Revelation
1-5; 19-22
Introduction to the Reading:
Introduction to the Reading:
What is it like to cross the finish line of an
Ironman? My friend says it's like completing that final big project before
graduating school. It's like winning an award.
While you can even see the video of what it is like, the only way to
know how it feels is to do it yourself.
The Lord could have given us live
streaming video of what is going on in heaven right now, but I have to admit
that even if I could see exactly what is going on, I
still couldn't get my head around it. If he gave me all the details
about heaven that I could ever ask for without being there myself, I still wouldn't know
what it feels like to be there.
The Lord realized exactly that when
he gave John the revelation on the island of Patmos. Instead of giving him
details he gave John an impression. I think of the book of Revelation like
an impressionistic painting. If you aren't art fans, here is a link
to one of the greatest impressionist painters: Monet. While a picture, especially in today’s
HD world, would give us a much better idea of the details, Monet’s purpose was
to give us an impression of what the scene felt like.
Today as you read Revelation, don’t
get bogged down in the details. I could explain how the 24 elders represent the
Church (all believers throughout eternity). I could try to explain what the
different stones might possibly represent. However, I don’t want you to look at
this picture of heaven and get caught up staring at the brush strokes. For
today I want you to keep moving and see the bigger picture. I want you to take
a step back and see what impression you
get as to what heaven will feel like.
When You're Done Reading - Thoughts
to Ponder:
The message of Revelation, as I
discussed earlier in this post, isn't about giving us the
specifications as to how big heaven will be, or specifically what we will be
doing for the rest of eternity, or anything else like that. The message of
Revelation is quite simple: Christ reigns, and we too will reign with him.
I have to admit, until reading the
chapter this week, I never understood why the letters to the churches were
included in this book. They seemed out of place. While it seems like John’s
revelation is talking about things that are to come, these letters are written
about the Church here on earth.
I don’t know how I missed it, but finally
reading the chapter this week it clicked. First of all, the majority of the
events described in Revelation are things that are going on right now! Right now Christ is reigning in
heaven. Right now we are experiencing the signs of the end of time here on
earth. Right now the Gospel is going out to all the corners of the earth. While
some of the events described are talking about what will happen at judgment
day, most of the things described are what are occurring now.
In addition, the book of Revelation isn't written
for people who have crossed the finish line (to go back to the original
illustration). The book of Revelation is written for those of us who are still
running the race. As my friend ran the Iron Man, he recounts how during the
race there were plenty of times when he started to zone out. When he started to
daydream, he also started to slow down. He would get distracted and worn
out. His body didn't feel like
going any further. It was times like those that he had to remind himself that
there was a finish line out there. He came not just to run the race, but to
finish.
John’s revelation is given to the
Church militant (that is, the Church on earth still fighting for the faith.)
While it reminds us of the Church triumphant, its purpose is to keep us focused
on the finish line.
It has been great reading The Story
with you, but the race is not over. It took my friend just over 12 hours to
finish the Iron Man. That is nothing compared to the 50, 70, or even beyond 90
years that many of us will fight in the Church militant here on earth. The Lord
says to us, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, but
you have forsaken the love you had at first. Repent and do the things you did
at first…Remember what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and
repent!...To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on
my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Prayer/Hymn:
My favorite hymn…
By William W. How
For all the saints who from their
labors rest,
All who their faith before the world
confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You were their rock, their fortress
and their might;
You, Lord, their captain in the
well-fought fight
And in the darkness drear their one
true light. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oh, may your soldiers, faithful,
true, and bold
Fight as the saints who nobly fought
of old
And win with them the victor’s crown
of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oh, blest communion, fellowship
divine!
We feebly struggle; they in glory
shine,
Yet all are one within your grand
design. Alleluia! Alleluia!
And when the fight is fierce, the
warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph
song,
And hearts are brave again and arms
are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the
west;
Soon, soon, to faithful warriors
comes their rest.
Sweet is the calm of paradise the
blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
But then there breaks a yet more
glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright
array;
The King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds to ocean’s
farthest coast
Through gates of pearl streams in the
countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy
Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia!