THE REVELATION TO JOHN

Why start over with my journal entries with The Revelation to John, the book of the Bible which is probably the hardest book to understand? Well, I'm not going to try and untie every mystery of the book or to make it sound simple--an impossible task. I only hope to let you know that when you are ready to read it, you will be ready.


If you remember the disciples Jesus chose, one of the first was named John. He and his brother James were fishermen along with Peter and Silas.  After Jesus was killed on the cross, when so many of the disciples were also  punished by death, John was sent to an island far away for his punishment. While there, he received a vision which instructed him to send the information given to him to seven churches, commending them for their strengths and warning them about their flaws.  (These notes and those that follow are from the study portion of my bible.)


Both the church as an institution and the church as it's made up of individual lives must constantly fight against the temptations to become loveless, immoral, lenient, compromising, lifeless, or casual about our faith. To those who have become apathetic, the Revelation to John is a warning.  And to those who are faithful during the struggles in this world, it is a reassurance that God's goodness will triumph over evil, give us hope as we face difficult times, and guide us when we waver  in our faith.  The Revelation to John is a message of hope for all believers in every generation, encouraging us to be devoted to the One who saves.


One of the themes in the Revelation is Satan's strength, or evil powers which may increase in the world, but we are not to follow its lead.  God is all-powerful and in control.  He will bring his true family safely into eternal life. We can trust Him with our lives.


Assurance of Christ's return gives suffering Christians strength to endure acts of hatred and harm.  We look forward to His return as King and Judge.  Since no one knows that time when He will re-appear, we must always be ready by keeping our faith strong.


Anyone can take his or her place  in the ranks of God's faithful people by believing in Christ.  Victory  is certain for those who make loyalty to Christ their top priority and ask for forgiveness if we fail to do so.  (And I would add: After all, we humans do screw up, no matter how hard we try not to.  Our personhood is naturally full of self, either self-love or self-hatred, and both are self motivated and not Christ-motivated!)


If you decide to read the Revelation to John, remember:  It is a book that reveals future events in its Predictions and preaches who God is and what he will do in its Proclamations.  It is best to read it with a study guide with explanations about its visions which have baffled interpreters for centuries.  The fact that it was left to us by Masters of Religion, tells us it is a worthy book.


In the meantime, as I wait for your scholarly studies which you will have to share,  (It would only be fair!) we will pick up  my blog, nearly daily, as I follow my journal's instructions as to what I must read and write about next.  This will soon follow, I hope.


Joy comes in the morning, that's why I love the morning.  Hope this finds you joyful in the Lord!!


Jo INMN