God rules from on high. I take the position that Revelation is rooted in the history of the original readers, but the points are repeated throughout history. Thus, the Apocalypse was written to the first-century Christians and the oppression, violence, and vitriol, that they were facing. The might, power, influence, and control of the Roman Empire was an ever-looming day-to-day reality for the early Christians. Our Western, twenty-first-century minds can’t really comprehend the struggles of a Christian living then. Antipas (Rev. 2:13), for example, could have understood the Book because it was the world in which he was living. 

Thus, the message of Revelation was powerful then, just as is powerful today: Jesus wins. 

All of God’s Book reveals this truth, from Genesis to Jude. God rules from on high. Ask every nation God dealt with through Biblical history (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, or even the lesser ones like Edom, Tyre, Sidon, etc.). Rome was going to learn the same lesson. God wins, and because His people are faithful to Him, they will win too. 

Imagine the political turmoil of the Roman occupation. Jesus blew onto the scene, He was standing there among His people, girded with a golden belt, with eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass. His voice sounded like many waters. That alone would have been awe-inspiring, but the vision wasn’t over. In His right hand, He held seven stars, from His mouth protruded a sharp two-edged sword, and He was shining as brilliantly as the sun (Rev. 1:13-16). Jesus looked like someone who could conquer on the battlefield. 

When we are given a glimpse into the heavenly courtroom we are introduced to the Being who sits on His throne untouched by the earthly conflicts (Rev. 4-5). He is unfazed, and yet, is not disconnected. He knew what was happening on the earth and He was with His people. 

When Jesus appeared in the judgment imagery of the later scene, He was unquestionably victorious (see Rev. 19:11-21). He obliterated all those who oppose Him and His people. He scattered their flesh for the birds to devour. Jesus conquered all who stood against Him. 

It was true for the original audience and the message has lost none of its potency in the last 2,000 years. 

Application: We are on the winning side and so, stay faithful to King Jesus. Jesus wins.