The Purpose of the Book of Revelation
The Purpose of the Book of Revelation: Comfort and Encouragement for Persecuted Believers.
May 14, 2018 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the modern nation of Israel. Much end-time prophetic teaching has hinged on that date; and the time span that would define a generation. Expectations have been raised since my teenage years (the 70’s) that Jesus would appear soon and take his church home via the rapture.
Just how long is that generation? What about the prophetic time clock? Inquiring minds want to know!
I want to stir the pot a little. I ask you to think in light of a quality technique in Bible study. When approaching a passage of scripture, we should ask: What does it say? What did it mean to those who first heard it? Now, what does it mean to me?
Those who first heard the message of the book of Revelation were suffering severe persecution. Would it be fair to them to say, “Guys, listen, I have some really exciting news! You can’t imagine what’s going to happen 2,000 years from now!”
They needed comfort and encouragement in the very moment they received the message we call the book of Revelation. The letter was on target, soothing their hearts and steeling their spines. Because it lifted their souls, Revelation can speak volumes to each believer who is suffering. Adversity has been a regular companion of Christians throughout the centuries.
The faithful were “public enemy number one” when the letter was penned. As Rome conquered the world, they grandfathered the religions of those they subjugated. But any new religion was against the law. For a period of time, followers of Jesus flew under-the-radar because the Romans thought they were merely a branch of Judaism.
Things changed quickly when the ruling powers learned this was indeed a new religion. Add to their rap sheet – Christians rejected the Roman pantheon of gods; they were called atheists! Now it was rumored that these people, when they gathered, ate someone’s body and drank blood. Cannibals! Would you want a family like that moving into your neighborhood? What would it do to property values?
It was very easy for Nero to use them as a scapegoat when he burned Rome. Emperor Domitian wouldn’t tolerate their rebellion. He demanded each person in the empire to worship him! Once a year they were required to burn incense and proclaim “Caesar is Lord.” Our brothers and sisters refused, saying, “Christ is Lord.” Domitian ruled as the apostle of John recorded the words of Revelation. Note: the Greek word we translate witness is “martyr.”
I have found fifteen references to persecution in the pages of the book. That constitutes the foundation of a theme in my opinion. God cares deeply for his suffering children. I’ve listed them here for you to consider.
Persecution should not come as a surprise for anyone who takes Jesus seriously. He warned his followers that they would experience cruel opposition, beginning in the Beatitudes and ending on the night before he died. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:18, 20)
Yet, it surprises American believers. You see, we’ve lived in a bubble all of our lives. A place where the teachings of Jesus have been respected and followers have been accepted. What one experiences while growing up is normal. So we’re deeply disturbed that our bubble has broken. However, rejection and persecution have been reality for Christians historically and geographically.
I’ve actually heard invitations to Christ that included, “Give your life to Jesus tonight so you won’t have to go through the Tribulation.” That is neither honest with the teachings of our Lord nor fair to those who respond! “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
You’ve seen the horrific pictures of the torment of Christians in the Middle East: beheadings, bombings, rape and torture. The faithful have lost jobs and other opportunities throughout the world. Such ill-treatment has been developing here in the States, currently with law suits substituting for whips.
Revelation draws our attention to the malevolent mind behind our struggles. “… the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution …” (Revelation 2:10; 12:17) Our spiritual enemy often recruits people to do his dirty work; but he is perfectly capable of handling it himself, without leaving a mark.
Jesus spoke to his suffering saints. That message resonates still. Find Revelation 6 and look under the altar – verses 9-11. “How long must this go on?” Each martyr receives a personal gift from our loving Father. Then a sobering thought … “it’s not over; more will join you in dying for their faith.” Throughout the book, we’re encouraged to hang tough in spite of our trials and reminded that our Lord will punish our tormentors.
Please contemplate these two poignant word pictures from the conclusion of the book.
We begin with construction. The gates of the New Jerusalem have a unique composition. Each is made from a single pearl! (There are 12 gates – Jerusalem had four, most cities in that day had one. There is no traffic jam entering that city. “Y’all come!” – 21:21)
The pearl is an extremely valuable and also unique in its origin. Other gems are mined. This one comes from a living being. An oyster forms a pearl in response to irritation or pain. Do you see it? We enter the eternal city of God through gates that were formed out of suffering!
It happens often in the middle of turmoil; a Christian will think, “I must have made God angry.” Concern about their relationship with our Heavenly Father floods their heart. But these pearly gates say to all, “Your suffering is not a sign that our Lord is shunning you. Rather, it is the way into his presence.”
The other line I’ve read more times than I can count. “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (21:4; 7:17) Yet only in recent years has the real power of this statement challenged my mind. It does not say that our Creator will fashion an antidote for tears; nor that he will magically dry us up.
It says that he will personally deal with all of our sorrow. The picture I see is a small child sitting on Daddy’s lap. Some injury, disappointment or fear has precipitated a cascade of tears. Full of love and gentleness, Daddy hugs her, speaks gently to him and then reaches up and with his finger brushes the tears away. Then he gives his precious one a loving kiss. The tears are wiped away!
Our heavenly Abba Father is promising each one of us a very special, personal time to be with him. A priceless moment when we will sit on his lap and he will personally and lovingly attend to the sadness we’ve experienced. I’m ready, are you?
For a more full treatment of this subject: I offer a sermon mp3 and accompanying notes upon request – mullenix.tom@gmail.com