The book of Revelation tells us that it is a prophecy five times (1:3; 22:7, 10, 18, 19). The introduction and the close to this prophetic letter say that it is to be shown to the Lord's bondservants (1:1; 22:6). God gave believers this vision to know his future intentions. This beautiful future that the Lord has planned for his servants is tremendous hope for us as Christians. Revelation also serves as an exhortation to God's people to live for Him now in light of our future calling as priests and kings (Dan. 7:27; Matt. 19:28; Rev. 1:6; 3:21: 5:10; 20:6).
But many get distracted in Revelation, for instance, by the Antichrist's happenings, so that they can't see the forest through the trees.
But many get distracted in Revelation, for instance, by the Antichrist's happenings, so that they can't see the forest through the trees. The Antichrist is not the centerpiece of Revelation. God, through Jesus Christ, keeping all of his promises given to his prophets, is the bright, shining light of the message. As we learn in Revelation, "… the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10b). Jesus Christ, the forever King, and his redemption/judgment of humanity are the focal point of Revelation's message. Scripture says: "Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5a).
Another challenge for readers of the book of Revelation is that many approach it as a curiosity. However, Revelation's author bookended the message with instructions, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near" (1:3; 22:7). Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll notes, "The primary purpose of prophecy is not knowledge, but obedience." So, our response to this great word from the Lord is to hear it, believe it, and act on it. I've written many blog posts and a Bible study, Come Lord Jesus: A Woman’s Walk—Spirit, Body & Soul—Through the Book of Revelation, helping women grow through Revelation's message—practicing living life now in light of our eternal future.
"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near" (Rev. 1:3).
As you approach the book of Revelation, I encourage you to hear and to heed the Lord's message to his people. Try not to let yourself get so caught up in the debatable details that you fail to see the unbreakable promises of God to his saints. Allow the Lord's message to shape and direct your heart and the course of your life. The Lord has given us this message as a gift. He also wants us to understand his prophecy as imminent, "And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must soon take place" (22:6). What a bright, shining beacon of hope that the Lord has given us as his saints!
Study the book of Revelation: Come Lord Jesus: A Woman's Walk—Spirit, Body & Soul—Through the Book of Revelation.
