Have you ever tried to read the book of Revelation? It can be a very scary reading experience. It’s a puzzling vision of beasts, monsters, bowls, trumpets, seals, sights, sounds and all kinds of signs and symbols, all of which needs to be carefully deciphered by each generation of Christians.
Everyone asks the question... How does it all fit together, and what is it trying to tell me? Is it even possible to understand the book of Revelation?
Most Bible teachers tend to shun it as best they can. Don't go there! Leave it well enough alone... let someone else deal with it! However, questions about the Second Coming of Christ, the Gospel and the final Judgement that Jesus will bring when he comes again, are all interwoven into the fabric of the book of Revelation. It seems right to spend some time reading and understanding this great work of inspired apocalyptic writing.
We indeed can understand the book of Revelation, in fact God Himself encourages us to come to terms with its message in the opening chapter... "Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written therein: for the time is near." (Revelation 1:3)
There’s another important observation to be noted as you begin a reading and absorbing study of Revelation: as you examine the introduction, you find that the writer, the Apostle John says it is the complete revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:1). So it’s reasonable to conclude that the book ties together all the images, examples, and teachings of Jesus Christ into one full picture of His nature, His work, and His victory over the accuser [Satan, the Devil] of the saints.
At the same time, it is a reminder of His promise to come again and the grace he gives in the meantime (Rev. 1:4; 22:20). Other than the letters to the churches (Rev. 2–3), the major message is a call for the “endurance” of the saints. It is predominately a book of hope and a call for endurance to those who have begun to wonder what’s happening and why (Rev. 13:10b; 14:12).
The easiest chapters to understand are two and three, because they can easily be broken down into several parts. The most distinguishing two words in the letters are the words “I know” (Rev. 2:2–3, 9, 13, 19; 3:1; 3:8,15). Think what an encouragement it must have been to John, and for us today, that God says, “I know,” “I know,” “I know.”
These letters to the churches can be broken into five parts: 1. What does God command? What does he say he ’s pleased about? 2. What does God accuse of? These are things God isn’t pleased about. Usually they are introduced by the words, “I have this against you …” 3. What does God promise? Usually this is in the form of an “I will” or “I am” statement. 4. What is the remedy? What does God say can and should be done to rectify the situation? 5. What do I need to do about what I’ve read here?
Now, to immerse yourself into the flow of the entire book, you need to prepare your mind to “listen” to God, as if He were talking to you directly... actually He is. So hear His Revelation like John did.
At the outset, John probably asked that age-old question: “God, what are you doing?” (Rev. 1:9). We often ask the same question don’t we? Well, God’s responds, so HEAR Him speak... here’s what He is saying: “Don’t put your mind on things that seem to be confusing. Put your mind on who I am, what I have done, and what I continue to do (Rev. 1:17–18). I have always had a small number of witnesses. I have them now, and I will have them in the future.”
God speaks about His followers... “they will let their light shine as have Moses and Elijah (Rev. 11:3–6). My method has always been not to force my way, but to triumph over principalities and powers (Rev. 10:7) through people who will accept and endure suffering and then watch what I do.”
Now, as then, God’s people will face torment, adversity and hardship. One of the beatitudes, Matthew 5:10–11 says it best... “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness...” God continues to say... “In the midst of tough situations my people really do understand what it is to glorify me (Exod. 12:12). I’ve made promises about my kingdom. They are just as real now as they were then. Christ reigned, he is reigning, and he will reign forever (Rev. 11:15).”
God continues, saying: “Remember how I pictured Israel as a young girl (Ezek. 16) grown to maidenhood? She has borne some children (the church), just as you heard Christ pray (John 17:20). Right now you don’t feel the closeness of those people or see the work I am doing, but I’m preparing places to nourish people in just such times.”
“Be confident... the angels have always been battling the accuser of my followers. They have triumphed and will continue to triumph, by the blood of the lamb and by the testimony of those who give God their lives and don’t try to hang on to them (Rev. 12:10–11).” Don’t doubt ME, I take care of my own, and even though Satan may look powerful to you, he is standing on quicksand.”
So one of the most powerful messages in God’s Revelation to us... keep enduring... be faithful... be courageous... stand firm for ME... I have your back!
As you read Revelation 11:1–12:17, you will find images and illustrations which are picked up from other places in Scripture. Such images and objects as: a Lampstand—Revelation 11:4; Exodus 25:31; Matthew 5:15; John 5:35; No rain—Revelation 11:6; 1 Kings 18:42–45; James 5:17; Torment—Revelation 11:10; Matthew 5:10–11; 10:16–26; John 16:2–3; Ark—Revelation 11:19; Hebrews 9:4; Temple—Revelation 11:19; John 2:19–22; Woman—Revelation 12:1; Ezekiel 16:6–32; Isaiah 54:1; Bearing—Revelation 12:4–5; John 15:4; Romans 7:4; Accuser—Revelation 12:10; Luke 23:10–12; Streams—Revelation 12:15–16; Matthew 7:24–28
Continuing in Revelation 13:1–14:20, we see several “types” and concepts which are also picked up from other Scriptures: Sea—Symbolic of the nations of the earth (Isa. 57:20; 60:5; Ezek. 26:3); Leopard—Symbolic of ferocity or vengeance (Dan. 7:6; Hab. 1:8); Bear—Often symbolic of cunning, craftiness or great strength (Prov. 17:12; Hosea 13:8; Amos 5:19); Lion—Symbolic of rule, whether righteous or evil (Prov. 28:1; Isa. 31:4; Hos. 13:8); Lamb that was slain—Symbolic of Christ as the perfect sacrifice (John 1:29; Isa. 40:11; 53:6, 7); Lamb-like beast that spoke like a dragon—Deceives those who dwell on earth (Matt. 7:15–19; 24: 24; Acts 20:29); Mount Zion—Symbolic of God’s rule (Heb. 12:22; Isa. 4:4–5; Jer. 26:18; Joel 3:17); New Song—Symbolic of joy and praise (Isa. 30:29); First Fruits—Symbolic of multiplication (Mic. 6:7; Prov. 12:14; John 15:1–11); Fountains of water—Symbolic of life with God as the source (Jer. 2:13; John 4:14); Babylon—Symbolic of sin and spiritual adultery (Jer. 51:53; 1 Peter 5:13; Rev. 14:8); Reaping (Matt. 13:30–43; Amos 9:13); Rest (Luke 11:24; Matt. 11:28); Vine (John 15:1–11)
So what does all of it mean? Is it too complicated for us to understand? Not at all. God is telling John [and us]: “I’m giving you a timeless picture of what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. There have always been nations that arise intent on vengeance, acting with cunning and seeking to rule. Their “authority” and power comes from the darkness, not from Me.”
God uses these many images to paint a picture, as He says.... “Don’t be disheartened or deceived (Matt. 24:5–26). I know you’ve heard me blasphemed and seen some saints die horribly. Right now it seems like everyone compromises in some way and worships the one who said he would be like ME, but there are those whose names are in the true book of life for whom Jesus was sacrificed. I know what’s happening and what will happen. Keep enduring (Rev. 13:10b). Listen carefully to what is said and done, because I warned you that false and powerful rulers would arise (Matt. 7:15–19) and deceive if possible even my faithful followers (Matt. 24:24). But take heart, I still rule, and there will be joy and praise in following Jesus.”
“Others beside you have rejected man’s way and been freed from the kind of tyranny you are experiencing. There will always be eternal good news. Keep reverencing, trusting, and believing me, for the sin and spiritual adultery you see going on now will most certainly collapse. But be forewarned, anyone who throws his lot in with this earthly, demonic, and unspiritual rabble (James 3:15) will incur MY wrath and be disciplined severely by Jesus, and will receive none of the promise. Keep on enduring.
Jesus will return to reap the fruit from his vine.”
Remember as you read Revelation... the message is a call for the faithful endurance of the saints. As you read, you will find many straight-forward encouragements that are woven throughout the vision:
I know—Revelation 2:2–15; He is worthy—Revelation 4:11; 5:9; Salvation belongs to God—Revelation 7:10; God will wipe every tear—Revelation 7:17; The kingdom of the world had become God’s kingdom —Revelation 11:15; They conquered by the blood of the Lamb—Revelation 12:11; His ways are true and just—Revelation 15:3; 16:7; Lord Almighty reigns—Revelation 17:14; He will make all things new—Revelation 21:5; His words are trustworthy and true—Revelation 22:6; He is coming soon—Revelation 22:20
Also, we will find what John said we would find: “the complete Revelation of who Jesus is.” We find these examples of who He is: The Creator—Revelation 10:5–6; 14:7; The all powerful one—Revelation 11:17; 15:3; 19:6, 15; Lion of Judah—Revelation 5:5; Lamb of God—Revelation 5:6–7, 12; 6:16; 7:10; 14:1; 17:14; 19:7; 21:9, 14; Bright and morning star (one who illumines)—Revelation 22:16; The Holy One—Revelation 1
Revelation also reveals what Jesus does. Here are some examples:
He calls from the open door—Revelation 4:1; He sits on the throne—Revelation 4:3–11; He throws down the accuser—Revelation 12:10–11; He watches the beast deceive—Revelation 13:14–18; He judges the great harlot—Revelation 17:1–6; He destroys Satan after he has been loosed—Revelation 20:7–9.
Reading Revelation will most certainly bolster your faith... spur you on to endurance, and inspire hope and love for a God who seeks nothing but the very best for you and is preparing to deliver on ALL His promises. His promises exist for those who faithfully follow Him and endure all manner of hardships to claim the crown He has waiting for you! So, dive in and trust the Lord, that he will give you wisdom and understanding as you go verse by verse through the book of Revelation.
