Revelation 11 is full of pictures and reminders of God’s might and his goodness. The chapter ends with another image of God’s glory. In verse 19 we see a temple that’s open. The ark of the covenant is visible, something that was never the case in the Old Testament. Only one person saw the ark one time a year. And with this image there’s powerful flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and hail.
It’s a glorious vision of the victory afforded to God’s people. It’s meant to be deeply encouraging.
To that end, how might this chapter serve to encourage us as we see the Day approaching? What kind of encouragement do you need today? Christian, let me give you four encouragements from Revelation 11:
1. God will empower you.
From both Revelation and Jesus’ words to his disciples, we see that the encouragement doesn’t come from the absence of suffering or hardship. Rather, it comes from God’s ability to help you, empower you, and walk with you. The reason for the sending of the Holy Spirit is to be both our comforter and enabler.
2. Satan will not defeat you.
The track record of God is to rescue his people from the devices of Satan. That doesn’t mean it never looks bleak or dark, but the reason we have Revelation in the Bible is to remind us that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet…” (Rom. 16:18).
3. The church is unstoppable.
The people of God are far from perfect, and our track record is spotty when it comes to faithfulness. But Jesus promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. Sunday after Sunday we gather to proclaim the message that rescues people from the clutches of the enemy.
4. It’s not long now.
The book of Revelation calls us to faithfulness, endurance, and patience. And one of the ways that we help one another is to remind each other that we’re closer now than we’ve ever been to the return of our King. So, “… let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24–25).
This is an excerpt from Mark Vroegop’s sermon series on Revelation. You can find the full sermon here.
