In this sixth and penultimate week of our sermon series on how we read our Bibles, we continue our exploration of our sacred texts. The final book in the New Testament was not necessarily the final book written, but was placed there because of its focus. Revelation (please note that it’s singular, not plural) is a letter written describing a vision or dream that is author experienced.
Attributed to an author named John, scholars are not unified in naming which John it may be. The letter was written to seven Christian communities in different cities of Asia Minor. We might choose to read Revelation as a prophesy of what is to come, and we might choose to read Revelation as an image-filled critique of the context in which it was written. Whichever way this closing book is read, consider also what it means to read it in today’s context.
We continue to encourage you to have a plan for regular Bible reading. You can find resources on reading and studying the Bible here.
Revelation 1:4b-8
4b Grace and peace to you from the one who is and was and is coming, and from the seven spirits that are before God’s throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ—the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To the one who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 who made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and power forever and always. Amen.
7 Look, he is coming with the clouds! Every eye will see him, including those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him. This is so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and was and is coming, the Almighty.”
Revelation 21:1-6
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring.
Consider these questions:
- Have you ever read the book of Revelation? How have you read it? The whole thing? Parts of it?
- If you have read Revelation, do you think it is predicting an end time? Do you think it’s something else? What is your emotional response to reading it?
- If you haven’t read Revelation, why not? Have you actively avoided reading this letter?