28th Dec


2 Chronicles 33                       Revelation 19              Malachi 1

The early reign of Manasseh is one of the darker periods in these Chronicles – pagan worship, child sacrifice … the result is conquest by Assyria. But even here in the midst of such darkness, we see the readiness of our Lord to show mercy (12-13); and more, what God’s mercy is designed to achieve – ‘Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.’ He demonstrates his repentance in active obedience – do we?

Malachi’s message comes to God’s people in a time of great spiritual decline. It is approximately 80 years after the rebuilding of the Temple, and the promises of the coming Messiah have not yet happened. As a result, the people had become lax, displaying an increasingly casual attitude toward God and worship. Malachi states that their sacrifices were unacceptable to God, husbands were unfaithful, and the priests neglectful of God’s covenants. In this first chapter, Malachi details the failings of the people as a whole.

We are accustomed to the idea that heaven rejoices at repentance – but at judgment? If Babylon does indeed represent our modern, global economic world order, then it is ironic to think of the rich and famous enjoying Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus in Covent Garden, ignorant of the fact that it is based on the song of heaven in response to the destruction of the very source of their wealth and status. It is striking that Babylon’s destruction is so swift (10). Although numbers in Revelation are usually symbolic, the message is clear: a whole world order collapsing in dramatic fashion. This has particular resonance in our age, the first in human history when an entire global economic order could indeed be undone at a stroke, whether through human greed or error, cyber-terrorism or the spread of civil unrest.

The number seven has been a significant feature throughout the book of Revelation (7 lampstands, 7 seals bowls and trumpets) and now ends with a final seven – a series of visions from 19:11 – 21:1.

  1. The Rider on the white horse riding out of heaven’s open door (19:11–16)
  2. An angel invites birds to a macabre supper of human flesh (19:17–18)
  3. The Battle of Armageddon (19:19–21; see 16:16)
  4. An angel binds Satan for 1000 years (20:1–3)
  5. Dead Christians are raised (the first resurrection) & reign on earth with Christ for 1000 years, after which Satan is released for a final fling before being destroyed (20:4–10)
  6. The Great White Throne appears. The 2nd resurrection brings all people to life for the final judgment, before which the earth disappears (20:11–15; see also Daniel 12:2)
  7. The New Heaven & Earth appear & the new Jerusalem descends from heaven (21:1)

I love the image of ‘heaven standing open’ – what a wonderfully evocative picture of what Christ has achieved for us. What a contrast with the scene in Genesis 3 as the entrance to Eden is barred to fallen humanity – now, through the cross, Christ has opened the gate of eternity.

What a contrast, too, between the final image of Jesus in his earthly ministry – hanging and dying on the Cross – and his glorious appearance as the White Rider. Tolkien picks up this image in ‘Lord of the Rings’ – and if you know the films, this verse is the inspiration for the appearance of Gandalf the White, with the massed troops of Rohan, at the end of the Battle for Helm’s Deep in ‘The Two Towers.’

We have just celebrated the birth of the babe of Bethlehem – an apparently insignificant event at the time, and even now, except to the eye of faith. The return of the Lord of Glory will be the biggest public event in history (Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Why not spend some time today meditating on the glorious description of Jesus we are given in 19:11-16?

(member of the clergy)