Revelation: The Last Word

October 23, 2020

Revelation: The Last Word

Revelation 1:1

Ann Holford

Central Truth

Jesus is coming back! Read and heed Revelation because the time is near.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.

Prologue

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants^{1

1:1
For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for servant later in this verse} the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Footnotes

[1] 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for servant later in this verse

We're finally here! Welcome to the final chapter of the most epic story of all time—the story of the Bible. It's the story God created us to respond to: His story of faithfulness, rescue, justice, power, and promise-keeping, where He makes all things right. How do you approach the book of Revelation? Excited? Intrigued? Intimidated? Confused?

Revelation 1:3 changed my perspective of this book: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." Did you notice? It doesn't say "blessed is the one who UNDERSTANDS" everything in this book. God says you will be blessed if you READ this book . . . and "KEEP what is written in it."

God has told us how the story ends so that we'll live our lives today in light of this certain future. This is not an allegory or a metaphor. There are symbols, but they are symbols of things that are true and real. People may differ in their interpretation of the details, but there is one thing Christians will all agree on: Jesus is coming back, just as He promised!

I easily get hyper-focused on my issues of today and worry about the future. But Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:13) Jesus is the last word, not your sin, your circumstances, or even death.

When you fail in sin yet again, that is not the last word. When it seems like no one cares about you, that is not the last word. When your past continues to follow you, that is not the last word. When it seems like evil is winning, that is not the last word. JESUS is the last word.

I need to be reminded of that. Revelation tells us He is coming back to set up His eternal kingdom where He will personally reign and will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:3-4). If you trust in Him, you'll live with Him forever. Live today in light of your forever.

Wanna be blessed? Jump in!

1. How does Revelation 1:3 encourage you to jump in?

2. Revelation 1:1 says this book will reveal things that "must soon take place." What if you knew Jesus was coming back next month? How would that change your today?

3. What circumstances have you discouraged and stressed this week? How can Revelation remind you that JESUS is the last word?

4. How does knowing Jesus will fulfill His promise to come back again (John 14:1-3) give you confidence that He will fulfill every promise He has made?