REVELATION 16.12-21

Re 16:12 ¶ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east (from the rising of the sun) might be prepared (in order to make ready a path for the kings of he east).

13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Please note beloved that this vial or bowl judgment has no specific assault on the population of the earth, but is a preparation for the final scenario of events.

In verses 12-16, 3 critical events take place: (1) The Euphrates dries up (16:12); (2) the false trinity gathers kings for battle (16:13-14); (3) and the kings gather at Armageddon (16:16).

• In the book of Genesis, we discover that the Garden of Eden was located in the vicinity of the Euphrates River. (Gen 2.10-14). The Euphrates River forms the eastern boundary of the land God promised to Israel (Gen 15:18; Deut 1:7; 11:24; Josh 1:4.) As the longest and most significant river in the Middle East, this river is referred to here in Scripture as “the great river.”
• The Euphrates lows some 1,800 miles from its source on the slopes of Mt. Ararat to the Persian Gulf. Here we see that God supernaturally dries up this mighty river that had previously turned into blood (16:4) to enable the kings of the East can cross with their armies.
• Drying up bodies of water for God’s purposes or plans is no new thing in Scripture. God earlier dried up the Red Sea so the Israelites could advance on the Promised Land from the west (Exod 14:21-22; cf. Isa 11:16). He also dried up the Jordan River so they could cross over from the east (Josh 3:13-17; 4:23). Elijah too parted the waters of the Jordan (2 Kgs 2:8).
• The Euphrates River was last mentioned in Rev 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

Notice in verse 16 that the armies of the world (not just the Roman army as in 70AD) are gathered together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

• The name Armageddon comes from two Hebrew words, har and Megiddo. The word har literally means “mountain or hill.” The word Megiddo means either “place of troops” or “place of slaughter.”
• What is commonly known as the Valley of Armegeddon is actually the Valley of. Napoleon called this location “the most natural battlefield of the whole earth.”
• To learn more about the events of Armageddon read the following passages: Ps 2; Isa 34:1-16; 63:1-6; Joel 3:1-17; Zech 12:1-9; 14:1-15; Mal 4:1-5; Rev 14:14-20; 16:12-16; 19:19-21.
• Although the phrase “battle of Armageddon” is a familiar one, by piecing together all of the events that lead up to the time of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we learn that  this is not a single battle but rather a whole series of conflicts that culminates in one final battle at Jesus’ second coming.

We see in 16:13-14 that this battle is all according to God’s plan. The Dragon (Satan, the counterfeit father), Beast (Antichrist; the counterfeit son), and False Prophet (counterfeit holy spirit) will join in making a proclamation that will mobilize the armies of the world to converge on the land of Israel.

• This is the first mention of the False Prophet, but he is clearly the Beast out of the earth (cf. Rev 13:11-17). He, like any false prophet deceives the people with wonders and miracles. What he urges them to do for their advantage (take the mark of the beast) eventually results in their destruction.

The three unclean spirits that proceed from their mouths are demons. These demons resemble frogs in that they are unclean and loathsome (cf. Lev 11:10-11, 41).

• These demonic creatures will seduce the kings from the east into the area of HarMegiddo, just like the deceiving or lying spirit earlier lured King Ahab into battle that resulted in his death (1 Kgs 22:21-23).
• Please note also here in verse 14 that these demons are able to work miracles. Beloved, not everything that is supernatural or miraculous is of God.
• As I alluded to a moment ago, we read that the first beast (false prophet) Re 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast.
• That these demons will have such powers of deception should not surprise any serious student of Scripture.
• Mr 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
• 2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.

These demons persuade the kings to take action, but their decision is something that God, the ultimate cause, puts in their hearts (17:17).

• Rev 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

The nations are moving according to God’s sovereign plan. In Ezek 38 we read how in the last days, God says to a coalition of nations that Eze 38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army….against the mountains and people of Israel.

Beloved, the current movements of armies, confederations of nations, and worldwide opposition to God cannot thwart God’s purposes. Men may think they can do as they please but in reality they are accomplishing the plans and purposes of God.

• Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

These kings from all over the world will gather to destroy Israel. Beloved, keep your eye on the Middle East, and in particular on the city of Jerusalem (Zech 12.1-3).  When Jesus Christ returns to earth, specifically to the Mount of Olives (Zech 14:1-4), they will unite in opposing Him. However, God’s sovereign hand will be regulating Satan’s activities. This final battle will not be the day of Satan’s triumph but that of “God, the Almighty” (16:14). He will show Himself supreme in this climactic battle (cf. Joel 2:31).

• Actually, this “battle” will not be a battle at all, for who can stand before the power of The Almighty? This “battle’ will actually be a slaughter (Rev 19.11-21)
• The resulting slaughter of the world’s armies will be almost unimaginable, with blood splattered the height of a horses bridle for the distance of nearly 200 miles (Rev 14.20). 

In the midst of the horrors foretold by the events that will be taking place on the earth, we find a parenthetical statement Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

• This parenthesis contains a message of comfort and hope to believers living at this point in the Great Tribulation. It is an encouragement to continue in the faith. When they see the gathering of the armies, they will know that the 2^nd coming of The Lord draws near.
• Like at the rapture, when Jesus will come unexpectedly for His bride the church, Jesus here reminds the remnant of believers, both Jew and Gentile that He will come unexpectedly for them….
• Though we do not know the exact day or hour that Jesus will return for us, every regenerated, born again believer is exhorted by The Lord Jesus Himself to live each and every day of his of her life with the expectation of The Lord’s immanent return.
• This blessed is the 3^rd of 7 blessed in the Revelation. The 1^st blessed, Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (near).
• The 6^th Blessed reads, Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
• Many scholars (not all) believe that the date of the Revelation is somewhere around 80-95 AD. If you or me were going to church at one of the 7 churches that heard the book Revelation read, and you heard the words of Jesus Christ the time is at hand and I come quickly, keep the sayings of this book, what would you be inclined to tell people immediately after hearing that message? How would that impact the way you live and your priorities? How are those words of Jesus making an impact on the way that you live and your priorities?
• Let’s not fall into the trap of getting all hung up on who if the antichrist or date setting. What did Jesus tell us to do to be ready for His coming back for us? Hear the prophecy and keep His Words. 
• The prophetic message is meant to impact the way that we live our lives each and every day. Jesus issues this very sobering warning about not taking the promise of His coming seriously.
• Mt 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I”d like to spend the rest of our time together this morning by giving you 5 ways to redeem the time until Jesus comes again.

• (1) Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
• 1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.
• Use the talents and abilities that God gives to you to bless your brother and sister in Christ. Are you using your God given talents here at KF, or is the body being cheated by your non-involvement?

• (2) Titus 2:11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
• Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• Deny ungodly things, and live soberly, righteously and godly as we look for His glorious return….would that require any change of habits in what your presently call entertainment? Reading? Music? be zealous of good works…make a difference for The Lord Jesus Christ in your vocation.

• (3) 1Jo 3:1 ¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
• 1Pe 4:1 ¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries
• This kind of ties in with point #2, but a true belief in the immanent return of The Lord Jesus Christ will cause us to walk in purity and holiness. There will be a clean break from the old life to walking as a new creature in Christ.

• (4) 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
• Mt 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
• Share the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere you can to everyone you can. We are living in harvest time beloved…when was the last time that you shared the gospel with somebody?

• (5) 1Pe 4:7 ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves
• John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
• 1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
• Be sober…be prayerful…love one another fervently. This love is agape….it is unconditional; it is supernatural. It is a noun, which means that it can only be shown by deeds of sacrifice and  unselfishness.

Let me close by making an appeal to any person here today that is not sure if he or she is born again. The only way that we can be ready for the coming of Christ is by making sure that we belong to Him.

• 1John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Propitiation is one of the many important theological terms found in Scripture to describe the work that Jesus Christ completed on His cross, 2,000 years ago. The proper meaning of the word propitiation is that of reconciling, appeasing, turning away anger. Our sin is offensive to God’s holiness. Since God is also just, in order for our sin to our be removed, a perfect sacrifice must be made unto God to pay the debt of sin that we owe and to appease His wrath. 

Jesus Christ is the propitiation. The mercy seat of the Tabernacle where God met sinful man was called the propitiation. Christ is our mercy seat, where God meets us in mercy and forgiveness.

• Ro 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (a mercy seat; an atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

By making propitiation for the sins of the whole world, Jesus Christ has opened a way in which all who believe in him shall be saved.

Christ's offering is for all who are present this morning for the Scripture declares "He tasted death for every man" [Heb 2:9].

• Salvation is of The Lord and from The Lord. Salvation is a free gift that is given to all who place their trust in The Lord Jesus Christ. That gift is unmerited, undeserved. It is all of the work of His sovereign grace….the plan of salvation is His….the Lamb of God and High Priest of our faith is  Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. The gospel we proclaim is His…the Spirit that convicts us and awakens our dead conscience is from Him…..we respond because of His life changing, heart opening grace…if that is you, I invite you to come forward as we are singing.