“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw . . . “ Revelation 1:1-2a NIV
Do you understand the book of Revelation? The Apostle John wrote it while imprisoned on Patmos Island. The original text is in Greek and aptly named Apocalypse. It’s about the end times.
Revelation is a worthwhile book to read and study. The imagery is incredible. I readily admit that it’s difficult to understand, and I suspect you feel the same way. Why is Revelation written in this manner? One would think that a topic as important as this one would be made crystal clear for everyone to understand. Here’s my theory, and it’s just as valid as anyone else’s you may have read or heard.
Think about Luke, the physician. A doctor from 2018 tells him about using proton therapy to cure cancer. How accurately would Luke, who hasn’t a clue about cancer, protons, and proton therapy, describe it? There are a bunch of examples I could cite. When you were a boy or girl, how would your writing back then about 2018 match today’s reality? How well right now do you think you could describe the world in the year 4018? Or 6018?
These examples show John’s problem in writing about a future event. Some incredible things were described to him, and using his knowledge, language, history, culture, etc., he had to write about it. That’s a really tall order. Almost 2000 years have passed since John penned Revelation, so you can imagine the challenge he faced.
Do you lack a clear understanding of Revelation? Don’t worry. Study anyway, and recognize the prophecy ending that God will reign forever and evil will be defeated forever.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your Revelation! Amen