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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, and such are now shown this 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, in general. 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 like 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 over all 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 :-) Yes, I know that many people would disagree with that. However, I have grasped the above principles and can trust such principles when things become difficult in this life. Memorize Revelation 17:14: “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”
Hence Jesus encourages us: “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).
Are YOU faithful in the face of tribulation?
Hugh DeLong
