Kings of the Earth, Lamb, Nations

Shepherding the Nations

David R Maas

The “Son” in the twelfth chapter of Revelation represents the Messianic figure from the Second Psalm whom God declared would “shepherd the nations.” Following the enthronement of the “slain Lamb,” heaven declared, “Now is come the Kingdom of God and the authority of His Christ.” His “faithful testimony” in death and his victory through resurrection marked the start of his reign over the “nations.” However, he rules by “shepherding” them, and not through conquest and tyranny – (Revelation 5:6-14, 12:5).

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Caesar, His Reign, Kingdom

Absolute Lord

David R Maas

Jesus has reigned as the sole sovereign over the Earth and Cosmos since his death, resurrection, and ascension. Already he sits on the Messianic Throne of David as he reigns from “Mount Zion.” It is to him alone that his followers owe their complete allegiance, submission, and obedience, not to Caesar, and certainly not to any king, president, dictator, or emperor of this present age.

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Persecution, Second Death, Seven Churches, Tribulation

Faithful Until Death

David R Maas

The church of Smyrna is only one of two of the seven Asian churches that received no correction, the other being Philadelphia. What set this congregation apart was the level of persecution that it endured because of its “testimony,” and its steadfast refusal to “eat meat offered to idols” and otherwise compromise with the Greco-Roman culture. Its members stood firm in their refusal to participate in the imperial idolatry of Rome, and consequently, they suffered “tribulation” and persecution due to false accusations against them made by Satan’s agents.

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Gospel, Gospel Mission, Parousia

Message, Mission, Parousia

David R Maas

The Gospel proclaimed by Jesus is NOT about reforming society or fixing the government. HIS message summons all men and women to repent and join an entirely new social order and political reality, namely, the Kingdom of God. Moreover, HIS Gospel subverts the political ideologies of this present “evil age.” Responding positively to his invitation is paramount considering the approaching final day when Jesus will arrive in glory and power and judge all men.

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Cross, His Reign, Lamb

The Shepherd King

David R Maas

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is called the “Faithful Witness” and the “Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.” The two designations are inextricably linked. The first title establishes HOW he obtained the second and qualified for sovereignty over the Earth. It was by his sacrificial death that he made the saints into a “Kingdom of Priests,” and because of his redemptive act for them, God exalted him to reign over all things as the “Lamb.”

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