Revelation 17:9-14: Christus Victor.

9 ‘This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. 11 The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.12 ‘The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.’ NIV

In all the comings and goings of kings and kingdoms, their risings and fallings, we need to remember that there is a ‘Grand Master’ moving the pieces on the chess board, and even the moves made against Him He will use to defeat the opposition. He is: ‘’Lord of lords and King of kings’’ (14). Though all hell may be let loose on earth, in the end Jesus wins.

I believe it was a theologian called Gustav Aulen who wrote a book entitled ‘Christus Victor.’ There may be many things in Revelation we find hard to understand, but surely we can see this? Jesus is victorious, and His people – His battered, persecuted, slain people – will share in His triumph.