Jesus' Role In Prophecy

The angel then says: "For the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying." (Revelation 19:10b) How so? This means that all inspired prophecy is evoked because of Jesus and the role he plays in Jehovah's purposes. The first prophecy in the Bible promised the coming of a seed. (Genesis 3:15) Jesus became that Seed. Subsequent revelations built a huge edifice of prophetic truth on this basic promise. The apostle Peter told the believing Gentile Cornelius: "To him[Jesus] all the Prophets bear witness." (Acts 10:43) Some 20 years later, the apostle Paul said: "No matter how many the promises of God are, they have become Yes by means of hm [Jesus]." ( 2 Corinthians 1:20) After another 43 years, John himself reminds us: "The truth came to be through Jesus Christ." -John 1:17.

Does this detract in any way from the worship we give to Jehovah? No. Remember the angel's cautionary advice: "Worship God." Jesus never tries to rival Jehovah. (Philippians 2:6) True, all the angels are told to "do obeisance to [Jesus], " and all creation must recognize his high position so that "in the name of Jesus every knee should bend." But notice, this is "to the glory of God the Father" and by his order. (Hebrews 1:6; Philippians 2:9-11) Jehovah gave Jesus his high authority, and by acknowledging that authority, we give glory to God. If we refuse to submit to Jesus' rule, it is equivalent to rejecting Jehovah God himself. -Psalm 2:11, 12.

So, then, let us unitedly voice the opening words of Psalm 146 to 150: "Praise Jah, you people!" May the Hallelujah chorus thunder forth in anticipation of Jehovah's triumph over the Babylonish world of false religion! And may joy abound as the marriage of the Lamb approaches!

Next time: The Warrior-King Triumphs At Armageddon

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988