Revelations about Revelation: week 1
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 4:01 PM Last week we began a sermon series about the book The Revelation to John, which I'll be honest...I've never cared for that much. But after having studied it, it really is an awesome book, and not just because of battles or lakes of fire or strange horsemen and plagues.
It's awesome because as you read it, there is a sense of something bigger going on. Beyond the literal interpretation, beyond the historical interpretation, beyond any interpretation really...there is something bigger.
A commentary on the book that I've been reading as a more conservative voice in my sermon preparation says it best that "Revelation is written in a way to help us embrace mystery without needing to know all the answers."
I think this is genius, as I've been trying to piece together the math of different numerical codes, as well as the different historical figures and situations behind the emphatic tribulation for which the book was written. It's hard...let me tell you that. It's a confusing book.
But what I appreciate most about it now is not even the good conquering evil or Jesus wins at the end and has an open door to the kingdom...it's the stuff I know I won't figure out. It allows me to step back from the facts of God and experience the presence of God through scripture, which I know will lead to the same kind of behavior with my friends, family, co-workers, etc.
Imagine if you didn't need to know everything about someone in order to decide whether to give them your heart. Sounds a lot more freeing.
So embrace a little mystery when reading Revelation, and know that it's supposed to be that way. For one, so any Roman soldiers didn't threaten the whole movement with insider knowledge, and two, so that we might not be convinced of what is to come, but would have faith that God will rule the day.
Reader Comments (3)
David,
I have to say your blog stirred me to respond. I'll grant you that there are a few unknowns; however, the book was written to give hope and almost every symbol and image is referenced in other 65 books. By highlighting the few unknowns and implying the book is too complex, it propogates the fear of people have of reading it and studying it theirselves. Too many times culture wants to speculate on the meanimg and take it out of context or miss the clear ties to symbols in the Old Testament. I feel that we should highlight that it is the most organized, thoughtful book in the bible. It is the conclusion. It fulfills many of God's promises. It also is the only book that contains a promise of a blessing for those that read it. I firmly believe that blessing can be right now not just in the here after. In my case, the blessings have names- Lola & Jacey!
David,
I have to say your blog stirred me to respond. I'll grant you that there are a few unknowns; however, the book was written to give hope and almost every symbol and image is referenced in other 65 books. By highlighting the few unknowns and implying the book is too complex, it propogates the fear of people have of reading it and studying it theirselves. Too many times culture wants to speculate on the meanimg and take it out of context or miss the clear ties to symbols in the Old Testament. I feel that we should highlight that it is the most organized, thoughtful book in the bible. It is the conclusion. It fulfills many of God's promises. It also is the only book that contains a promise of a blessing for those that read it. I firmly believe that blessing can be right now not just in the here after. In my case, the blessings have names- Lola & Jacey!
Hey Cody,
I do agree with you that it is the most organized book, and that is a great point. I think I read that over 60% of the book is direct or indirect references to OT sources/inspirations with new interpretations given to them in light of the current situation of trial/exile, etc. There is definitely a point to it. I was in no way saying the book was too complex to study...we should study everything. I can't imagine the undertaking of mapping the human genome when they first started or learning a new language. Those are complex, but look how beneficial. We should study everything.
But in a similar experience in biology class of dissecting an animal I came to go beyond the memorization of which organ connects where and had a spiritual moment where I realized just how amazingly awesome the frog body systems were...more of an experience and encounter than a study. Everything I see about Revelation is to "decode it" or "figure it out", when I read through it and simply got lost in the poetry and song that transcends codes and gives you the feeling of victory in Christ. I think that's just as important spiritually. Thanks for your post, I'm glad you wrote that because you are definitely right about needing to study, and I truly hope I will never put anyone off of reading or studying something. My goal is the complete opposite.