Thursday, September 17, 2009

Revisiting Revelation

About a week ago, I finally decided that I’ve evaded any serious study of the book of Revelation for too long. I’ve always been turned off by pop culture sagas and suspicious interpretations of its message, and as a result have managed to steer clear of any real scrutiny of the text. But, alas, I’ve caved in…and this past week began my own study of the book of Revelation.

To aid me in my pursuit of its message, I decided to use Matthias Media’s study on Revelation called The Vision Statement. It’s a compilation of 9 studies on the book meant either for personal devotion or small group study. I felt like I needed a little direction, but didn’t want anything too pushy about a particular viewpoint—and I have been very pleased with this guide. The book itself states in its opening pages: “Many discussions of Revelation get caught up in particular details of history, in dates and Roman emperors and who the Antichrist might be. But these are often distractions from the actual teaching of the book, which places Jesus Christ firmly at the centre.” It acknowledges, of course, that there is something to gain from different looks at Revelation as well, but this study focuses on the message of Jesus Christ—something that I’m ashamed to say I think I’ve never intently focused on in studying Revelation.

So…preamble aside (Sorry—I always feel the need to give a backdrop for my musings!), I’ve been camped out on Jesus’ message to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 the past couple of days. I use the singular form of message intentionally, because I think there is much to be gained by its meaning. Although the individual churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea certainly had individual characteristics, problems, and even commendations and/or rebukes from Jesus himself, there is something to be gained from looking at Christ’s message to all of the churches collectively. I like what The Vision Statement says:

One overall message emerges as a result of the pattern of the vision. That one message is this: remember who is in control. Do not be deceived into thinking that the world is all there is, that Jesus will not return as judge and king, that God does not have power. Do not let the troubles that come upon you in this evil age deceive you into thinking that God is not in control. He is. We know he is in control, because we know the one who has overcome evil.

How true! Each of these seven churches struggled in its own way. We can find ourselves in each of their weaknesses—and learn from Jesus’ instruction:

…If you have zeal without love—recover your love;

if you are faithful but fearful—endure suffering for the crown of life which awaits you;

if you are seduced by false teaching and immorality—repent;

if you are lazy, asleep or dead in your faith—wake up, come back to life;

if you are feeling weak and weary in your faith—remember that you will be rewarded and protected;

if your obedience is lukewarm and you are complacent in faith—turn back and find your ‘wealth’ in Jesus. (The Vision Statement)

How precious it is to know the One who has conquered it all, and made a way for us to embrace freedom and victory in himself—Jesus Christ! May we heed his wisdom, and embrace this truth.

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