Readings for today: Revelation 1-5
As Christmas begins to fade into the rearview, reality begins to sink in again. We step on the scale and find we’ve picked up a few more pounds. We make trips to the store to return or exchange some of the gifts we received. We dread the arrival of the next credit card statement. The challenges of this past year add additional layers. Feelings of loss. Feelings of grief. Feelings of frustration over the restrictions that limited our celebrations. Perhaps it is appropriate that we begin Revelation as the year comes to a close. For the deepest longings of our hearts will always go unfulfilled this side of heaven. What we need is the second advent. The second coming of Christ. We look forward to the day when He comes again. The time when the living and the dead are raised. Heaven and earth coming 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 freedom and grace 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.
So let me begin this home stretch with one of my favorite verses...“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)
These are important words to reflect on as are the Spirit’s warnings to the seven churches. They provide a spiritual barometer of sorts to help us discern how ready we truly are for Christ’s return. Have we abandoned our first love? Are we facing persecution for our faith? What idols do we cling to? What sexual immorality do we engage in? Do we tolerate sin? Are we ambivalent towards the gospel? Is our faith lukewarm at best?
These are important matters for prayer as we close out one year and head into another. What lessons have the challenges of 2020 taught you about your faith? What spiritual commitments will you make in 2021 to help nurture your relationship with Christ?
Readings for tomorrow: Revelation 6-10