Stage 2, Pt. 2 Biblical - Lesson 10

Transcription

1 REVELATION Stage 2, Pt. 2 Revelation. The big scary book that has been used by many people to try and figure out when the world would end and other crazy prophesies. This book is an amazing piece of literature, but if we do not read it properly in its context then we will fail to see what the author is trying to communicate. Thus, we can easily get wrapped up in conspiracies and crazy theories if don t. As with all the other books, but especially so with this one We must read the book in its appropriate context! So, what is that context? Well, the Roman Empire controls the ancient world and demands that their God s be worshipped. Also, Caesar was considered to be a God himself and demanded worship. For example, here s a piece of Roman literature regarding one Caesar named Augustus: The providence which has ordered the whole of our life, showing concern and zeal, has ordained the most perfect consummation for human life to it Augustus, by filling him with virtue for doing the work of a benefactor among men, and by sending in him, as it were, a savior for us and those who come after us, to make war cease, to create order everywhere: the birthday of the god Augustus was the beginning for the world of the gospel that has come to men through him. This was known as the Imperial Cult. Temples and Idols of the gods and Caesar were established all throughout the Roman Empire and people were forced to bow and worship them. However, since Christians believed in one God and Jesus as their lord and savior, not Caesar, they would refuse to bow and worship these other gods. This caused incredible persecution for the Christians, who were routinely crucified, eaten by lions, or suffered other horrendous pain and death. John, the author of Revelation, has been persecuted himself. Tertullian, an early Church father wrote that John was thrown into boiling oil, somehow survived, and then was exiled to an island called Patmos, where he wrote this book. On that island, God gave him an incredible vision and he wrote it down in this work. This is the context the book is written in and the sufferings the book s audience were enduring. Thus, modern readers would be wise to be hesitant and wary of any interpretations of this book that deal with modern issues that

2 wouldn t have meant anything to the original audience. With that, what is the books main message and how can we best read it? Symbols Revelation is apocalyptic literature, which contains many visions and vast imagery. This was a common form of literature during the time it was written and the readers would have understood the imagery well, but it is not common to modern readers and can leave us either very confused or making assumptions about imagery that would have been foreign to the original audience. When we read Revelation in light of John s situation and the imagery found elsewhere in the Bible, his message becomes much clearer. The book is laced with imagery describing the Roman Imperial Cult and symbols found throughout the rest of the bible. For example, many of the numbers in the book are symbols used throughout the whole bible. The number twelve, which is referenced numerous times in Revelation, was a common reference to the people of God, based on the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve disciples. Another example is when the book makes allusions to the Roman Empire such as the seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. When we read this we have no clue what he s saying, but once we understand that Rome was called the city of seven hills, it becomes clear that he is making a reference to Rome. The symbols can be hard to interpret and it takes a lot of work to place us in their situation over two thousand years ago. However, if we are faithful to study and read the book in its context, we will find amazing truths and encouragement by John s message and the faithfulness of the early Christians. Victim is the Victor John is writing to these Christians and telling them to be faithful to Christ and not to respond violently against those who are harming them. Here, and in the other New Testament letters, the Christians are encouraged to endure the suffering, not retaliate against

3 it. How could these authors say that to these people experiencing these incredible hardships? Because their faith is in Jesus. Christ did not respond to violence with violence, but rather, he overcame by sacrifice. A central theme in Revelation is that Jesus has overcome the evil in the world. However, it is critical that we understand how Jesus overcame that evil. John begins his vision of Heaven by describing the glorious throne and power of God in chapter four and goes on to declare Jesus as the Lion of Judah. It is clear that he has incomprehensible power and strength, but immediately after the angel guiding John tells him about the Lion of Judah, John turns to look and sees a different picture. He says, Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne How has he triumphed? How has the lion conquered? By becoming the Lamb. Jesus did not overcome sin by his divinity and power. Rather, he became a man and allowed himself to be beaten, mocked, scorned and crucified. The Lion became the Lamb and freely gave himself up for us, in the ultimate image of love. The sufferer is the conqueror. The victim is the victor. John writes that evil cannot be overcome with more evil, but rather, only true love for God and people can fix evil in the world. This demands that we sacrifice all, even our own bodies, that the world could truly see that love. Only that sacrificial love can change our world. Jesus fought evil by giving himself up freely, and in doing so he overcame it. As his followers, we are called to do the same. Eternal Message In the light of horrendous persecution, which the Christians are called to endure just as Christ did, there is still hope. John writes and reminds us that this world is not the end. The suffering, persecution, pain, and weeping is not the end. God did not create the world this way and he will not leave it this way. He is bringing about a new earth and new heaven where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things

4 has passed away. Although Christians might experience incredible hardship and pain in this life, it is only temporary. John declares that Jesus is coming back and those who are faithful to God will be with him for eternity. He writes, Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. God is taking us to a place where we will finally be with him, as we were in the Garden. Again John says, Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamb or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Rev. 22:1-6 As God created us with him in the Garden and freely gave us eternal life through the tree of life, He is leading to a new life where we will be with him forever. The tree of life is there and he declares that there will no longer be any curse. The curse of sin is over. The reign of death is destroyed. God is victorious and we will live victoriously with him forever and ever! Conclusion This is how the Bible concludes. God created us in an incredible relationship with him, but we allowed sin into the world and it s corruption spread. However, from the moment Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God said, It has begun. From then on, he fought relentlessly to defeat sin and provide a way for us to have that relationship with him once again where there is no longer any curse. He loved us so much that he even gave up his own son, Jesus, to accomplish that victory. And Jesus was victorious! And now, although we

5 still battle with evil and sin in our world, we are assured that it is not the end for us! Christ is returning and we will be with him! Forever we will live with our God, free from sin, free from death and free from pain. For eternity we will finally be free. Overwhelmed with joy, we will worship in amazement at our God and our savior Jesus, who gave himself up for us! He who testifies to these things says, Yes, I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God s people. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21