The Book of Revelation is certainly one of the most intriguing, puzzling, and challenging book of the Bible.
As the name implies, it’s a book of revelations — 22 chapters of perfect revelation from God on the current state of the Church, the judgment that is soon to come, the second coming of Christ, and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
The book starts with the appearing of a glorified Jesus who comes with encouragement and warnings for His Church, following is an awesome description of the throne of God in heaven and the worship that takes place there, then, the opening of the book sealed with seven seals that marks the beginning of the tribulation. A tribulation “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). There will be war, famine, destruction, desolation, and death like never before in the history of mankind, but at the end hope and salvation for those who have believed and held strong the testimony of Jesus.
Why would Jesus tell John (His disciple) all these things and have him put them in writing?
– Because He cares! Remember, He first came so that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
– Because He doesn’t want us to be ignorant about the judgment that is about to come on the inhabitants of the earth.
– Because even in the midst of that chaos, there will be salvation (Joel 2:30-32), especially for Israel which until now hasn’t recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
– Because the end of all things is at hand and we have to make up our mind right now about who we want to serve and where we want to spend eternity (Revelation 22:12-15).
The Book of Revelation is a book of terrifying events. It foretells great disasters, turmoil, deception, and bloodshed. Yet, it’s also a book of promise for those who are saved, whose name are written in the Book of life of the Lamb (Revelation 20:15).
Indeed, for believers in Christ, it’s the fulfillment of God’s Word with:
– The meeting of the Church (Bride) with the Lord (Bridegroom),
– The judgment of wickedness (with the fall of Babylon and the punishment of all lawlessness),
– And the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
Remember the prayer Jesus taught His disciples… “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:2).
Let us for a moment imagine the earth with absolutely no crime, suffering, and death. Why would anyone not be excited to be in such a place? Considering all the misery, injustice, and evil we witness everyday.
Yet, the great tribulation has to come first. And as believers are fighting the good fight and running the race (2 timothy 4:7-8), the Book of Revelation comes to give a glimpse of the prize. A prize that is worth all the effort.