An Awesome Mystery Solved

 What is John's reaction at seeing the great harlot and her fearsome mount?  He himself answers: "Well, on catching sight of her I wondered with great wonderment." - (Revelation 17:6b)  Mere human imagination could never conjure up such a sight.   Yet, there it is-away out in the wilderness-a debauched prostitute perched ona gruesome, scarlet-colored wild beast. (Revelation 17:3)   The John class today also wonders with great wonderment as events unfold in fulfillment  of the prophetic  vision. If people of the world could see it, they would exclaim,  'incredible!'  But the vision becomes a startling reality in our day.  God's people have already had a remarkable  share in the vision's  fulfillment, and this assures  them that the prophecy will right on to its astounding climax. 

The angel notices John's amazemnt.  "And so," John  continues, " the angel said to me: 'Why is it you wondered?  I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the wild beasttha that is carrying her and that has seven headsa and ten horns."'  (Revelation 17:17)  Ah, the angel will now unravel the mystery! He explains to the wide-eyed John the various facets of the vision and the dramatic events that are about to unfold.  Likewise, as it serves under the  angelic direction today, the watchful John class has had revealed to it the understanding of the prophecy.  Do not interpretations belong to God?  Like faithful Joseph, we believe that they do.  (Genesis 4):8; compare  Daniel 2:29, 30.)  God's people are placed, as it were, center stage as Jehovah interprets for them the meaning of the vision and its impact on their lives.  (Psalm 25:14)  Right on time, he has opened up; to their understanding  the mystery of the woman and of the wild beast. - PSALM 32:8.

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