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

Day 9: The Drama of Revelation

Scripture Reading:

‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.’

- Matthew 5.17 (NRSV)

Now that we binge-watch our favourite shows on Netflix, we find that we don’t need the recap at the beginning of each episode. We don’t wait a week between episodes, just keep viewing, until Netflix rudely asks us, ‘Are you still watching?’ Sometimes we watch movies with prequels. We like to know the background to the characters, how they became members of the Rebel Alliance, or a serial killer, or a Mafia boss. The world of fan fiction is full of imaginative amateur writers who put into words their dreams about the past lives of their favourite characters. When we enter into a new story, we need to centre ourselves, we need to know where we are, what the historical period is, and what the value system is (whose side are we on).

It’s the same when we enter the world of the Bible, especially the somewhat psychedelic, surrealistic world of the Revelation. When we become Christians, we are often encouraged to start by reading the Gospels, then some of the letters, and good advice that is. But, as we mature in faith, we become ready for more solid food (1 Corinthians 3.2 NRSV), food that takes a bit more chewing before we can digest it. If we want to really understand where John is coming from, we need to familiarise ourselves with the Hebrew Scriptures, what are commonly referred to as the Old Testament. Some commentators say there are up to 1,000 references to these Scriptures in the Revelation. Last time I read it, I was struck with the references to Exodus, and the similarities between the Israelites journey into the Holy Land, and Christians‘ journey towards salvation and the New Jerusalem on the redeemed earth. Learning about the Hebrew Scriptures also helps us understand Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels. Jesus and his friends and listeners were mainly Jews, well versed in their faith, its laws, stories, and history. The Old Testament might be a little harder to grapple with, but, like heavier weights at the gym, it pays off!

Some things to think about:

1. Have you tried to read the Old Testament? How did you find it?
2. Have you ever found out something about a person’s past which makes you think of them differently?
3. Is there a person or event in your childhood which you think has had a great influence on making you who you are today?

Prayer:

Eternal God, I thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and always. I thank you that you have a good plan for your creation, and that you will bring it to fulfillment. I ask you for discipline and patience as I study your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.