Follow the Lamb - 21 Day Study on the Book of RevelationSample

Day 10: an Interlude about the Interludes

Scripture Reading:

‘We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered’

- Hebrews 6.19

There are concerns that this book of the bible is too hard to read and that it is scary and depressing. There are worries that it is violent and generally upsetting people’s sensibilities. All these things are true to an extent. Yes, there is violent imagery, it is difficult to piece together what is happening, and true, there is not a happy ending for absolutely all the characters. All these things are even more reasons to study the Revelation as a group; we need a guide, we need to support each other, and we need to engage with this Book as a part of God’s Word.

Flipping the coin, the Revelation is also brimful of positivity. It is a great reminder that the kingdom of heaven is now and not yet at the same time. Years ago I was trying to explain this concept to a group meeting at my home, then had an idea. I ran into my study and pulled out my academic transcript for the Bachelor of Theology I had just completed. It listed all my subjects and at the bottom said something to the effect of ‘has fulfilled all the requirements to be admitted to the award of Bachelor of Theology’. I hadn’t yet had my graduation ceremony, I didn’t actually have the degree. The academic record was an assurance, an absolute promise that I would get the degree, but the fulfillment, the bit in the cap and gown and the fancy scroll of paper was yet to come. In Revelation we are reminded that, although we are saved, we are deemed to have ‘fulfilled all the requirements’ through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are still in Babylon, creation is still fallen, and Satan prowls around us. On the other hand, we are given visions, glimpses of the New Jerusalem, of the age when all creation will be restored to perfection, where God will make his home among us, and tenderly wipe the last tear from every eye, as we enter into an eternity of joy and intimacy with God. The Revelation is a Book of hope, of promise, of assurance of God’s ultimate justice and mercy.

Some things to think about:

1. Paul talks about Christians as being ‘citizens of heaven’ (Philippians 3.20 NRSV). If you lost your heavenly passport, how could people tell you are a citizen of heaven?
2. What do you find most uncomfortable about the Revelation, or what you have heard about it?
3. What is the picture you see in your mind when you think of heaven?

Prayer:

King of heaven, I thank you for the blessings of this earth. I thank you for the blessings which you have in store for me. I ask you to show me ways of sharing your love with those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.