A Tour Through Revelation Pt. 1
Does anyone know about the origin of Riverdale? It was based on Archie, a kids’ comic where teens try to survive high school. The CW show took it to strange and ridiculous new places. First, it’s ten times edgier and darker than the quirky comic deserves. It makes the teens deal with murder, betrayal, and revenge. But if that is not enough, later seasons include time travel, alternate worlds, and witchcraft. This show sounds exhausting.
The book of Revelation often feels like God’s high-budget sci-fi action thriller. Hollywood cinema certainly treats the final book of the Bible like this. Many popular preachers treat Revelation like a horror story meant to recruit new believers or a book of futuristic riddles that need to be decoded. But the first paragraph of John’s letter to the churches tells us the book’s focus. John testifies to everything he saw concerning the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ (v.2). This means everything preached in the 66 books of the Bible and everything that was recorded about Jesus’ ministry is echoed in this final book. It’s not new or wild information that has gone rogue.
The part of Revelation we struggle with most is its imagery, symbolism, and prophecy, which can sound bonkers. Floods of blood being as high as a horse, flying scorpions that sting half of creation, evil prostitutes riding monsters, and frogs that vomit out spirits are just a few examples.
But the anchor of all this wild information is God’s promise from creation and Jesus’ fulfillment of it in his ministry. Through this lens, we can read Revelation with victory, hope, and motivation in our walk with Jesus. And we will be blessed if we understand this book through that lens.
FIGURE IT OUT
The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Revelation 1:1-3
- Circle any words or phrases in the passage that stand out to you. Why did they capture your attention?
- What is John’s goal for writing this letter? Why would a church find this helpful?
- What are your expectations for this book?
a. This is the script for God’s final pyrotechnics show for the world
b. This is a strange book of riddles that was never meant for my eyes
c. This is a practical book for growing my faith
d. This is an encouragement letter for anyone who struggles with their faith