[Revelation – Conclusion]

Over the past months we have studied the book of Revelation, chapter by chapter. Just last week we rejoiced in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in the last chapter. It brings this study to an end.

I would like to repeat a few salient points.

The study runs from Pebbles 42 to 66. The goal was to unlock the mystery and symbolism of a first glance at the metaphor and images of the seemingly complicated, apocalyptic literature of the vision.

There is a special blessing on the reader and listener. It is the exciting pursuit of this blessing that we dive deep to understand the “hidden” message. Out Father’s promise is clear:

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

In the words of Jesus:

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. (Matthew 11:25)

Revelation was written so that we could make sense of the chaos of recent centuries. The knowledge of God’s love enables us to rejoice in His power and provision to encourage the world and step into the void to conquer evil and destruction.

As was stated in Pebbles 42:

Revelation is not a chronological chain of events. It is a summary of the entire history of mankind with a climatic end for those who choose to accept the salvation of grace and love. This study is not an effort to summarize all the possible interpretations of the vision. The content is far too rich and comprehensive. It is also not a dispensational interpretation to serve as an itinerary for events associated with the second coming of Christ.

 It should serve only as a first step for some information on the symbolism and references in order to decipher the “code” or Bible-speak if I may call it that.

It is us, the true church of Jesus Christ, the people from all walks of life, all cultures, language and denominations of Christianity, who carry the love of Jesus in our hearts, who bring the good news to the world.

How beautiful and delightful on the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who announces peace,

Who brings good news of good things,

Who announces salvation,

Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7, Ampl)

Rejoice Pebble pal! You are a chosen generation, the noble rulers of the invisible kingdom of God. We know the Truth, the Life and the Way to God in the person of Jesus. His redemption death on the Cross is the ONLY solution to the chaos around us. There is NO alternative.

Revelation is very clear on God’s enemy. He is conquered. He knows his future of condemnation and we plunder his realm with our message of salvation and power. For that, he hates us and will use his sharpest, most painful strategies against us.

Our response is to study the Word of God, so that we know who we are, what we have, the power to our disposal and the victory over evil to celebrate our salvation – daily.

Remember – the new Jerusalem is the presence of God, the Holy of Holies of the Temple, where the table of feasting is to be experienced, now, within the destructive rule of evil. It is our secret place, our shadow-seat under the wings of the Almighty God (Psalm 91). It is the still waters and green pastures, the table of provision and protection in the valley of the shadow of death, where His goodness and mercy are our constant companions (Psalm 23).

Open the door when He knocks (Revelation 3:20) and sit with Him to enjoy a long and relaxing evening meal of love and provision.

Please allow me to stimulate your imagination to illustrate and inspire with another metaphor.

 

“Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion.

“I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill.

“Then drink,” said the Lion.

“May I—could I—would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill.

The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience.

The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.

“Will you promise not to—do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill.

“I make no promise,” said the Lion.

Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.

“Do you eat girls?” she said.

“I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,” said the Lion. It didn’t say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.

“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill.

“Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion.

“Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.”

“There is no other stream,” said the Lion.

It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lion—no one who had seen his stern face could do that—and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted. You didn’t need to drink much of it, for it quenched your thirst at once.

 

From: The Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis: The Silver Chair.

(My emphasis)