“These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of Lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (vv. 13-14)

I won’t pretend to have a ready, accessible, expectable interpretation of these chapters. The imagery is rich and complex. Their reality in days that are “not yet” is hard for us to guess.

So let’s stick to what we know.

First, we know that the powers of the earth—kings and kingdoms and authorities and principalities—are ultimately bent one way. It’s not that every ruler in every nation serves the enemy, but that there will undoubtedly be some that do. We can name some truly demonic forces that have been. We anticipate more. Which means—and it’s assured in God’s Word—we anticipate the war.

Second, Jesus wins.

Isn’t that simple truth—the Lamb conquers!—enough to secure you? To steady your heart (and, I pray, your head) as the world erupts? You’re not wrong to theologize the world’s political stage. But shouldn’t this truth give you an ultimately comforting perspective?

The revelational reality of powers and principalities at war with Jesus is unfailingly true. It’s promised. Thank God that, all the more, Jesus’ victory is promised, too.

— Tyler