Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.

Are you curious about any words or phrases in this verse? When I first read this verse, I was curious about who they are that will go to war against the Lamb. The verses proceeding today’s gives us the answer:

The ten horns of the beast are ten kings who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast. They will all agree to give him their power and authority. Revelation 17:12-13 (NLT)

Since I am not a scholar of Revelation or end times, I needed to search for a clearer explanation of they. I found that the ten kings represent ten future earthly leaders who will have power for one HOUR during end times, a brief moment when they will give their power to the beast. Most scholars believe the beast to be the Antichrist (against Christ) who proclaims himself to be God in the end times. I hope that this short explanation provides you with a clearer explanation of they.

My heart was HEAVY after discovering who “they” are and reading about this tumultuous period at the end of times, but then there is verse 14. The Lamb defeats all these power-hungry beings! Jesus is the Lamb!

One of my favorite descriptions of the Lamb is found in John 1:29 (NLT):

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The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Now my heart is full of Joy to be reminded that Jesus who takes away my sins also wins the absolute and final eternal victory!  I know that I am one of the Lamb’s called and chosen and faithful ones who is with Him in eternity. Are you one of His for eternity? Do you believe that Jesus is Lord and takes away your sins?

Even though I know that Jesus wins the absolute and final victory, the battles of current life on earth can be exhausting day after day. Some of life’s battles are very long and real. The death of a parent, spouse, child or dear friend is a very hard, long battle regardless of the circumstances. My father died in an accident when I was only six years old, and I still have many unanswered questions about my loss of him that I still battle. Are there any very hard, long battles that you endure? A medical diagnosis? Family dynamics? Addiction?

Many of us battle anxiety, doubt, fear, shame, anger, and disappointment on a regular basis. We have relationship battles at work, in friendship, in marriage, and in parenting that require our attention. There are also the smaller battles like managing our time and home obligations while dealing with this unique Alaskan winter of rain, ice, and wind!

However, I must remember Jesus’ absolute and final victory! Jesus, the Lamb, triumphs over ALL of my battles in the end because I am one of His. He is Lord of lords and King of kings and I am one of His called, chosen and faithful followers! When I face life’s battles, I do so not as a victim, but knowing Jesus ensures my victory! For one-hour earthly kings will have fleeting, temporary power, but God has eternal, sovereign power. The war has already been won!  We are fighting from a place of victory, not for it! Do you believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the price for your sins and won the victory? If you believe this, you are one of His called, chosen, and faithful ones who will live with Him for eternity!

Abba, I thank you for loving me so much that you provided Jesus to be the Lamb of sacrifice for my sins. I pray for anyone reading this who is seeking Your forgiveness for their sins. Remind me when I feel weak and weary from life’s battles, that the victory is already mine through Jesus. I pray that I see the power in this final victory.  Fill me with Your strength, courage, and peace when I face battles knowing that victory is mine through You! I love You, Lamb of God. Amen.