Author Archives: edithmhumphrey

Chapter 7 of the Apocalypse presents us with a divinely orchestrated interruption of the sequence of the seven seals that slows down the inevitable action of judgement.  In this moment of calm, we are reminded that, in the center of tribulation, God is with His people. John sees a double vision, in which the peopleContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 15: God’s Sealing and Going Beyond”

Revelation 6; Zechariah 1, 6; Isaiah 64; Psalm 84 (85) Chapters 4 and 5 of the Apocalypse are awe-inspiring, but also lift up our spirits. There we hear of God’s loving sovereignty over creation, and give thanks for this along with the heavenly hosts.  There we hear also of God’s faithful sovereignty over history, andContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 14: Wrath and Deliverance”

Revelation 5, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 43 One of the glories of a God-given vision is that, by it, we can be shown matters that seem logically contradictory, but remain true in their paradox, and demand to be kept together.  Chapter 5 of Jesus’ Apocalypse to John is famous for the picture of a slaughtered-standing Lion-Lamb.Continue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 13: The Lamb in Two Places”

Revelation 4, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7 Chapters two and three of the Apocalypse concentrate upon the words of the Word of God, though we have seen glimpses also of how He “looks” in John’s vision of him prior to the seven messages, when he turns to “see” the Voice.  The exalted Jesus thenContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 12: Sitting, Flying, and Falling Down”

Revelation 3:14-22; Isaiah 65:16-19; Ezekiel 36-37; Jeremiah 31 Finally, we reach the end of the glorified Jesus’ messages to the seven Churches, and to us.  The final word is a sober one, which nevertheless retains hopefulness for the people of God.  The hope that is offered lies in the character and plans of the OneContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 11: From the Amen to the Apathetic”

Rev 3:7-13, Ex 19:6, 1 Kings 7:21, Zec 4, Hos. 2:24; Is 44:5 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works.Continue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 10: Victor’s Crown, Temple Pillars, and the New Jerusalem”

Rev 3:1-6, Amos 2:4-12, 5:16-20, 6:1; Isaiah 42:3 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of the One possessing the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  Wake up, and strengthen the things thatContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 9: Strengthen the Things that Remain!”

Rev 2:18-29; Daniel 7:9-14; Daniel 10:1-9; 2 Kings (4 Kingdoms) 9:30-37 Each of the words to the churches comes with a self-given title by Jesus, and emphasizes one or more of the features of the vision that John has seen just before Jesus speaks. The Thyatiran Church hears from “the Son of God,” who hasContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 8: Rewarding Works with the Morning Star”

Revelation 2:14-17; Numbers chapters 24-25 and 31; Hebrews 4:12 The third message of the risen Jesus to the churches, and specifically to the church in Pergamum, shows the complexity of human nature, and even the ambiguous character of a worshipping community. The Lord begins by reminding the angel of that church that He is theContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 7: The Sword and the Stone”

Rev 2:8-11, Genesis 15:1-19, Daniel 1 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and took up life again. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and areContinue reading “Lighting Up the Apocalypse 6: Admitted to God’s Counsel”