“And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God,” (Revelation 19:17, NIV). Before we read of this great supper we are given the glorious vision of the conquering Christ coming in glory:
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” (Revelation 19:11, NIV) "The identity of the rider is crystal clear. He is called by four different titles in six verses . . . First, he is Faithful and True . . .." [1] “Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He is called is The Word of God . . . On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”
"The heavens opened to reveal not only “Faithful and True” but also the armies of heaven . . . That these armies will include redeemed humans is further indicated by their attire: fine linen, white and clean, the same apparel as the “bride of the Lamb” (v. 8). [2] "Jesus is the Messiah who will rule the nations with a rod of iron, judging justly and striking down the wicked. As the Divine Warrior who treads the winepress of God’s wrath, his robe is dipped in his foes’ blood (cf. Isa. 63:1–6). [3]
“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army.” (Revelation 19:19, NIV) "Rev. 19:19 thus refers to the same prelude to the last war as in 16:14 and 20:8." [4]
We would anticipate an amazing description of this last and final battle - the Battle of Armageddon, and without further description, it's over! Christ is the Victor. The Beast and False Prophet are thrown into the Lake of Fire along with the kings of the earth and their armies. The great Supper of God is really feeding the flesh of His enemies to His forces - a horrible and disturbing metaphor. "The invitation to come “to the great supper of God” is a “macabre parody” of the invitation to come “to the supper of the Lamb’s wedding.” [5]
Father, there is a such a build up in the media and some literature. But what surprises me is that it will be over almost before it starts. We, Your saints will come clothed in white, ready for battle -- but it is You that does battle and it is You that defeats Your enemies before they can mount any defence. It's over before it starts! You are God. You are mighty. None can stand in Your Presence.
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1. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (352). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (354). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2491). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
4. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (965). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
5. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (967). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
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