Read: Rev 1:1-8
[1] The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, [2] who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. [3] Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. [4] John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, [5] and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood [6] and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. [7] Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. [8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Reflect
Revelation is not an easy book to read for it contains three types of biblical genre. "Prophetic" which forth tells what is happening and foretells what is going to happen. "Apocalyptic" which speaks of the time just before the second coming of Christ; and "epistle" which is Christ's letter to the seven churches.
Yet the Apostle John reminded everyone that blessed is he or she who reads out loud the contents of this book, blessed is he or she who hears and keep what is written.
So while Revelation is difficult to manage, we will be blessed to read the book in faithfulness and discernment. We should do it in the right way and allow God's word to speak to our heart. Many of what was spoken to the seven churches are relevant to us. Many of the things spoken are also symbolic and should not be taken in a literal sense. Otherwise we end up trying to predict future events which might not be related to what is spoken in the book.
If you are interested in studying the book of Revelation, you can send an email to me jasonphua@agapemc.org.sg. I will send you some resources for self-study.
Relate
My first encounter with the book of Revelation is at a bible study seminar. At that time, the teacher's interpretation of the book was very literal. Belinda and I were young Christians and we were amazed at his teachings. For a long while, we believed what he taught.
However, after having our theological education and learning more about the book. It dawned upon us that what was taught was just one way of interpreting this very important book of the Bible. It is also highly probably that such a literal method of interpretation ignored the Apostle John's efforts to link much Old Testament symbolism to communicate what he actually saw in the vision.
From then on, I made a mental note to be more discerning on what is taught from the word of God. This includes my own preparation when teaching and preaching the Bible.
So while pastors and teachers have the responsibility to correctly divide the word of God for teaching and preaching; all of us have the spiritual responsibility to ask God for discernment. At times, all it takes is to read the text in it context.
If we do not do that, what we are feeding upon can harm our spiritual life. It can affect our faith and how we behave towards the people of God. The way we read our Bible shapes our behaviour towards God and others.
So yes, the book of Revelation is an important book to read. We should not miss it for the world. Yet, the Apostle also cautioned that no one should add or subtract from it, less the person be accursed (Rev 22). Let us therefore, at this early reading of this precious book, ask the Lord for faithfulness and perseverance. For He is indeed, the Alpha and Omega of all things and all lives.
Rest
New Jerusalem by Matt Gilman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxNzSrneOLM
Jason
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