“The Great Supper of God” (Revelation 19:11-21)

What this episode covers

The Great Supper of God The Great Supper of God Brad Mills / General Revelation / Second Coming; Christ as King / Revelation 19:11–21 Christians were already enduring various levels of persecution. A few had been martyred for their faith. Others were experiencing social and economic hardship, as detailed in several of the letters sent to the seven churches in Asia Minor (Re 2-3). Much of John’s vision warns believers to expect that persecution to increase. They were about to endure a much greater level of persecution in the centuries that would follow. But, through it all, the church continued to grow and mature. God’s hand of protection was upon them as the saints persevered through every trial and tribulation. For many of them, the vision of heaven in chapters 19 and 21 was precisely what the Spirit used to give them the strength to persevere. Just like it was in the first century, the Universal Church experiences various levels of physical, social, and economic persecution throughout this age between Christ’s first and second coming. I mention this a lot, because I don’t want us to fall into the assumption that this book was primarily written for a past generation. It has always been relevant to the Church, and it remains relevant to us today. Whether or not Christ could return in your lifetime does not make this text any more or less applicable to you right now. You are called to walk by faith in the promises of God regardless of how soon the fulfillment of those promises will take place. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. So the idea that God would delay his coming, is proof of his patience toward the unrepentant. But there will come a day when that opportunity is removed. The appearance of the King in vengeance marks the end of the opportunity for repentance. Read Rev 19:11-21. This chapter marks the end of another cycle that depicts aspects of Christ’s reign and judgment throughout the present age and culminating in his second coming. It follows the pattern we recognized in the cycles of seven seals, trumpets, and bowls which also concluded with the return of Christ in judgment. › The first half of the passage simply reflects with reverence upon… I. The Appearance of the King (11-16) After witnessing the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven, John sees another vision, but now he sees it from the perspective of earth. Looking up into heaven, he sees the sky open and a white horse appears (11). The Rider is “Faithful and True” the same title assigned to the author of the letter to Laodicea (Re 3:14). In his first coming Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. It represented his coming in peace to redeem his covenant people. However, in his second coming, he rides a white horse which represents the fact that he comes to judge and make war. Furthermore, he has eyes that are “like a flame of fire” (12a). We saw the opening description of the Son of Man included the same detail (1:14). And, again, the eyes like a flame of fire described the Son of God in the letter to the church in Thyatira (2:18). The implication seems to be that his judgments are based upon what he has witnessed not only in their actions, but also their thoughts and intentions. He is not a capricious judge, but he brings his wrath upon those who have committed abominations against God. He is wearing “many diadems” on his head which speak to his royal office (12b). Remember, there are two kinds of crowns in Revelation. There is the wreath of victory (stephanos) and the crown of royalty (diadema). These crowns represent the coming of Christ in his Kingly office. He comes with sovereign authority to judge all mankind. He also bears a name “that no one knows but himself” (12c). This name that is written would presumably be different than the name by which he is called in the next verse. And we would think it mu

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