Monday, 31 May 2021
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14
The beast has been given the power and authority of the ten horns, as noted in the previous verse. With this united power, it now says, “These will make war with the Lamb.” This thought takes the reader back to the Lamb first mentioned in Revelation 5. There, this Lamb “as though it had been slain,” was given the scroll to open. In opening the seals of the scroll judgments came forth. This Lamb (Jesus) is also mentioned several other times as well, usually in relation to matters of the salvation of His people.
This occurs again now. When it says, “These will make war with the Lamb,” it is a reference to those coming against faithful believers, and probably more especially those who call out to Him from Israel. The beast is reflective of those who belong to Satan. As such, the Lamb is reflective of those who belong to the Lord – with the Lord as their Head. As such, it next says, “and the Lamb will overcome them.”
Though by the world’s reckoning, there could be only defeat for the enemies of the beast, with the Lord as the Head of His people, the victory is assured. The beast, comprised of its various horns and heads, will be defeated.
While considering this, it must be remembered that the beast is not just this empire of nations all by itself. The woman is sitting on the beast as is recorded in verse 17:3. Therefore, this war includes a spiritual element as well.
This great harlot is certainly a part of the impetus for their actions – as if they believe they have God on their side because of her. But, in fact, they are working against Him. This beast may have kings that have given it power and authority, but the One they have actually come against is the Lord, and they will be defeated, “for He is Lord of lords and King of kings.
The war now noted in Chapter 17 will be more fully described in Chapter 19 – highlighted by this same title being ascribed to the Lord as He returns on a white horse to execute judgment against this beast who has come against His people who are almost at their breaking point. With no hope left, they will call out, and He will return to save them. But he will not be alone. As we are next told, “and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” These words are explained in Revelation 19:14 –
“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.”
There is no reason to assume that these verses are speaking of anything other than an actual war. The beast has been described, it has kings that have given their power and authority to it. There is the woman in the wilderness already described. There is the land of Israel and the coming battle of Armageddon. The various things that have been described, that are being described, and that are yet to be described will all be brought together into a completed narrative as the verses of Revelation continue to unfold.
Life application: In an exciting preview of the events ahead, this verse lets us know that the victory is already assured. War is coming, but it is already noted that the Lamb will overcome.
This world power, led by the antichrist will probably conduct its war in several ways. The first is against anyone who refuses the mark of the beast. They will be cut off from buying and selling, and will surely be hunted down and martyred as well. An attack against the body of believers is an attack against the Lord as we learn in Acts 9:4. Saul was persecuting the church, but Jesus notes that it was actually He who was attacked – “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
The second way war is being waged against the Lamb is literal. He is returning as we will see in the chapters and verses ahead. When he does, the beast will stupidly think that fighting against the Creator is somehow an option… but it’s not. Jesus, the Lamb, will overcome them.
It should be noted now that a lamb is a docile animal, not a fighter. The symbolism is clear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and a loving Lord, but He is also One who cannot tolerate sin and rebellion. For the Lamb to wage war means that God’s patience has ended and that there is no remedy at all for those who have come against Him. He is not only the Lamb, but He is also the Lord of lords and King of kings. There is none greater than Him, and He is the ultimate ruler of all that is.
When He returns, it will be to bring peace to the world. But before that happens, there will be a great slaughter. Only then will the world be ready for the peace that has long eluded it. In that coming battle, the saints of the Lord will be participants. This will include all who have died in Christ throughout the ages, along with those who were alive and who were glorified at the rapture.
This will come about after the seven years of tribulation. The beast, which has such great power and authority at his disposal, along with all the power of Satan backing him up, won’t stand a chance against the King of Glory. Be on the winning team and be a participant in the greatest battle ever waged.
The Lord is great and greatly to be praised. The book is written, and it reveals what lies ahead. Nothing will change that. And so, call out today. Be reconciled to God. Call out to JESUS!
Lord Jesus, the world is getting increasingly wicked as the days go by. Some wonderful day You will come back for Your saints to take us out of here. At that time, our chance to tell others about you will be over. Help us to have a heart for the lost and to turn many to righteousness before that day happens. Thank You for being patient and giving us the time to bring many to You. Amen.