How should Revelation 11:14 influence our understanding of God's timeline and patience? Setting the Scene in Revelation 11 • Revelation 8:13 announced “three woes” to fall upon the earth. • Revelation 9:12 states, “The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to follow.” • Revelation 11:14: “The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.” • The “woes” correspond to trumpet judgments six and seven; the seventh trumpet unfolds the seven bowl judgments (Revelation 11:15; 15:1). Key Phrase: “Coming Quickly” • “Quickly” (Greek tachy) emphasizes certainty and suddenness, not necessarily a long interval measured by human clocks (cf. Revelation 1:1; 22:7, 12, 20). • God’s judgments move forward at His appointed moment; once the trigger point is reached, events cascade without delay. God’s Pre-Set Prophetic Schedule • Isaiah 46:9-10—God declares “the end from the beginning,” guaranteeing His timeline. • Habakkuk 2:3—“Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come and will not delay.” • Revelation 10:6—An angel swears “there will be no more delay” once the seventh trumpet sounds. • Literal fulfillment of prior prophecies (e.g., Christ’s first coming, Israel’s regathering) assures believers that the remaining prophecies will be kept to the letter. Patience in the Midst of Judgment • While the text says the third woe is “coming quickly,” the interval between each woe still reflects divine longsuffering. • 2 Peter 3:8-9—“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years… The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” • Even during the outpouring of wrath, God commissions witnesses (Revelation 11:3), angels (Revelation 14:6-7), and leaves time for repentance (Revelation 9:20-21). • His patience coexists with His resolve: the window does not remain open indefinitely. Living in Light of the Impending Third Woe • Urgency for repentance—Because judgment moves swiftly once God’s threshold is reached (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30-31). • Confidence in sovereignty—Believers can rest, knowing history is not random but choreographed by a faithful God (Psalm 75:2). • Motivation for witness—The certainty and nearness of end-time events propel gospel proclamation (2 Corinthians 5:11). • Steadfast hope—The same timeline that brings wrath also brings the kingdom (Revelation 11:15; Titus 2:13). Encouragement for Believers • God’s patience means opportunity; His schedule means security. • Revelation 11:14 reminds us that time is purposeful: every tick advances toward Christ’s visible reign. • Trust the timetable, seize the moment, and look up—“Behold, the third woe is coming quickly,” but so is the King. |
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