Revelation

November 28, 2011 (I'm consolidating another blog I had to here)

I’ve been a converted Christian for 12 years now. In that time I’ve studied a lot of topics from a biblical standpoint. When I taught at Souls West (A two year Bible College in Prescott, AZ.) I had the privilege of teaching “Marriage and the Family” and “Discipleship”. If you asked me any question about courtship, marital strife, parenting, worry, guilt, fear, depression, conflict, self-esteem, knowing God’s will, biblical change, etc. I’d be able to give you wise counsel concerning those things. I also taught a class on the Hebrew Sanctuary, as well as the Philosophy of Christian Education. Having to put together 30 lesson plans on each of those topics makes one study intensely. However, when it came to the book of Revelation, if you were to ask me what anything meant I’d refer you to my husband. I never really saw the relevance of it. I knew what some of it was about but it didn’t seem relevant NOW. It’s all either historical or for the future. I like things that I can immediately apply to the issues I face currently.

But, I’ve been convicted to study the book of Revelation. My husband preached a sermon and made an appeal for the women to study this book because he’s noticed that usually men are the ones who really get into it. But the blessing is given to all who study, not just men (see Rev. 1:3). Several weeks later Byron (my husband’s boss and also elder at church) gave two motivational sermons about the importance and blessing of studying Revelation. Several points really stuck out to me. “When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience” (The Faith I Live By, 345). He brought out that this does not mean that our religious experience will improve…it will be entirely different. Why will it be so different? What will change? “They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart.” This really intrigues me. I’ve only seen it as a book that will “inform” me of what to expect in the last days. I’ve seen it as a book that you have to decode and find information about world powers. When I read through it just recently I was overwhelmed with the realization of how much God is sincerely and reverently worshipped. In every chapter it seemed that the 24 elders, the 4 beasts and all the thousands of angels were constantly exalting Jesus and praising Him. I was convicted with the shallowness of my own worship. Could I really stand around his throne day and night and proclaim how holy God is? “One thing will certainly be understood from the study of Revelation–that the connection between God and His people is close and decided” (ibid).  This book is primarily relational, not just informational. I’ve enjoyed studying things that relate to counseling because they seem so practical and immediately applicable. Now I’m beginning to see that the book of Revelation is that way too.

There’s a popular song by Steve Fry called “I want to know you more” (I also like theversion by the Cadet Sisters who sang at my wedding). The chorus says,

“O, I want to know You more

Deep within my heart I want to know you

O I want to know You…”

If I wanted to know Jesus more, I’d think reading Matthew, Mark, Luke or John would be the best bet. Revelation would be last on my list of books to study. But, this is where he is more fully revealed because verse one says, “The revelation of Jesus Christ”! I’ve gotten to chapter 8 and I’ve really had some soul-stirring devotions.I’m understanding the heart of Jesus in a way that I have not seen before.