99 - Revelation 1

Revelation is the last book in the Bible. It includes many ideas that we can find in other books in the Bible. It tells us about all the future events from John’s time, until now, and until the end of this world. Revelation tells us that all Christians will have troubles during their lives on earth. So they will need to be patient and strong. We think that John wrote this book down about AD 95. That was more than 60 years after Jesus Christ lived on this earth.

It is a letter that Jesus told John to write to Christians. At that time, things were very difficult for Christians. The king of Rome ruled many countries and he was causing a lot of trouble for Christians. His soldiers were killing many of them. John was in a prison because he was a Christian. Rome is the capital of the country that we call Italy now. Jesus appeared to John, as in a dream. Jesus also sent an angel (a being from God’s home above the earth) to John. The angel showed John many future events that surprised him. These things made John afraid. Jesus told John to write down what he saw. Jesus wants us to know about things that will happen during the last days of the earth. He wants us to be ready. John wrote Revelation to 7 churches (groups of Christians). These churches were in a place that people called ‘Asia’ at that time. This place is the south and west part of the country that we call Turkey now. In Chapters 2 and 3, there are separate messages from Jesus to each of these different churches. These messages tell us what is most important for Christians. We must continue to love and obey Jesus Christ. We must believe him, even when there is trouble. ‘Revelation’ means ‘to show things that people could not see before’. This book describes many strange events. These events are difficult for us to understand. They are like pictures. They show us an idea of what will really happen. But Jesus wants us to think about these pictures. He wants us to understand as much as we can. He wants everyone to know what will happen, not only clever people.

One day God will destroy this earth and this sky. And he will make a new earth and a new sky. He will not let any bad people live there. But before that time, bad trouble will come to the whole world. Christians should be ready for things to be very difficult. Other people may do bad things to them. They will need to be strong. In many countries today, it is not easy to be a Christian. That is why we are here though, we are here to prepare ourselves for the New Heaven and the New Earth..here on earth. What are we to do? Bring hope to the hopeless. Help the needy, poor, and oppressed. Give generously, freeing the captives and the addicted. Treat others different than us, better than ourselves. I know God loves me and is cheering for me as I get better and especially when I fall down. Where I see failure, he sees opportunity for growth. Where I see addiction, he sees an opportunity to take a step. Where I’ve given up, he whispers, “You can make it”. So maybe if we can all accept the idea that God’s love is wholly separate from our actions, receive it, and give it to others maybe then we’d have more Christians that look like Christ. Glory be to God.. ok Im off track..

Jesus is the Lord and he will return to this earth. He will beat all his enemies in the end. He will make everything right that is wrong. And all those who love him will live with him always. Then nothing will ever hurt them or make them sad again. Revelation tells us to remember all this. It teaches us to wait patiently.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John by God “to show us what must soon take place.” This book is filled with mysteries about things to come. It is the final warning that the world will surely end and judgment will be certain. It gives us a tiny glimpse of heaven and all of the glories awaiting those who keep their lives in order. Revelation takes us through the great tribulation with all its woes and the final fire that all unbelievers will face for eternity. The book reiterates the fall of satan and the doom he and his angels are bound for. We are shown the duties of all creatures and angels of heaven and the promises of the saints – us - that will live forever with Jesus in the New Jerusalem. Like John, its hard to describe what we read in the book of Revelation. Read it and tell me what you understand.