THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Revelation |ˌrevəˈlāSH(ə)n| noun 1 often called the Revelation of John. The final book in the New Testament and Christian Bible.
The book of Revelation is the last and final book of the New Testament.
You might have heard of Revelation because of the popular "Left Behind” book series written in the late 90’s to early 2000’s by Tim LaHaye. Or maybe by the many predictions and prophesies made about the end of the world at Y2K. Maybe you’re hesitant of growing technology, computer chips, wars in the Middle East, or accusations of “the beast.”
But before we start getting sidetracked—let’s take a look into what Revelation really is…
The book of Revelation was written by John in AD 81-96 on the island of Patmos addressing a letter to the Seven Churches of Asia. During this time, John experienced a series of prophetic visions about the second coming of Jesus.
These visions have led Christians to run in many different directions and predictions about when and how Jesus will return. But the Bible is pretty clear about this—in fact Jesus said himself, “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24:36)
What we do need to know is that Jesus prophesied himself that He would return and the book of Revelation is a confirmation of that promise.
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” Revelation 22:7
During Christmas we celebrate that Jesus came to the earth to become a sacrifice for our sins. The book of Revelation reminds us that He is coming back again—and that we, as the church, need to be ready.
“Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear you Lord, and glorify your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed.” Revelation 15:3-4
Whether Jesus comes back this year or thousands of years from now—our responsibility as believers will always be the same. We’re called to love God and love people. We’re called to serve others. We’re called to tell others about our salvation found in Him. The Word of God doesn’t change—and the only way we can prepare of Jesus’ second coming is to keep doing what He told us to do.
I’m praying for you today—that you would not be fearful or afraid about the end of the world, next week’s job responsibilities, or what 2019 will bring. Know that God is good, that He will never fail, and that He will come again. Let’s pray…
Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus as a sacrifice for my sins. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for your love, mercy, and grace. Help me to be ready when you return for your church. Help me to honor you with my life while I am here. Show me how to prepare my heart for your coming. Help me to not simply wait—but to use the little time I have to honor you with my life, to bring others into a relationship with you, and to love and serve to the best of my ability. You are what we live for—whether you come again in my lifetime or in lifetimes to come—help me to live for you and to honor you with my life. Amen!
XO-
Sabrina
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come.” Revelation 1:8