(Read Revelation 11:3-15)

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us,”  Psalms 2:1-3.

We are considering the rebellion amongst the nations.

THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE REBELLION.

The breath of the rebellion is seen those involved.

1. Heathen. This refers to the Gentile, non-Jewish nations. While in the day of Antichrist it refers particularly to the 10 kingdoms of his empire, we can see today that ALL nations are in open rebellion against God’s truth!

2. People. This is usually a reference to the gentile nations but I think we may see it to include the Jewish people. Consider: “Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put [them] in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide,” Acts 4:2-3. The Jews will certainly be lined up with A/C except for a remnant. Read Rev 11:3-15 

3. Kings of the earth. This is the highest office a man may hold on earth. Greatness, authority and being honoured by men does not bestow holiness or favour with God. The Reformer etc had to resist this notion and speak plainly with kings etc.

4. Rulers. These are likely princes, subordinate leaders. From the lowest to the highest — all shall be involved. Presently, kings and parliaments are restrained by God. They will fulfil His purpose as set forth in the 4 world kingdoms in Dan 7. 

We often hear of parliament being behind the people. It is true. The morality of the street is much lower than the morality of legislation. There is a day coming when both the legislators and the people will be of one mind — that of rebellion against the Lord.

5. This rebellion is going to touch everyone. Christians will not be able to avoid contact with, just as it is now. We “are not of the world,” John 17:16. But we are in the world and rub shoulders with it. Today, the Christian must “keep himself unspotted from the world,” James 1:27. That will be required even more of us in this time of rebellion.

Let us read in closing Isaiah 26:20-21. Note: ‘little moment, until the indignation be overpast’. This time of rebellion will be short.

Read also Matthew 24:21-22 and take comfort!