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Making Revelation Meaningful
Making Revelation Meaningful
As we leave chapters 4 and 5 we turn our attention from heaven to earth, the realm that the Christians are living in. We have been warned time and again that in this world we will have troubles, nand such are now shown in visions and ‘signs’. What do these mean? How do we go about making sense of these chapters?
I have collected many commentaries on the book of Revelation and find that almost none of them agree as to precisely what the various symbols in the book represent. I say ‘precisely’ for in general they all agree. Of course God, Jesus, Satan, saints, etc. are understandable. The great beasts and the various plagues, horses, etc. are uniformly seen as judgments and/or oppression. To THESE things they agree, but when they then try to identify precisely who the persecutors are they disagree.
So, what can we grasp out of this book that will help us to be faithful unto Jesus? MANY things.
- God rules even when things don’t look it. In the end, it is HIS will that will prevail.
- Jesus has overcome and saved us who trust in Him. Though He died, He arose victorious overall and sits on the throne with the Father.
- No matter WHO persecutes God’s people, WE WIN. Again, "They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”" (Revelation 17:14).
- God’s people have been and will be hated by the world. Those of the world will persecute God’s people. God ALLOWS such with the promise that we will be vindicated and the enemy will be condemned.
- God has promised (and promised and promised) that those who are faithful unto Jesus will live with Him forever where all such worldly problems cease to exist.
Of course, I have figured out what all the symbols mean :-) Well, many people would disagree with that. However, I have grasped the above principles and can trust them when things become difficult in this life.
10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).
Hugh DeLong
