Revelation Unlocked #1

Why was the universe set into motion in the first place? What is the purpose behind all the pain, misery, struggle, suffering, and self-sacrifice? Is it to create a better world, to build finer character? And for what? To have it all erased in the end? Where is the justice in such a plan? If you were God, would you instill in humanity the conviction that life is meaningful, that there is an eternal distinction between right and wrong, that love, self-sacrifice, devotion, and loyalty are important—would you make them believe and act on these principles, often to their own detriment, only to mock them in the end with oblivion? You would not! There must be a place beyond this life where it continues, where injustices are righted and inequalities balanced, where those who have been thwarted, disappointed, and cheated are given a fairer chance. The world as we know it cannot be the whole answer. The books of Daniel and Revelation take us to the threshhold of Eternity and bid us look beyond.

A universe forever housing such a plague spot as earth is unthinkable. Would not even the angels rebel? If God is there, what does He have to say about tomorrow? The book of Revelation is the most used source for the majority of those who seek light on such questions, and heaven itself invites us to study it. As the Bible’s concluding book it illustrates, with unique power, life’s grim intensity, but also the certainty of restoration and a reward of grace for all who cherish faith, hope, and love–the fruit of fellowship with the Author of the Apocalypse. To that book, we now invite you to turn.

For those of you who have journeyed with me through the book of Daniel congratulations! You have laid a very important foundation for understanding the book of Revelation. There is virtually nothing in Revelation that doesn’t come from the Old Testament and especially the apocalyptic books like Daniel, and Zechariah. Revelation is overlaid with the Old Testament stories beginning in Genesis – the story of creation figures prominently. The Hebrew Sanctuary Service is critical to its understanding as is the calendar associated with it, as well as all the symbolism that comes from the Old Testament. It also draws heavily on books Like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and many other prophetic writings. Hebrew poetry is also an important rule of interpretation giving us insight into the book’s arrangement. The most important thing is that Revelation is about Jesus and His program for the earth’s restoration.

The book of Revelation begins in the Gospels. Matt, Mark & Luke recorded Jesus’ “Olivet discourse,” which was His comprehensive sermon on the end of the world & the second coming. (Matt24, Luke 21 & Mark 13.)  We have already noted in our previous Daniel Unlocked series that Jesus quoted three times from Daniel when he was talking about this earth’s curtain call. Mathew 24 and 25 serve as a table of contents to the book of Revelation. John did not record this sermon, because divine inspiration knew that he was to receive an expanded version. As we begin we should note the writings of John, which include: his Gospel, 3 letters, and the Apocalypse (or unveiling/revealing). If the book says it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, then we would expect it to show us an insight into its author (Jesus) as revealed to John. This is exactly what we will get over the next few months. – an amazing picture of Jesus – who He is, how He cares for us and His church, what He is doing now, and what he will do in the future.
If all of John’s writings were in one book this is what we would get: His Gospel is about the man who was God, His letters are about the God who became man, and the book of Revelation talks about the ultimate victory through the God-man. The letters give us His humanity (Jesus), the gospels his divinity (Christ), the Revelation gives us the heavenly High Priest who cares for us as individuals and the church as His body on earth. John uses the term “paracletos” to refer to both the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) & Jesus (1 John 2:1). Thus, we have both “advocating & comforting us.” One on earth and one in heaven! How fitting that Revelation then pictures Jesus dressed as the High Priest (intercessor/ advocate) wandering amidst the churches of the ages on earth. Do you get the idea that the whole Trinity and all the Angels of Heaven are on your side?

In putting together this devotional on the book of Revelation it is impossible for me to quote sources, firstly because a 500–600-word SMS is very limited, and secondly I am using marginal notes from my Bible, written notes from seminars I have run and other sources. Most of this “gathered” material is now unidentifiable.  For this reason, I can only acknowledge persons and not actual quotes etc. Therefore, for this resource I am indebted to Drs: Pauline, Stefanovic, Maxwell, Finlay, Ford, Shea , Strand, as well as White, Cox, Rosenberg, Richardson, and many other books and commentaries I have read over the years. I have run multiple Daniel and Revelation seminars.  Over 50 years of study in one of my favorite books in the Bible! My prayer is that I can make this wonderful book comprehensible and easy to understand for you in this condensed trickle-feed SMS daily devotional. May God bless our journey together over the next few months.