Take Heart...

After months of staying-at-home, our church small group has finally been able to meet.  And our current topic of study just happens to be the book of Revelation. 

I've always thought that the popular approach to interpreting Revelation, the process of trying to fit Biblical scenes into what's happening in the world today, is off base and badly mistaken.  So I've been contemplating how best to study this book.  And I have a plan. 

First, Revelation is addressed to the seven churches in Asia, similar to the New Testament letters that Paul wrote to various churches.

Paul's letters are applicable to all churches throughout history, and therefore his letters are also relevant for all Christians of all times, including us today.  As Paul writes to Timothy:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.  2 Timothy 3:16

Even though Revelation has a lot of symbolism and references to Old Testament prophecy, it's still to be read for the comfort, the encouragement, and the edification of the church.  It's relevant for us, today, in this way.

Second, one of the commentaries I've been reading points out that, in the midst of plagues, disasters, and all sorts of "bad stuff happening" Revelation has "interludes."  

The whole idea of "interludes" has taken me a while to digest.  And then I remembered Jesus's words... 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

When John wrote Revelation, bad stuff was happening, especially persecutions and tribulation for the Christians, just as Jesus said it would happen.  But in the midst of relating this vision of "bad stuff" John suddenly sees and hears a great multitude singing praises.

Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! Revelation 7:10 

And throughout Revelation, God's temple in heaven and other heavenly scenes function as a backdrop to all the bad stuff that's happening. 

The message to the churches of Revelation facing tribulation was, "Take heart.  Have peace.  Jesus is on the throne, reigning!"

And that's the message for us today, for right now.  Don't despair - whether we face racism, civil unrest, viruses, restrictions on our liberty, economic uncertainty - don't despair.  "In this world you will have tribulation.  Take heart.  I have overcome the world."  

The Lamb, Jesus, is on the throne!