The Revelation of Jesus Christ...
-- Revelation 1:1
(I've been reluctant to write a devotional walk through the book of Revelation. And though it feels daunting at the moment, here we go. As with every time I approach scripture, I attempt to drop preconceptions and popular opinion to allow the scripture to speak for itself. And hopefully, to allow God to speak to my soul. D)
Living where I do, I often hear people say something akin to, "I'm heading down to Walmarts..." That is "Walmarts" with an "s."
Though there are 4,672 Walmart stores in the US (Google is my friend), each is singular. There is no "s" in Walmart.
Likewise, there is no "s" in Revelation. As a matter of fact, the word "revelation" is used only once in the entire book; here in the initial verse. I stand on this particular soap box to make a point: the revelation to follow both comes from Jesus, and is about Jesus. All the happenings, difficult to understand pictures, incredible creatures, etc. that emerge in the book are secondary. Ultimately, this revelation is the story of Jesus' overcoming. Jesus is both the source and subject of this Revelation. We therefore, must remain laser-focused on him and not get off track with speculation. In the words of a preacher I heard long ago, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
The word revelation (in the original Greek) means an uncovering, or a drawing back of the curtain. In a sense, Jesus draws back the curtain and gives us a dizzying picture of both heaven and earth. In all the chaos it is important to remember that this drama's Author and Finisher (Hebrews 12:2) is Jesus himself.
Jesus instructs John to: "Write what you see... and send it to the seven churches..." (v.11). Context must always be considered when reading scripture. These were real churches with real people, facing very real persecution at the time. And though the messages to each are not completely pleasant, the ultimate point is clear: through his death and resurrection, Jesus has already won the victory. Time is just playing out toward it's celebration.
Lastly, as we look at this very strange and unsettling book, it is important to note Jesus' words to John when John turns to see who is speaking. "Fear not," Jesus says to his old friend. In a story filled with awesome and frightening pictures, the most awesome is Jesus himself. And though many today use this book as scare-tactic in their preaching and writing, Jesus says, "Don't be afraid."
He is there in the beginning. He is there in the end. He is here with us now. Always in control. Ultimately victorious. Always loving.
This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
God, reveal yourself to me. Help me clearly see. Help me not to fear.
For now...
D
