I’ll be honest: Revelation is the book I’ve read the least in the Bible. Part of this is simply because I don’t understand it. However, Revelation 1 tells us “blessed is the one who reads this aloud…” and I am always ready for a blessing! So, I have been reading these passages aloud, which also helps me to concentrate (This is an effective strategy for people who struggle with concentration.).
Part of why this is a confusing book is because John is shown things that have already happened (the fall of Satan in chapter 12) and events still to come (witnesses resurrected in chapter 11). Why was this prophecy shown this way?
I believe, in part, God purposely keeps things hidden until his appointed time. Sometimes our perseverance is tested as we are facing trouble and times of questions. So, as I read these passages, I am given partial clues on what will happen and how I should respond.
One thing that really strikes me is that all senses are employed when John is given the vision resulting in this book. Some are:
- Sight: angels, trumpets, dragons, destruction
- Smell: sulphur, fire, incense (mixed with prayers)
- Hearing: trumpets, thunder, angels
- Taste: bitter, water
- Touch: sting of the scorpion
Every sense is affected by what is observed. You have to pay attention!
Another thought is the fact these horrendous acts are sealed by God until their appointed time. This is mentioned in Rev. 9:4, 5, 14. Chapter 13:5 tells us the beast was given authority to continue speaking blasphemies for 42 months. And still, God was looking for repentance (9:20, 21).
The scenes described are horrific and overwhelming. I have wondered what I will do if I am alive during the times described. I like to think I will have the courage in chapter 12 verse 11 – “and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” But would I?
Greg and I recently watched “Bonhoeffer.” We saw snapshots of life as people faced evil of Nazi Germany. They were given choices. And some of them, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer, did not love his life to the death. However, his story did not stop when he died. His writings are read today 60+ years later.
I know for me, it is necessary to remind myself of the work and testimony of others who have run the race, remaining faithful to what God has called them to. This gives me courage as I read about what will happen in the future.
