Revelation

I have always been afraid to study the book of Revelation.  I am not totally sure why.  I think it overwhelmed me and maybe even freaked me out a bit.  I mean, there are so many symbols in this book and literary symbolism was never really my cup of tea.  So that was overwhelming.  Also, sometimes just thinking about the end times freaked me out.  At least it did -- in reality, when I started studying this book last week, I was more encouraged than anything else.  It is important for us to know what the future holds and this knowledge can encourage us as Christians and should also spur us on to share the gospel.

 

So far I have studied the first chapter and the beginning of the second chapter.  I am using a commentary by Warren Wiersbe to help me delve deeper into the word. 

 

Some points that I have drawn from this book so far --

 

1. I completely lack awe and respect for the Lord.  In 1:17, John fell on his face when he saw Christ.  When have I ever done that?  I feel that I see God as my friend and someone to talk to most of the time - but I am missing the respect and awe and glory that I should be showing to Him.

 

2. "When you have assurance for the future, you have stability in the present."  I LOVE THIS QUOTE from the commentary.  It has been a constant encouragement to me this week.  I feel like I lack stability a lot of the time.  My emotions go up and down by the second and sometimes life stresses me to no end (the hubby can attest to this).  Work stresses me out and lately I feel like I can think of nothing else.  I have to keep reminding myself that each case is temporary.  Yes, I must work to the best of my ability on each case, but my future is secure.  No matter what life throws at me, my future is secure.  There is nothing in this life that can render me hopeless.

 

3. The beginning of chapter 2 talks about the church in Ephesus.  They were great at doing good works and service for the Lord and being separated from those that would bring them down, however, they had lost their love and passion toward the Lord.  Works are no substitute for love; and purity is no substitute for passion.  I think I continually live in the Ephesus church.  Most of the time I lack the passion for Christ, but I keep myself separated and pure and serve...to the point where sometimes I feel very secluded.  That is not what Christ wanted.  He wants our passion for Him.  He wants us to be in awe of God and keep our passion alive for Him daily.  We can't just go through the motions. 

 

So there -- I have already learned a TON from this book and I have barely started.  If you have ever been afraid to drive in to this book, don't be afraid.  It is encouraging, clarifying, and it will remind you of how you need to live each day.