Revelation 09: Jesus is Our Justice

Ever wondered what locusts with human faces, lion's teeth, and scorpion stings have to do with your spiritual journey? Revelation 9 contains some of the Bible's most bizarre and unsettling imagery, yet beneath these apocalyptic visions lies a profound message that speaks directly to our hearts today.Pastor Brandon skillfully navigates this challenging chapter, revealing how its strange symbolism would have resonated with first-century Christians facing persecution under Roman rule. Rather than getting lost in end-times speculation, we explore how the imagery of devastating locusts and massive armies represented the political and military threats that John's original audience understood all too well. The locusts torment those without God's seal, while a 200-million-strong army brings destruction that kills a third of humanity.But the most troubling revelation isn't the calamity itself—it's humanity's response. Despite witnessing these terrifying judgments, people "still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God." This stubborn refusal reveals a timeless truth about human nature: our tendency to double down on our own ways rather than turning to God when times get tough. As Pastor Brandon poignantly observes, "Everybody is either heading into a battle, in the middle of a battle, or just now coming out of one." The question isn't whether we'll face difficulties—we will—but where we'll turn when they arrive.The chapter ultimately challenges us to establish our relationship with God before crisis strikes. "Don't wait to be in the battle before you know who your King is," Pastor Brandon advises, "because in the battle is the worst time to decide where your loyalty is." When we understand this, Revelation becomes less about predicting future horrors and more about preparing our hearts today. Join us as we discover how "Jesus is our justice" even in the midst of life's darkest moments.What battles are you currently facing, and where are you turning for strength? Listen now and share your thoughts on the Bible Breakdown discussion group on Facebook.We’d love to hear from you. (For questions, use the links above.)Support the showContact us- Ask a QuestionSend EncouragementTake a Next Step-SOAP Bible Study Method.Bible Reading Plan.Free Weekly Newsletter.Socials-Facebook.Instagram.X. YouTube.The More We Dig. The More We Find.Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT). Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.