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

Day 3: Revelation and Imagination

Scripture Reading:

‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.’

- Acts 2.17 (NRSV)

The movie The Imitation Game, and the TV series Bletchley Park are both about the brilliant minds who cracked the enemy’s codes in World War II. They are unlikely heroes; not the brawny, fighter pilot or SAS types, but were instrumental in winning the war. Great people, but possibly the sort who would struggle with the Revelation. The Revelation is not a code; it’s not a complicated algebra exercise, where you can figure out exactly what ‘x’ is. It does help us understand what God values, what God intends for us and his world, but in a different sort of way.

Sometimes data and facts just aren’t the right kind of language to tell us deep truths. Jesus was aware of this. He often used parables to tell his listeners what the kingdom of heaven was like, about how people should behave, about what is important in God’s eyes. These are some of the parts of the Bible which are the best known, and stick with us the most; think of the images that come up for you at the mention of the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, or the Sower. These stories all resonate with our imagination to help us understand the point Jesus is making. Because they help us ‘see’ with our mind’s eye, and the characters engage our feelings, we remember the points of the parables more profoundly than a bald statement. Many Christian writers have used a similar technique; the journey we take with Frodo in Lord of the Rings impacts us much more than if Tolkien had written ‘There’s bad stuff happening, but God will win in the end.’ The Revelation is filled with characters and images, the Woman, the Beasts, the Dragon, the Lamb, which don’t ask to be ‘decoded’, but to be understood as visions, dreams and prophesies to ignite our imaginations and inform our discernment of our world.

Some things to think about:

1. What kind of movies or TV shows do you enjoy most? Why do you think they appeal to you?
2. Do you think you’re more of a ‘decoder’ or a 'dreamer’?
3. Is there a piece of music, art or a book or poem that is special to you?

Prayer:

Creator God, thank you for your imagination in giving us a world of such diversity in animals, plants, and people. Thank you that we are made in your image and are creative. Help me to dream your dreams and see your visions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.