Revelation is a popular book of the Bible these days. The content is compelling, if not more than a little confusing. It provides us with a powerful description of the/an Apocalypse. Many believe Revelation serves as a detailed outline for the literal end of the world following the rapture, a horrific time of tribulation, and the ultimate return and reign of Christ on the earth. Others believe John wrote to warn of more immediate disaster and the end of the world as they knew it, using coded language in order to avoid drawing the ire of the authorities of the day (the authorities had already attempted to boil him in oil and exiled him to the island of Patmos, so one can understand why he might want to avoid any extra attention).
Personally, I think both perspectives have merit. Much of the Scripture has both now and later interpretations and applications. It is certainly true that disaster and destruction were imminent for the original recipients of the book of Revelation. Shortly after its writing, Rome destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and propagated all manner of unspeakable evils in the process. It’s not hard to see how the words of John, and many of the warnings of Jesus, apply to that unhappy occasion. But, as I told a group of pastor friends recently: “It do be looking really ‘Revelation’ out there these days.” The signs of our times seem to align with Revelation in eerie ways.
Neither hand-wringing nor fist-clenching are practices encouraged in Scripture.
I believe we make a mistake, however, when we fixate too heavily on the details of impending doom found in Revelation. It was not the intent of John, or more importantly the good Lord, for us to read the Words of this letter and cower in fear. Nor was it God’s intent for us to stockpile resources, build bigger and stronger walls, and arm ourselves to join the fight and execute God’s judgement. Neither hand-wringing nor fist-clenching are practices encouraged in Scripture. The purpose of the book of Revelation is to inspire and elicit faithful action from the people of God in the limited time we are allotted on this earth, because the end is imminent for all of us.
It’s easy to focus attention on the supernatural spectacle of Revelation 4-22, but I believe the practical underpinning of the entire book is found in Revelation 2-3. In these two chapters, Jesus dictates seven letters for John to write down and pass along to seven churches. Of course, the most well-known of the churches is Laodicea because Jesus famously tells them that their luke-warm faith makes Him want to vomit. In general, the letters follow a similar pattern. They include an address – “To the angel of the church in _____ write,” an encouragement – “I know your deeds,” a reprimand – “I hold this against you,” and a call to response – “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” These churches are all represented by lampstands and their angels, which are their pastors, are represented by stars. The imagery echoes the words of Jesus in the gospels: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” The point being made is this: In the darkest of days, the people of God should shine the brightest. Anything that can increase our illumination must be cultivated and anything that might dim that light must be eliminated.
We must hear what the Spirit is saying to and about our churches, accentuate our strengths, address our weaknesses, and get busy seeking and serving Christ.
I’ve seen a question posed numerous times in recent days, “If God were to write a letter to the American church, what would it say?” While the names may have changed, I believe the letters have already been written. Truly, all of the letters of the New Testament are God’s Word for Christ’s church through all of time. More specifically, though, I believe that the letters to the seven churches in Revelation are categorical in nature. They absolutely applied to specific churches that existed at a certain point in time. But, I think they provide equal insight and inspiration for the churches down through the ages, including today. For our part, we must honestly assess the character and conduct of our own communities of faith and of our own hearts in order to determine which letter is most applicable for our congregations and communities in the age in which we find ourselves. We must hear what the Spirit is saying to and about our churches, accentuate our strengths, address our weaknesses, and get busy seeking and serving Christ.
The truth is it has been looking really “Revelation” in the world these days. It’s been concerningly dark, ominous, and apocalyptic. Rather than wringing our hands or clinching our fists, we must open our hearts and let the light of Christ shine brightly in and through us so that all might see our Savior.
