My Journey Through Revelation

Was John on something when he wrote this book?

A 28-day journey through Revelations.

Reflection

I started a 28-day reading plan that has taken me longer than 28 days. As I read these devotions, I am still unsure how I feel about what John writes about in Revelations.

I can’t help but think John was on some trip or was in a fascinating mental place. If it is true that the world is going to end that way, I know I don’t want to be alive when it happens. Now, I don’t think we should be living looking for this to happen, and here is why.

For starters, our days are numbered. When we die, our time has come to an end. Our way of living and God’s decision based on whatever criteria He uses will decide if our eternity is worthy of us going to Heaven. What happens there, I don’t think we know. But what we do believe is that it is a place better than the alternative, so just in that, we should aspire for an opportunity to get there.

I don't get that for those who live in a way looking for an end time. As I wrote before, your end-time comes when you die. If we wind up being in a life detailed in Revelation, that isn’t going to be pleasant. However, some of us have had seasons that were not so much fun. Maybe not like the way Revelation goes but still not fun. So for us, we were living in a sh!t show. Some of us might be in one right now.

So if we sit around looking for a sign for a Revelation kind of sh!t show that John details, you are wasting the time you do have. I think this is why Solomon pointed out everything is worthless. He should know. He seemed to have it all. If the wisest man to live says it’s all worthless, maybe we should take that to heart. He didn’t mean that life wasn’t worth living. He had a point of view to share based on the worldly successes he had. He seemed to want to set the record straight. Enjoy your moments, and don’t let your pursuit of something have you miss out on your now.

We live in a dangerous world. Humans always have. Now perhaps even worse than before because of how connected we are and how free people are to “cancel” you because you don’t agree with someone. You aren’t supporting the mainstream cultural changes. It isn’t enjoyable to witness, but I suppose this kind of thing also happened in previous civilizations.

So here we are. We have our Bible with some great perspectives. We live in a fallen world. Our days are numbered. Our lives are not perfect. So what do we do?

For me, it’s lean into my faith and using those stories to help shape my perspectives. Keep connected to what’s happening in this world and navigate it to the best of my ability. Honor differences but also be true to how I see things. To agree to disagree and not to judge. To understand I’m not here to save anyone. I’m here to help. To inspire, provoke, and love as many people as I can.

Revelation is a book in the Bible. Revelation happens when we spend time thinking about things and coming to an understanding. I sincerely hope we are inspired people who center on God and allow that perspective to shape our worldview. To be honest with ourselves and not think too highly of ourselves but also not think too low about ourselves. To check in with God, use the Bible as a guide, and be in fellowship with a diverse set of friends. Remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is at work in all of us, particularly those of us who believe. It wants to comfort, guide, and teach us, which can happen at any moment. We have to be open to it.

Revelation is not my favorite book and one I’ll no doubt dig into again. My Revelation is this, live, love, and laugh. Do not take my days for granted. Honor my Heavenly Father who has loved me despite me. Now that’s a good revelation!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for all kinds of revelations you provide. Please help us to keep living on despite the circumstances. Help us navigate this life so we have an opportunity at an eternity you would want for us. Keep us faithful. Keep us mindful of your presence in others. Thank you to Jesus, John, and Solomon. Thank you for all examples you provide us so that we might find something to help shape who we become. Please keep us, our families, and our friends safe. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.