Readings for today: Zephaniah 1-3, Revelation 10, Psalms 138, Proverbs 30:11-14
I always find it strangely appropriate to finish my Bible reading each year in the Book of Revelation. As we head into the celebration of Christmas - the first advent of Jesus Christ - it is good to let our hearts naturally turn to His second advent. The day when He comes again. When the living and the dead are raised and heaven and earth come together in consummate glory and the reign of God is established once and for all.
When will it happen? How will it happen? No one really knows and the Book of Revelation is notoriously difficult to decipher and understand. So here are some basic ground rules as you wade into the final book of the Bible. First, it is written by John while in prison on the island of Patmos. In order to get this letter out to the churches, John had to write it in code. The Roman authorities would have screened every piece of communication coming in and out of the prison so John had to be careful. Second, the writing is apocalyptic which is a very specific genre known to many in the ancient world. The fantastic images and visions are hallmarks of this type of literature. Third, the churches John is writing to are under persecution. They are facing the prospect of torture and death on a daily basis. This book is meant to encourage and equip them so they can endure in the rough days ahead. Fourth, many different Christians approach this book from many different interpretive angles. There is no one way to read this book and we want to make sure to extend liberty and charity to one another as we go. Wherever you land on the “End Times” theological spectrum, what’s most important is that we all agree Jesus will come again.
Does this mean we should just chuck Revelation? Of course not. But as we read, we should remind ourselves over and over again of the words John spoke to the seven churches. They must become the “lens” through which we read the rest of the book. After all, this letter was initially intended for their benefit and encouragement. As you and I struggle and wrestle through the ups and downs of life. As we battle our own demons and fight against forces beyond our control. As we watch our country and our world descend into more and more chaos. I believe these words from John become more and more relevant. “I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8) God spoke the first Word in creation and God will have the last Word in consummation. He who began all things, will bring them to a close according to His will and good pleasure. God is. This is all we know. This is really all we can say. God stands outside the time and space continuum He created and will remain there looking in until He determines the time is right for His return. As John said in His Gospel, God revealed Himself to the world but the world did not recognize Him. He revealed Himself to His people, His family, and they rejected Him. When He comes again, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. He will leave no doubt. “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)
It is good to know that God is in control. Not in a flippant, cliche, empty platitude kind of way but a real, gritty, earthy, down-in-the-weeds, feet-on-the-ground kind of experience that undergirds all of life. It is good to hold fast to an eternal perspective when things in this life go haywire. To know God is at work even now building a new Jerusalem which will one day descend to earth. To know that God is at work even now preparing a place for each and every one of us that we may dwell with Him forever. To know that God is at work not just in heaven above but in earth below to draw many to Himself. He sends us out in His name to fight injustice. To minister peace. To heal the sick. Visit those in prison. Clothe the naked. Feed the hungry. Bring the good news of the gospel to those who have not heard or who need to hear again. Do we as the church often lose our way? Of course. Just look at the warnings John issues to the seven churches. Ephesus, you have lost your first love. Smyrna, you are about to suffer terribly. Pergamum, too many of follow false teaching. Thyatira, you tolerate sexual immorality and idolatry. Sardis, your works are not yet complete. Philadelphia, hold fast to your faith. Laodicea, pick a side. Sounds about right. Par for the course for the church of Jesus Christ. We are mixed bag. Broken people trying our best to follow Jesus. We won’t always get it right. We won’t always get it wrong. Thankfully, our eternal destiny does not rest on our faithfulness but on the faithfulness of the One who declares, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18)
As your journey through the Bible in 2019 comes to a close and you ponder what the Lord may be calling you to in 2020, what lessons have you learned? How has your faith been challenged? Where have you found comfort? How have you grown spiritually? What questions persist? What doubts continue to plague? Don’t be afraid to take these to Jesus! He is not afraid of your fears. He is not daunted by your questions. He doesn’t get angry over your battle with unbelief. He is here to help. He is here to comfort. He is here to guide. Trust Him and He will see you through!
Readings for tomorrow: Haggai 1-2, Revelation 11, Psalms 139, Proverbs 30:15-16