The Warning Signs of Failing Leadership

Failure is not an unknown aspect of the human experience. We see it all around us, all the time. In comes with being human.

We've witnessed the public downfall of leaders from almost every human endeavor -- business, politics, sports, and religion. One day they're on top of the heap, the next, the heap's on top of them.

The failure of religious or Church leaders is the one I am mostly concerned about. We know the high profile failures get all the headlines, especially those leaders who fail by falling into sin, but what about all those average guys serving the Church who don’t fall into sin, but are failing in leadership?

Of course, it’s normal to think that such failures in leadership could never happen to you. After all, you've worked hard to achieve your well-deserved position of leadership and only a few folks are grumbling about you. The bad news: the distance between a successful leader and a failing leader, [apart from sin], is narrower than you think. Consider the warning signs.

WARNING SIGN #1: A Shift in Focus
This shift can occur in several ways. Often, leaders simply lose sight of what's important. Their laser-like focus on God’s truth and God’s way, that qualified them for leadership fades, and they become distracted by the mechanics of what they think leadership should be.

Many leaders (elders) are distinguished by their ability to influence people and "think big." But when their focus shifts, they suddenly start thinking small or they don’t think at all. They micro manage, or they ignore entirely the needed structure to mange the affairs of the congregation. Some elders get caught up in details better left to others (deacons). They become consumed with trivial things and miss entirely the ways they are impacting the flock. Some leaders will make matters worse, by exhibiting a tendency towards perfectionism.

God established elders and deacons to lead His Church. (Review 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) Once a man is qualified for leadership according to scripture, God give these men wide latitude in terms of how their personality will affect and influence others. Each man can be who he is in how he leads. The good work of leadership is usually a result of who the leader is. What the leader does then flows naturally from inner vision and character. It is possible for a leader to become too action oriented and, in the process, lose touch with the more important continuous development of himself. You may be a leader, but God is still refining you... molding and shaping you to be more than you are today.

If you are an elder ask yourself this question... What is your primary focus right now? If you can't write it out in a couple of paragraphs, then it's a sure bet that your leadership is suffering from a lack of clarity. Take the time necessary to get your focus back on what's important in serving God and His flock.

Further, would you describe your thinking as expansive or contractive? Of course, you should always be eager to do whatever it takes to care for and protect the flock of God. Important point to consider... try never to take on what others can do as well or better than you. Make sure you promote an environment within the congregation where you shepherd in a way that encourages the people of God to want to step up to serve. Don’t just say the words. If men and women in your congregation are not stepping forward, eager to serve, it might not be them... it might be you. You may be stifling their desire and blunting their visions. In short, make sure that your focus is on leading rather than doing things “your way”.

WARNING SIGN #2: Poor Communication
A lack of focus among leaders and its resulting disorientation and discontinuity in the fellowship body are always a result of poor communication. Followers can't possibly understand a leader's intent when the leader isn't sure what it is they are doing or why they’re doing it. And when leaders are unclear about their own purpose, they often hide their confusion and uncertainty in ambiguous communication.

Sometimes, leaders fall into the clairvoyance trap. In other words, they begin to believe that truly committed followers automatically sense their goals and know what they want without being told. Misunderstanding are the only result from such non-communication. Such leaders then view the members of the congregation as exhibiting a lack of effort or commitment, rather than seeing their own communication negligence as the cause of the disorientation and discontinuity.

"Say what you mean, and mean what you say" is timeless advice, but it must be preceded by knowing what you mean! An underlying clarity of purpose is the starting point for all effective communication with God’s people. It's only when you're absolutely clear about what you want to convey that the hard work of communicating pays dividends, exhibited by the members of a congregation stepping forward in faith [in your leadership] to serve.

WARNING SIGN #3: Risk Aversion
Third, leaders feeling at risk from a variety of conditions and circumstances are often driven by a fear of failure rather than the desire to succeed. Past successes create ungodly pressure for leaders: "Will I be able to sustain my outstanding leadership?" "What will I do for an encore?" In fact, the longer a leader, elder or deacon, feels like they’re service can be measured by elements deemed successful, the higher his aversion to risk.

When driven by the possibility of failure, elders will most certainly be unable to take reasonable risks. Even simple things championed by skilled and experienced men within the congregation become almost insurmountable fears for the risk averse elder[challenges]. They want to do only the tried and proven; attempts at innovation -- maybe even a key to establishing their early leadership success -- diminish and eventually disappear altogether.

Elders... as yourself these questions: Which is more important to you... the attempt or the outcome? Are you still taking reasonable risks? Prudent Godly leadership never takes reckless chances with the “flock in your care” or risks the destruction of what has been achieved, but neither nothing happens if leaders are paralyzed by fear. Often risk averse leadership is two steps forward, one step back, or two or even further back. Go slow if necessary, but go. Move forward to mature the body in Christ, proclaim the gospel in your community and enable your flock to grow and serve.

WARNING SIGN #4: Ethics Slip
A leader's Godly qualifications and ensuing credibility is the result of two aspects: what he does (competency) and who he is (character). A discrepancy between these two aspects creates an integrity problem.

The highest principle of leadership is integrity. When integrity ceases to be a leader's top priority, when a compromise of ethics is rationalized away as necessary for the "greater good," when achieving results becomes more important than the means to their achievement -- that is the moment when a leader steps onto the slippery slop of failure.

Often such leaders see their followers as pawns, a mere means to an end, thus confusing manipulation with leadership. These leaders lose empathy. They cease to be people "perceivers" and become people "pleasers," using popularity to ease the guilt of lapsed integrity. Sometime the flock may be totally unaware of an “integrity” issue, but the comportment of a leader changes... no one knows why but the behavioral changes are damaging to the flock’s trust, confidence and security in the leadership.

If you’re an elder or deacon, it is imperative to your leadership that you constantly subject your life and work to the highest scrutiny. Are there areas of conflict between what you believe and how you behave? Has compromise crept into your operational perspective? One way to find out is to ask the people you are in fellowship with, if they ever feel taken for granted... ignored... marginalized. No one said leading God’s flock would be easy.

WARNING SIGN #5: Poor Self Management
Tragically, if a leader doesn't take care of himself, no one else will. You know what the Bible says you must do to protect yourself spiritually. Do all those things faithfully, so you are a shinning example to the flock in your care. Unless a leader is blessed to be surrounded by more-sensitive-than-normal followers, [probably not the case] nobody will pick up on the signs of fatigue and stress. Leaders are often perceived to be superhuman, running on unlimited energy. When you’re tired and burned-out as the saying implies, plagued by “people fatigue” your behavior changes for the worse and your actions or inaction, will disorient, confuse and alienate the sheep you are shepherding.

While leadership is invigorating, it is absolutely tiring. Leaders who fail to take care of their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs are headed for disaster. Funny thing is... this this form of disaster feels like normal to most leaders. You don’t even know you’re there! Think of having a gauge for each of these four areas of your life -- and check them often! When a gauge reaches the "empty" point, you must make time for refreshment and replenishment. Clear your schedule and take care of yourself -- it's absolutely vital to your leadership that you continue to grow and develop, a task that can be accomplished only when your tanks are full.

WARNING SIGN #6: Lost Love
The last warning sign of impending disaster that leaders need to heed is a move away from their first love and dream... God, His Church... the Promises to come.

Paradoxically, the hard work of leadership should be fulfilling and even fun. But when leaders lose sight of the dream that compelled them to accept the responsibility of eldership, they can find themselves working for people and causes that may mean little to them. They must stick to what they love, what motivated them at the first, to maintain the fulfillment of leadership. God empowers and sustains you... the flock will inevitably frustrate you. Gotta love God’s people or you are destined to fail.

To make sure that you stay on the track of following your first love, frequently ask yourself these three questions: Why did I initially desire leadership? Have those reasons changed? Do I still want to lead? You must answer 100% on those three questions... if you can’t, step away from leadership and serve with the body.

Heed the Signs
The warning signs in life -- from stop lights to prescription labels -- are there for our good. They protect us from disaster, and we would be foolish to ignore them.

As you consider these warning signs of leadership failure, don't be afraid to take an honest look at yourself. You need to have the courage to do so, because God certainly is! If any of the warnings ring true for you, take action immediately.

The good news is... by paying attention to these signs and heeding their warnings, you can avoid disaster and sustain the kind of leadership of God’s people that is healthy and fulfilling both for you and the “flock in your care.”

October 21, 2011... YOU BETTER WATCH OUT!?

Harold Camping, as you probably know, is an American Christian radio broadcaster with a large following. He owns Family Radio, a California-based radio station group that spans more than 150 markets in the United States. Camping is best known for applying numerology to his interpretations of Bible passages to predict dates for the end of the world.

Five months back he predicted that on May 21, 2011 Jesus Christ would return to Earth, the righteous would be raptured up to heaven, followed by five months of fire, brimstone and plagues on Earth, with millions of people dying each day, culminating on October 21, 2011 with the physical destruction of the world.

Camping claimed then and still does, that around 200 million people, approximately 3% of the world's population, will be raptured when “the end” occurs. When the events didn’t happen as he had predicted... Mr Camping emerged from his home on May 22nd, saying that he was "flabbergasted" that the Rapture did not occur, and that he was "looking for answers," and would say more when he returned to work on May 23rd.

On May 23, 2011 in an appearance before the press, Camping stated he had reinterpreted his prophecy. His revised prediction is now in two-parts: as previously noted... part-one was May 21st when a "spiritual" judgment was rendered by God and part-two would then be the physical Rapture occurring on October 21, 2011, followed immediately with the destruction of the world. So Mr. Camping's latest "revised" prediction is coming three-days from now?

People gave up jobs, sold property, gave away possessions and sent millions to Camping’s organization as they waited for these momentous events to happened. The predicted events did not happen... I WANT MY MONEY BACK! Camping said his ministry enterprise would not return money donated by followers to publicize the failed May 21 prediction, stating... "We’re not at the end. Why would we return it?" That’s just plain wrong Mr. Camping. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Camping suffered a stroke in late May and has been recuperating quietly until the last few days, when he began posting statements on his website and broadcasting on Family Radio’s network that the end is coming this Friday.

Mr. Camping has made a career of such predictions... previously predicting judgment days on May 21, 1988, and September 7, 1994. Of course, we’re all still here. There is however one difference... his 2011 prediction was widely reported, and prompted responses from both atheist and Christian organizations alike. Maybe it was because of the enthusiasm of his followers, who traveled around the world renting billboards and motor homes with large signs emblazoned on the sides proclaiming the end of the world would come on May 21st. Even after that day came and went, the media continued to vigorously cover the story. Even in billboards, one playfully reproving Camping was unveiled on May 22nd, reading, “That was awkward. ‘No one knows the day or the hour …’ .” Never before had his predictions garnered such huge media coverage as this most recent “end in May” debacle. So what’s he thinking now as October 21st approaches?

Mr. Camping isn’t making any big promises and seems to be hedging on the dramatic events that accompany the end... earthquakes, fire, total destruction of earth, by posting this statement recently on his website... “I really am beginning to think as I restudied these matters that there’s going to be no big display of any kind,” “The end is going to come very, very quietly.” But then in another message posted on his website, Camping says this about Friday October 21st... “at this point, looks like it will be the final end of everything.” In yet another statement posted on his website he said... “those who weren’t saved on May 21st, will be annihilated together with the whole physical world on October 21, 2011.”

Contradictions Mr. Camping? What’s it going to be... a catastrophic end with earthquakes, fire, brimstone, plagues, hail, raging tsunamis... or a small, unnoticed, quiet, big... nothing? You seem to be saying both... global catastrophic and an unnoticed whimper. Oh I almost forgot... as Mr. Camping scrambled to explain that the May 21st date was only a “spiritual” End of the World, he went on to explain that the destructive earthquakes he predicted apparently came in the form of “man-quakes,” since mankind shook with fear at the prospect of the Rapture and the book of Genesis describes man as made from dirt. Huh? If you figure that one out please let me know!

In May, I wrote to Renovations readers about the Camping predictions and the “lessons to be learned” from such things. Here’s what I said then and it still holds firm today...

Lessons to be learned... Are you a religious leader? Be careful what you say publicly, because you carry the reputation of your church and the gospel of Christ in everything you say and do. The words of church leaders are powerful and influential. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re right about what you say or if everyone else thinks you’re wrong... when you stray from what the Bible precisely says... your words can have long lasting and damaging impact on the people you influence. Mr. Camping’s failed predictions and the attention they’ve received cast an unfavorable spotlight on the “name and mission of Christ” with the non-believing critics who are always looking for something to hold against Christianity.

THIS is what the BIBLE says regarding knowing dates and predicting the return of Christ... "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36) He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." (Acts 1:7)

Finally... this whole episode is a reminder that every spiritual leader—whether an elder-pastor or pulpit preacher or someone in other influencing roles — needs to be accountable to others. We all need others to give us wise counsel, to help us see when we are drifting off track into serious error.

Of one thing I am certain... whether today, tomorrow, this Friday, next month or next year, this sort of thing will continue to happen. Maybe not Mr. Camping, but someone else will make predictions, mislead people and leave them adrift without a spiritual anchor. People will continue to believe the misleading nonsense of men who think they know what God is going to do and when He’s going to do it. Men know nothing of God’s time table.

Ecclesiastes... a Philosophy for Life

If the deep and perplexing issues of life intrigue and perplex you, then you might want to spend some quiet time reflecting on the book of Ecclesiastes. Be prepared for a few surprises.

On the surface, Ecclesiastes seems to challenge essential biblical truths. It dares to face hard questions. It shows the ugliness that can overtake life in a sinful world. It offers a glimpse into the secular mind. It looks at suffering and struggles to find meaning in it all. But most importantly, in the end Ecclesiastes points us to a solution.

Ecclesiastes offers a philosophy of life and shows how God fits into it. Part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes was used by the Hebrews as a book of instruction on how to live life focused on God and not self. It showed them how to find spiritual significance in a life that would otherwise be meaningless (12:8, 13).

As you begin to read and study Ecclesiastes, expect surprises. Ecclesiastes has lots of them: honest confessions of doubts, struggles with faith and disillusionment. The book begins with a prologue (1:1–11) and ends with a epilogue (12:9–14) both serve to frame its contents in such a way as to reveal a proper God-fearing attitude toward life. Watch out for isolated statements... they must be understood within the context of the whole book and ultimately, that of the whole Bible.

While not directly identified as such, Solomon is generally credited with being the writer of Ecclesiastes. He was King of Israel. He was wise, rich beyond belief and experienced everything you could imagine life had to offer. Yet, with all he had and did... he uses a couple of words that makes you think he saw his life as a hopeless journey to nowhere... the words are “vanity” and “meaningless.” The word translated “meaningless” refers to a mist or a vapor—something you can’t get your hands on. Solomon isn’t saying that life is not worth living; he’s saying that we can’t figure it out. It’s a mystery we can’t fully grasp no matter what we may have or accomplish.

Solomon is uniquely qualified to teach this lesson because he dabbled in most things we humans desire—education, pleasure, wealth, and success. He’s tried it all and found it unsatisfying. Solomon’s message is not one of a man experiencing deep depression, but a call to be careful about where we search for satisfaction.

We obviously have to work, explore new things, establish some kind of financial security, and look for ways to enjoy life. How can we do those things without them becoming our only focus in life? Things we think are “good” can even be unsatisfying as Solomon describes in his writing... even the pursuit of knowledge and WISDOM.

Solomon, thought to be the wisest man that ever lived, identified wisdom as a detour to true satisfaction. Whether you have a college degree, enjoy learning, or just wish you had more answers to life’s questions, we all can be detoured by the pursuit of knowledge. For some it can become a life long obsession that crowds out all other things.

In the weeks before the death last week of Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer, he had time to reflect on the imbalance in his life and those who suffered from his intense pursuit of business achievement. Just before his passing, Mr. Jobs’s personal biographer asked him why so private a man had consented to the questions of someone writing a book about his life... “I wanted my kids to know me,” Mr. Jobs replied, I wasn’t always there for them, and I wanted them to know why and to understand what I did.”

Achievement and advancement are central pillars in today’s culture. Ecclesiastes 1 explains the heavy burden that Solomon discovered when one is “out of balance” in life’s pursuits. The word translated “twisted” in verse 15 refers to something bent—it evokes the futility of someone hammering on a bent nail. A life out of balance is much like attempting to hammer a bent nail.

No matter how many answers we come up with, we can’t fix what’s fundamentally wrong with life around us or how things impact us. Nor can we supply what is missing in our lives. Wisdom helps us to understand the world, but not to control it.

Solomon also determined that PLEASURE doesn’t provide lasting meaning or bring ultimate satisfaction to life either... but his journey was interesting. (Read Ecclesiastes 2:1–11).

Solomon realized that joyful experiences, no matter how fun and pleasure-filled, have no lasting effects. He cites laughter, alcohol, estates, landscaping, being waited on hand and foot, great wealth, concerts, and the pleasures of women... many of the things people hope will bring them happiness in today’s world.

Solomon spent years and immeasurable resources to recreate paradise on earth and found that the pursuits of pleasure only transforms you into an empty shell. The rewards you find in such experiences drift away like wisps of smoke. (Read Ecclesiastes 2:24–26).

The best thing we can do is learn to appreciate and enjoy what we do have—to be careful of the purpose, pursuit, and parameters of pleasure. As the people of God, we should have a greater capacity to enjoy all of life more than anybody else, because we recognize that our joy is under God’s control.

When you acknowledge and seek God as the source of your pleasure, he gives you gifts that satisfy—wisdom, knowledge, and joy. If you focus on accumulating and acquiring in this visible world, becoming unbalanced, you will know a lack of satisfaction and joy in your life.

Many people have interpreted 1 Timothy 6:10 (“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”) to mean that money itself is evil. This is certainly not the case. However, Solomon’s pursuit of money does alert us to four potential dangers we expose ourselves to when we crave wealth and possessions. In addition, Solomon teaches us one valuable principle that can help us be satisfied with the blessings we do have. As Christians, we can avoid the emptiness Solomon experienced by praising God for whatever we do have.

Ecclesiastes 5:11 points out that no matter how much money we have, more and more people will show up to consume the extra. It’s kind of like winning the lottery... you’ll hear from relatives you never knew you had! At the other extreme, your money may cause you to trust no one—to be fearful that everyone in your life has wrong motives. You will never know if people love you for who you are or for what you can give them.

Ecclesiastes 5:12 points out that a rich person has more trouble relaxing and is less likely to have peace of mind. Wealth brings with it an all-consuming desire to protect and expand it. And if we base our happiness on our wealth, the fear of losing it is intense. It can also make people more resistant to spiritual things. (Read Matthew 19:23–24). Ecclesiastes 5:13–17 warns that holding on to wealth is difficult in life and impossible in death... so you end up chasing the wind. Look again at Ecclesiastes 5:18. The word translated “lot” means your share, your piece of life—whatever God hands you.

Enjoy food, drink and your career, not as sources that define the meaning of your life, but as part of the gift of life God gives. When we praise God for our portion, we are seeing everything we have as belonging to him, to do with as he chooses. So when we look back on our lives, we are not consumed by the pain, failures, and losses of the past. Instead we feel gladness and joy that God provided, and that we learned to love and follow him.

Salvation is the currency that matters! Being in a right relationship with Jesus Christ, one that ensures we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to hold firmly to all God’s promises. That’s the only wealth we need. So if that’s your attitude, then no matter what you have or don’t have, you have an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ.

We live in a culture that worships youthfulness. It seems like everyone wants to look younger, feel younger, and live longer. In one year, Americans collectively spend over $50 billion on anti-aging products. But Solomon discovered that such endeavors are ultimately futile. Instead, he identified two keys to finding joy and satisfaction at any age. Whatever our season of life, we can find joy and satisfaction by fearing and obeying God. (Read Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:14).

Youth is a gift from God—use it, enjoy it, and don’t waste it. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says that youth is the time to find God. Seek him before it is too late. Enjoy your youth with the realization that God is watching your every move. Manage the years of your youth with the knowledge that all your actions and choices are subject to God’s eventual judgment. (Read 2 Corinthians 5:10). In our youth, we take life for granted. Seek God now. In our advancing age, we can be weighed down by disintegrating bodies and spend our time chasing a fading youth. Remember your Creator before it’s too late.

Enjoyment and satisfaction don’t flow from our youth, health, or strength—they flow from fearing and obeying God.

In everything, fear and obey God. Look again at Ecclesiastes 12:6–7. We need to appreciate how transitory this life really is, and we need to remember God, placing Him at the forefront of all we think and do. Life is like a silver cord with a golden bowl attached. When you cut the cord, the bowl falls and breaks. Before you return to dust, before life ends, pursue God while you have time... cultivate a deep relationship with Him for it lasts for all eternity. Death is the smashing of the bowl. Whatever you do in life, be guided by the fact that you will stand before Christ as He renders judgment on your life (v. 14).

At judgment, sheep will be identified by their choices and behavior as will the goats. So the statement that God will render an account of everything done by each one of us is not a threat, but a loving encouragement to persevere in faithful obedience. It tells me that when I feel frustrated, frantic, hurt, cynical, rebellious, and just plain sick of trying... my life record actually matters to God. God is very concerned that we will "keep on keeping on" in the godly life we’ve chosen, no matter what turns and twists life throws at us.

Solomon said numerous times... life’s pursuits and passions are meaningless... it's all pointless, so we might as well eat, drink, and be merry until it's all over. That's kind of how the Book of Ecclesiastes can make you feel. That’s the view many will take away, if you only see the surface. The book does show the meaninglessness of a life... lived for all the wrong reasons.

Solomon was right and that’s the point he was making in his portrayal of a life lived in the absence of God. Ecclesiastes offers Christians an opportunity to understand the emptiness and despair that those who do not know God grapple with. Those who do not have a saving faith in Christ are faced with a life that will ultimately end and become irrelevant. If there is no salvation, and no God, then not only is there no point to life, but no purpose or direction to it, either. The world “under the sun,” apart from God, is frustrating, cruel, unfair, brief, and “utterly meaningless.” But with Christ, life is but a shadow of promises fulfilled and glories to come... only accessible through Him.

Ecclesiastes reinforces the only thing that matters: Fear God and obey him. That’s how we can find satisfaction in this uncertain world. Without God in our lives, everything is vanity and meaningless. Enjoy life at every stage, but don’t neglect your relationship with God. Live large, but live within His boundaries. Remember the words of Paul who undoubtedly was frequently immersed in reading Ecclesiastes, in 1 Corinthians 15:58 he says... "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (NASB).

Ecclesiastes ends with these sobering words, our solution for living...

"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (12:13–14).

The NOT so Scary Book of Revelation

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.