Revelation 7:1, 20:7-8

Comment:

PASSAGE: "After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind could blow on earth or sea or against any tree" (Revelation 7:1).

COMMENT: The intensity of the Revelation to John is alleviated periodically by "interludes"—like intermissions in a long drama—to reassure the reader that the negative energies are only an illusion. Chapter 7 is such an interlude. The first six seals on the great scroll of life have been opened, and all the shadows—death, lack, fear, war—have been released. Chapter 6 concludes "the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" The interlude begins with the reassurance of a dimension beyond the human realm in which the great challenges are being experienced. The angels are like stage hands, controlling the scenery and unfolding action according to a divine master plan that guarantees a 'happy ending' no matter how painful or frightening the process of reaching that ending may be.

PASSAGE: "When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, in order to gather them for battle; they are as numerous as the sands of the sea" (Revelation 20:7-8).

Here we are, essentially, at the end. It's all over but the mopping up. Consequences of old fears will still have to be dealt with, but the great, stupendous spiritual promise of Chapter 21 is just ahead. Gog and Magog are references to Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, in which the terms are used to describe a great, fearsome foe from the north. Given the belief at the time in a flat earth with definite corners, the imagery is simply a way of extending the victory against negative energies to every part of the world, leaving no pockets of darkness to be dealt with.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed