So, now to the nail biting finish. Revelation. (note - singular, there's just one) Honest opinion here...a little scary. I've only read it once, and it's not a book we often get the chance to study. I want to get everyone really opening up on this one - ask questions - make comments - be confused - get answers! If you can't post to this website, send e-mails and I'll post them here for everyone. But let's try to really dig in deep with this book and see where it takes us.
First - if you don't yet have a Life Application Study Bible - go get one!
Things I've learned today. "Revelation is written in "Apocalyptic" form, a type of Jewish literature that uses symbolic imagery to communicate hope (in the ultimate triumph of God) to those in the midst of persecution. The events are ordered according to literary, rather than strictly chronological, patterns. There have been many approaches to interpreting this book...but the basic application we can use to approach it is 'Will this help me become a better follower of Jesus Christ today?' "
Verse 9 spoke to me as I read, especially when my study notes pointed out the persection going on in the time John was exiled. The note said "If we hesitate to share our faith during easy times, how will we do during times of persecution?" And then into verses 13-16 where we are given quite a startling description of Jesus. It makes me rethink how I picture Jesus in my head - usually a mild-spoken, gentle looking man...or the image of him dying on the cross and suffering. But here we see him in his full resurrected glory...full of power. Yet He still tells John "Do not be afraid".
I know this book is going to be hard to read. There's lots of symbolism, and there will be details that don't make sense. Let's finish the race strong, though! Don't give up just because it's difficult, but take encouragement from the promises this book will reveal.
"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near"Revelation 1:3
I too thought the same thing when Jesus was described. This is my first time reading rev. Should be interesting. JF
ReplyDeleteRe: the images of Jesus, I think that's why the people of his time were confused when he first came. Throughout the OT there are conflicting references to him as a gentle lamb or alternatively as a triumphant King. Most were rooting for a King to take over the kingdom and return Israel to glory. They got the lamb. They weren't amused, hence, "Give us Barabas!"
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