\n The rider on the white horse in chapter 19 is not the rider of the white horse from earlier in the book of Revelation, chapter 6 verse 2.\u00a0 The rider in this chapter is Jesus, returning as Warrior-Messiah-King.\u00a0 It\u2019s interesting to note that many of the Jewish faith in the 1st century were looking for their Messiah to come as Warrior-Messiah-King, and thus they rejected Jesus as Messiah, who came then as the Suffering Servant.\u00a0 However, it is powerful for us to keep in mind that Jesus is indeed coming again \u2013 and when he returns it won\u2019t be in his previous role as the Suffering Servant.\u00a0 That debt has been paid.\u00a0 Jesus will return as Warrior-Messiah-King!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. Below is an image for verse 21 in today\u2019s readings that is well worth cheering about!\u00a0 \u201cAnd the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast\u2014miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Revelation chapter 19 titled \u201cThe Second Coming of Christ\u201d<\/strong> is at this link and \u201cEater or Eaten?\u201d<\/strong> is at this link.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n In Revelation chapter 20 today we read about the Millennial Reign of Christ! There are 3 basic beliefs in the 1,000 years described in this chapter: 1.\u00a0 Amillennialism<\/em> (means we\u2019re in a figurative 1,000 years now) describes the present reign of Jesus in heaven, along with deceased believers and currently living believers \u2013 all of which will be followed by Jesus\u2019 second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and Jesus\u2019 reign over the new earth eternally.\u00a0 \u00a02. Premillennialism<\/em> (means Jesus will come before a literal 1,000 years) also believes in the present reign of Jesus in heaven that is moving toward a time when Jesus returns again, the first resurrection occurs, and there will be a reign of Jesus on the current earth as we know it for 1,000 years. Then will come the final general resurrection, the final judgment, and then the eternal kingdom on the new earth.\u00a0 3.\u00a0 Postmillennialism<\/em> (means Jesus will come after a literal 1,000 years) believes that the entire world as we currently know it will be converted to Christianity and this will bring a millennium of peace \u2013 then to be followed by Jesus\u2019 second coming, the general resurrection, final judgment, and the eternal kingdom.\u00a0 \u00a0Hopefully this makes some sort of sense on these three views? \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 I read a commentary that said the key to remember with all 3 of these views is that they are simply timing differences.\u00a0 In all 3 views, Jesus returns again.\u00a0 Jesus reigns.\u00a0 Forever.<\/span><\/p>\n Verses 11-12 get into Judgment, which is obviously quite a topic to attempt to cover in a daily blog\u2026 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 \u201cAnd I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God\u2019s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>So\u2026\u00a0 I am going to defer to someone much smarter than me on this one, and HIGHLY encourage you to read Lehman Strauss\u2019s article entitled <\/span>\u201cThe Future Judgment of the Believer\u201d at bible.org at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 I encourage you to check this link out if you\u2019d like a glimpse toward what happens after we pass on from this life <\/strong>\u2013 including a very interesting look at 5 crowns that can be given \/ received!\u00a0 Actually, if you are really interested in learning more about what happens after we die, Mr. Strauss at bible.org has a great 10 part series called \u201cDeath and Afterward\u201d <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 (which \u201cThe Future Judgment of the Believer\u201d link above is #6 in the 10 part series.)\u00a0 Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith\u2019s \u201cThe Great White Throne of Judgment\u201d and \u201cThe Books Are Opened and The Book of Life\u201d based on Revelation chapter 20 verses 11-12 today (which are at the top of this paragraph):<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. \u00a0<\/p>\n Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Revelation chapter 20 titled \u201cPay Day Someday\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Revelation chapter 21 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! It is what our very hearts long for!\u00a0 Today we read a wonderful glimpse of the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God. <\/span><\/p>\n Certainly verses 3 and 4 are powerful for us to reflect upon: \u201cI heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, \u201cLook, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Are you looking forward to that day when God will be among his people?\u00a0 When he will remove all sorrows and pains?<\/span><\/p>\n And verses 23-25 are so beautiful to meditate upon: \u201cAnd the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations of the earth will walk in its light, and the rulers of the world will come and bring their glory to it. Its gates never close at the end of day because there is no night.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Are you looking forward to this everlasting light?\u00a0 The light that can come only from God and Jesus, the Lamb?<\/span><\/p>\n Below are artist Pat Marvenko Smith\u2019s two great images of the heavenly Jerusalem from today\u2019s readings titled \u201cThe City Four-Square: New Jerusalem\u201d and \u201cThe Foundations of the City\u201d, which verses 18 through 20 capture very well: \u201cThe wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20<\/span> the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.\u201d<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Revelation chapter 21 titled \u201cThe Eternal State\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> and \u201cIt Just Doesn\u2019t Get Any Better Than This!\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Today we finish the book of Revelation with a glorious chapter describing the New Jerusalem in heaven, and with a clear reminder that Jesus is coming again!\u00a0 Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith\u2019s look \u201cThrough the Gate of the Eternal City\u201d from Revelation 22:1-6 in today\u2019s readings:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. Chapter 22 verses 1 & 2 are so beautiful: \u201cAnd the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0This river combines the elements of the river in the Garden of Eden \u2013 see <\/span>Genesis 2:8-14<\/span> \u2013 and the river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel\u2019s vision \u2013 see <\/span>Ezekiel 47:1-12<\/span>.\u00a0 I love this idea of this \u201criver of life\u201d.\u00a0 There are so many beautiful allusions to God and grace being like water or a river in the Bible \u2013 particularly in the Psalms.\u00a0 A river that heals us. I love this.\u00a0 There is a great song by Steven Curtis Chapman about diving into the river.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s called \u201cDive\u201d on his Speechless CD.\u00a0 This song of his reminds me so much of these verses.\u00a0 One of his lyrics goes something like:\u00a0 \u201cThe River\u2019s deep, the river\u2019s wide, the river\u2019s water is ALIVE!\u00a0 So sink or swim, I\u2019m diving in!\u201d\u00a0 Do you want to dive into this holy river of God?\u00a0 Do you want to be healed and purified by it\u2019s waters? Will you dive in?<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 8 is powerful for us to reflect upon, where we see an angel speaking to John after he fell to worship the angel:\u00a0 \u201c\u201dNo, don\u2019t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this scroll. Worship God!\u201d\u201d <\/em>My thought here is that do we sometimes worship other people in our life?\u00a0 \u00a0And does this worship of other people ultimately take away from our worship of God?\u00a0 Meaning, I think it might sometimes be tempting for us to \u201cworship\u201d our pastors or ministers or spiritual mentors.\u00a0 But, should we do this?\u00a0 I think we would do well to remember that these people in our life are simply servants of God, like this angel.\u00a0 They are not God.\u00a0 We are called to give our hearts and minds and souls and worship to God and God only.<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 20 (almost) closes out the book of Revelation with these words: \u201cCome, Lord Jesus!\u201d<\/em> Are these three words a prayer of your heart? Should they be? It\u2019s only recently that I started praying these words from my heart, and it is an amazing thing to truly pray and truly desire. Come Lord Jesus!<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Revelation chapter 22 titled \u201cThe Epilogue\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> and \u201cFamous Last Words\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video: <\/strong>Today\u2019s readings in Revelation reminded me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song \u201cDive.\u201d However, rather than share that song with you in the video below, our readings in Revelation chapter 22 also reminded me of his powerful song about his daughter called \u201cHeaven is the Face.\u201d Here\u2019s a great live version of this song:<\/span><\/p>\n
~ Click here to read today\u2019s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~<\/span><\/em>
~ Listen to today\u2019s Scripture on <\/em>The ESV Bible<\/em><\/span> ~<\/p>\n
To order prints visit her \u201c<\/span>Revelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span><\/p>\n
To order prints visit her \u201c<\/span>Revelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span><\/p>\n
To order prints visit her \u201c<\/span>Revelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span><\/p>\n
To order prints visit her \u201c<\/span>Revelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span><\/p>\n
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her \u201c<\/span>Revelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span>
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her \u201c<\/span>Revelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span><\/p>\n
To order prints visit her \u201cRevelation Illustrated<\/span>\u201d site.<\/span><\/p>\n