Dear Church... Revelation is not about the end of the world.
We’ve recently begun a series on the Book of Revelation. Some pastors ignore it (I have sadly done this a few times), and others are waaaaaaay too excited about it (you may know a few). But in this series of sermons, we are working to see that Revelation is a book of doomsday not for the earth but for evil.
The book of Revelation has long been a source of fascination, confusion, and even fear for folks like me, who’ve grown up in church and watched poorly produced fictional interpretations of modern-day rapture (I’m looking at you, THIEF IN THE NIGHT). Often misinterpreted as a roadmap to the end times or a cryptic prediction of future events, its true essence and purpose have frequently been obscured. However, when we approach Revelation with fresh eyes and an open heart, we discover a powerful message of hope, discipleship, and the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ.
At its core, Revelation is not about the end of the world or a series of catastrophic events. Instead, it's a profound unveiling of Jesus Christ himself and His messages to the church. The Greek word "apocalypse," from which we get the title "Revelation," actually means "something hidden that is uncovered" or "something secret that is disclosed." This book is meant to pull back the curtain on spiritual realities that have always existed but have not been fully seen or understood.
Many have written about Revelation. One author, in particular, made a big impression on me; he says to imagine standing in a dark hotel room with just a sliver of light peeking through the curtains. You can barely make out your surroundings, let alone see the world outside. But then, suddenly, the curtains are drawn back. Light floods the room, revealing not only the furniture and decor around you but also the breathtaking vista beyond your window. This is the essence of Revelation – it's not about peering into a mystical crystal ball, but rather about seeing clearly what has always been present.
The book opens with a powerful declaration: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." From the very beginning, we're told that this revelation is centered on Jesus and is meant for His servants – the church. It's not meant to be a confusing puzzle or a source of endless speculation, but a blessing for those who read, hear, and keep its words.
Throughout Revelation, we encounter vivid imagery, epic battles, and cosmic events. But these are not meant to be read as literal predictions or a step-by-step guide to the future. Instead, they form an overarching narrative that reveals eternal truths about God's nature, His plan for creation, and the role of the church in the midst of spiritual warfare.
The book presents five main themes:
1. Christ himself and his messages to the churches
2. A vision of God and the Lamb (Christ) reigning in the heavenly throne room
3. The judgments of God
4. The judgment of Babylon and its monsters
5. Re-Creation: New Heaven and New Earth
These themes paint a picture of a God who is actively involved in human history, working to bring about justice, redemption, and ultimate restoration. It's crucial to understand that Revelation isn't teaching escapism or encouraging Christians to withdraw from the world. On the contrary, it calls believers to engage with the world around them, living out their faith in the face of challenges and opposition.
One of the most significant aspects of Revelation is its timeless relevance. While it was written to seven specific churches in Asia Minor nearly two thousand years ago, its message transcends time and culture. The "seven churches" represent the complete church throughout history – including us today. We are described as "stars in the right hand of God," a beautiful image of God's care and authority over His people.
As we read Revelation, we're invited to see Jesus in a new light. He is described as the "faithful witness" and the "firstborn of the dead." These titles emphasize His trustworthiness and His victory over death, providing a foundation of hope for believers in every age. The Jesus revealed in Revelation is not just a historical figure or a distant savior, but the living, reigning Lord who is intimately involved in the life of His church.
It's important to approach Revelation not as a GPS or a detailed theological treatise, but as an epic story with rich characters and profound symbolism. Like great works of literature such as "The Lord of the Rings," Revelation presents a cosmic struggle between good and evil. It acknowledges the very real presence of evil in the world while assuring us of God's ultimate victory.
The message of Revelation calls for a discipleship rooted in the person of Jesus. It challenges us to live differently in light of the spiritual realities it unveils. As we grasp the hope-filled message of this book, we're prompted to consider: How does a person filled with hope live differently from one consumed by fear? How does the assurance of God's sovereignty and Christ's victory impact our daily choices and priorities?
Reading Revelation should encourage us, not frighten us. It should inspire us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing that we are part of God's grand narrative of redemption. The book doesn't call us to escape the world but to engage it with the transformative power of the gospel.
As we delve into Revelation, we're invited to open our hearts to hear from God in new ways. What aspects of Christ's character will be revealed to us? How will our understanding of God's plan for the world be expanded? Are we willing to be challenged and changed by the truths we encounter?
In a world often marked by uncertainty and fear, Revelation offers a timeless message of hope. It reminds us that no matter how chaotic or dark things may seem, God is on His throne, Christ is victorious, and we, as His church, have a vital role to play in His ongoing work of redemption and restoration.
Let us approach Revelation with humility, wonder, and expectation. May we be open to hearing God's voice, ready to embrace the truths He reveals, and committed to living as faithful disciples in light of the glorious future He has promised. As we do, we'll discover that far from being a confusing or frightening book, Revelation is a powerful call to hope-filled, Christ-centered living in every age.