Revelation in the News
I'm a pastor, and I tend to go very deep past the surface when I see and hear uproars from fellow Christians. I've also been on vacation for the past week and am getting back into the rhythm today of preaching and prayer with our church-- so, I've peened these words from this pastoral place.
Oh, and I'm also preaching for the next several weeks from the book of Revelation-- which, it so happens, is being quoted and used in many different ways to make certain points. Oh, and I've been listening to the song attached.
Ok, here goes:
Revelation is in the Olympics, and the news— Pale Horse— a mockery of the Last Supper (or Dionysius, whichever it is supposed to be)— One Islamist on X asked this question— “Why are Christians so weak to put up with this?” Outrage among people of faith. Crosses in Normandy embody the long-standing friendship and faith of people in both countries.
I want to remind my brothers and sisters in the faith, that we are a church that is rooted in Crucifixion and Resurrection. Our faith explodes from the earth in the way of the Lamb— the way of love for God and each other— not in the way of violent words and actions. We are part of a faith that has historically been mocked and used in satire from American TV shows to international expression— We are a global church that lives in Babylon— When Jesus was mocked with a purple robe and a crown of thorns, it was more offensive than a staged art display— it also produced more love— a Jesus who cried forgive them, bc they don’t know—
The Pale Horse of Death and the judgments from Revelation warn early disciples that the way of the Beast—the way of Babylon—leads to deadly judgment.
Hold fast and stand true to Christ, the Lamb, lest you be fighting alongside the same armies you are so animatedly tempted to hate. See the man of sorrows again, and let your heart break. Turn the other cheek. Do not be distracted by Babylon. Seek the Revealed Lamb, who makes all things new. For Babylon can still be redeemed—that's the promise we have. The end of Revelation is the end of evil. Let's embrace that promise and live like the Lamb we say we follow.