How do I understand the Book of Revelation?

It began with the troubling question: what are the seven seals (Revelation 6:1-17, 8:1-5), seven trumpets (Revelation 8:6-13; 11:15-19), and seven bowls (Revelation 16:1-21) in the Book of Revelation which I read in the course of the past two weeks? Gotquestions.org explained it as "three succeeding series of end-times judgments from God". I have great difficulty understanding how these future events can possibly be relevant to my life on earth today. I can understand how the seven churches (Revelation 2 and 3) from the past can teach us a lesson for today and I wrote a blog about it. I guess I choose to believe a much more simpler future and that is that when I die I will be with my Savior Jesus. Or if Jesus should come back before I die, all the better! It doesn't matter whether I will meet Him in the air or that it will just happen - boom! I know many of my loved ones are not "saved" yet but I do believe Jesus is merciful and just. He hadn't given His life for all (John 3:16) just that He can enjoy seeing them suffer for eternity - in some hell fire. Some theologians will accuse me of make-belief. But I just don't care for now. I haven't found making a big deal out of literally interpreting the "thousand years" (Revelation 20) makes much sense in my learning to live and love for the rest of my days on earth.







I do want to dig a little deeper into understanding the entire Book of Revelation. After reading a few commentaries online on the subject, I actually found Wikipedia's straight forward explanation helpful. I have learned that the religious interpretations fall into one or more of these categories:

• Historicist, which sees in Revelation a broad view of history;
• Preterist, in which Revelation mostly refers to the events of the apostolic era (1st century), or—at the latest—the fall of the Roman Empire;
• Futurist, which believes that Revelation describes future events (modern believers in this interpretation are often called "millennialists"); and
• Idealist, or Symbolic, which holds that Revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

I guess I was more of a "Futurist" before and I am a mix of the other three for now. Wikipedia further explains the Events of Revelation which is a really easy article to read and which gives a very good summary of the entire book. Unlike many commentaries, this article does not explain these events from any of the religious traditions. For example, today's scripture reading on Revelation 17 is about a woman who "was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery:

babylon the great
the mother of prostitutes
and of the abominations of the earth.

I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus." (Revelation 17:4-6a)

This woman is often referred to as "The Whore of Babylon". Wikipedia has this to say about the woman: "The Whore is associated with the Antichrist and the beast of Revelation by connection with an equally evil kingdom. (The word "Whore" can also be translated metaphorically as "Idolatress"). The Whore's apocalyptic downfall is prophesied to take place in the hands of the beast with seven heads and ten horns. There is much speculation within Christian eschatology on what the Whore and beast symbolize as well as the possible implications for contemporary interpretations."

Since Babylon no longer exists, different religious interpretations give totally different explanation for the symbolism of this Babylon - ranging from the Roman Empire (Preterist) to the Roman Catholic Church (Historicist).

In this case I prefer to think (as an Idealist or a Symbolic) that the Whore of Babylon represents the evil still in existence in humanity (with its graphic depiction of all her depravity). It is reassuring that this Babylon will fall (will find out tomorrow in Revelation 18)!

There is a reason that the Book of Revelation is kept as part of the Holy Scripture. Jesus is referred to in the book from the beginning to the end:
“The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave him to show to his servants.” (Revelation 1:1a) 
and 
"He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen." (revelation 22:20-21).

This article reminds us that Jesus is the eternal God (Revelation 22:13); He is the Creator (Revelation 3:14); our Messiah (Revelation 22:16 - cf Revelation 5:5 and Genesis 49:10) and the sacrificial Lamb (Revelation 5). Oh how I thank you Jesus! On this boxing day, may I never forget your birth (Christmas) and your death on the cross (Easter) for me!

More lessons from Jonah

Well this is the fourth time I am writing about Jonah. It just happened that I was reading the Book of Jonah again today (a Friday - when I write my blog). The question that immediately came to my mind: Was Jonah an actual historical figure who told his life story to tell us more about God? So I posted the question to Google and this is a synopsis of what I have learned:

Wikipedia on the Book of Jonah
Jonah was mentioned in II Kings 14:25 as an actual prophet. His history was clearly documented as "the son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher". From Wikipedia, this city Gath Hepher which today is called "el-Meshed, was located only several miles from Nazareth in what would have been known as Israel in the post-exilic period (as distinct from the former southern kingdom, known as Judah)". Jonah lived during the reign of Jeroboam II (786–746 BC). Again from Wikipedia, "Nineveh, where Jonah preached, was the capital of the ancient Assyrian empire, which fell to the Babylonians and the Medes in 612 BC. The book itself calls Nineveh a “great city,” referring to its size and perhaps to its affluence as well." It had a population of more than 120,000 (Jonah 4:11) and it took 3 days to travel across the city (Jonah 3:3).

Although the person of Jonah and the city of Nineveh may have been historical, the Book of Jonah, and in particular the miracles described in the book may be figurative (e.g. Jonah and the "huge fish" in Jonah 1:17; and the rapidly growing leafy plant in Jonah 4:6). St. Augustine, who in general believed in the possibility of miracles (e.g. Jesus' resurrection from the dead) viewed the story of Jonah as a figure for Christ: "As, therefore, Jonah passed from the ship to the belly of the whale, so Christ passed from the cross to the sepulchre, or into the abyss of death. And as Jonah suffered this for the sake of those who were endangered by the storm, so Christ suffered for the sake of those who are tossed on the waves of this world." Augustine credited his allegorical interpretation to the interpretation of Christ himself (Matt. 12:39,40). Augustine allowed for other interpretations as long as they were in line with Christ's.

Gotquestions.org answering the question: "Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale?"
It first gave a list of all the objections to the believability of this book:
• A Mediterranean storm, both summoned and dissipated by God (1:4-16).
• A massive fish, appointed by God to swallow the prophet after he was thrown into the sea by his ship’s crew (1:17).
• Jonah’s survival in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, or his resurrection from the dead after being vomited upon the shore, depending on how you interpret the text (1:17).
• The fish vomiting Jonah upon shore at God’s command (2:10).
• A gourd, appointed by God to grow rapidly in order to provide Jonah with shade (4:6).
• A worm, appointed by God to attack and whither the shady gourd (4:7).
• A scorching wind, summoned by God to discomfort Jonah (4:8).
• Nineveh’s repentance (3:4-9), though it isn’t technically a miracle.

It then made a reasonable (but quite lengthy) argument to explain the course of event using interesting historical evidence such as the popular belief of a fish-god Dagon at the time. Interestingly this fish-god figure was also mentioned in the Bible in relation to the Philistines (Judges 16:23-24; 1 Samuel 5:1-7; 1 Chronicles 10:8-12). The bottom line is that if one believes in miracles (like Jesus rising from the dead) then there is no reason not to believe that these miracles did happen.

 So I choose to believe that Jonah was a historic figure who was sent by God to warn a sinful generation. Despite his resistance to follow God's call, he was miraculously restored - twice! The first instance (when he was swallowed by a fish and later delivered to shore) he learned obedience to God's call. In the second instance he was taught to care for the lost when God used a worm and a scorching east wind to remind him that God too cares for the lost. Jesus also used Jonah's story to show that in order for redemption to happen he had to die (on the cross) and was buried for three days.

As for me, I learn that when God speaks I should listen. I know my natural inclination is to run away like Jonah, but through Christ's death on the cross and his burial for three days, I am saved from the same fate as Jonah. And by His Spirit He enabled me to obey. So I know whom I have believed. I hear His familiar and loving voice. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...

The Seven Churches in Revelation

I have heard just a few sermons preached from Revelation 2 and 3 over time. The names of the seven churches mentioned in these chapters are totally unfamiliar to me except for the church at Ephesus, to which the apostle Paul had written a letter included in the New Testament.  I am not sure if the apostle John (the writer of the Book of Revelation) had ever traveled to these churches. I am assuming that these were actual churches at the time. Unlike Paul, who had actually visited many churches through his 3 missionary journeys and subsequently wrote letters to them, John wrote 3 letters (1 John, 2 John, 3 John) and the Book of Revelation to remind and instruct all Christians of the good news of Jesus Christ: "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." (1 John 1:3-4)

As I once again read through these chapters, I am reminded of a few familiar verses. These messages perhaps addressed the problems of those individual churches at the time. But I think they are also relevant to me today.

(1) To the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7): "You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." I have learned that keeping the memories of the time I was in love with Jesus should be part of my christian discipline. I should be reminded how it all started and how Jesus has kept my faith over the years.
(2) To the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11): "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." Yes be faithful even when times are bad.
(3) To the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17): no specific verse comes to mind. The church in general remained true to God but needed to repent because some had turned to idolatry and sexual immorality. It contained a very strong warning - "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." Repentance is always good. Is there some wicked ways in me still?
(4) To the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29): I can't think of any particular verse either. The message is very similar to the message to the church in Pergamum. I am quite puzzled about this woman Jezebel: "You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds." The name of this person was probably not Jezebel but she behaved like the Jezebel in the Old Testament (2 King 9-10), who married King Ahab and introduced a new religious system to Israel, which brought them into false worship, idolatry. These are strong words about any church who tolerate/embrace an individual who clearly preaches a false message about Jesus! There is a limit to "brotherly love"! We must learn to speak the truth in love, even to someone who is popular in church today.
(5) To he church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6): "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.". Wow, what a reminder! The comfort of familiar rituals can easily lull us into a slumber. We need to stay awake to finish the "race before us" (2 Timothy 4:7).
(6) To the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13): what a church! The name of the church (the love of brothers) reflects its character. The church has endured patiently and will be greatly rewarded: "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth." and "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." Lord help me to be patient! Come soon!
(7) To the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22): This is perhaps the most famous church known for its lukewarm faith! "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." and they did not even know it - "You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." It's never a good idea to think that I am self-sufficient and no longer need to love of Christ, the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and the sustaining power of God the Father.

This is probably the most famous verse in these chapters:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20)

Lord I have heard your "knock" today. I open the door to my heart and invite you in. I have enjoyed your fellowship this morning. Thank you!

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

My vacation in Sanibel Island is nearly over. I am sitting in the local library writing this blog before flying out this evening. Today's scripture is taken from Daniel 1-2 and 1 John 4. I try to find a theme that fits the trip to this mostly retirement locale. One thing I managed to do was to read a lot. These are the books I finished:
1. The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins
2.  God, Freedom, and Evil by Alvin Plantinga
3.  Science & Its Limits by Del Ratzsch
4.  Humble Apologetics by John Stackhouse, Jr.

Obviously I did not read any of these books in great detail (maybe except The Language of God which I started before the vacation). But I think I managed to learn enough to understand the subject and to know when and where I can look back for reference. There is a common theme to these books: God is an amazing creator - both the physical world and the invisible. I definitely feel the limitation as a human to comprehend the vastness of God's working in the world and among the humankind with whom God wants to have a special relation. I am ever more grateful that I have come to know this God while I live on this earth. I look forward to spending eternity in awe and praise! My reflection this week has been to consider (1) when to believe what I have heard or read; (2) how to share this discovery with those I meet.

I think today's scripture reading gave insight into these questions. Daniel was among the exile from Judah to serve a cruel and foreign king in Babylon (Daniel 1:6). Instead of feeling self-pity and blaming God for his circumstance Daniel remained faithful and did the best he could. He continued with his religious practice (dietary - Daniel 1:8 and prayers - Daniel 2:8). He depended on God to solve the impossible problem of interpreting the king's dream without actually knowing what the dream was! And he gave God the glory by telling the king the source of his wisdom. Now there is no reason to believe that this story (or the person Daniel) was a made up story. (A number of articles can be found on the Internet regarding the authenticity of Daniel. This Dead Sea Scrolls article is particularly helpful). Although there is always a mystery that God communicated with Daniel in a dream and how Daniel believed that the dream was from God. I acknowledge that God does the miraculous thing during extreme world event to make His Name known.

The apostle John gave this warning: "don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God." (1 John 4:1). He then told us the litmus test: "Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God." (1 John 4:2-3). Another proof that someone is trustworthy: "Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love." (1 John 4:7-10). So when I read a book or listen to a sermon it is important to know if the writer or preacher acknowledges that Jesus is the Saviour and that showing Jesus' love is always the motive behind the lesson.

When I reflect on how I conduct my life and how I share the essential truth of God's love with others, I must remember to learn from Jesus Himself. He is described in scripture as "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). I often thought it helpful when I communicate with others that my words should always be full of grace and truth; and in that order - grace first then truth. Do I see someone as God sees the person - one who is loved by the infinite God? Do my words come spiced with Jesus' love? Oh how I need the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me both in discerning the truth and to communicate the truth.