A Revelation Invitation

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” (Revelation 22:6 ESV)

The word “soon” appears eight times in Revelation, more than double in any other New Testament book. It’s a common word. It may not be precise, but its meaning is clear to everyone. That is, until it comes to the book of Revelation. Many outlandish, contemporary interpretations of Revelation ignore this word or twist its meaning to assign the events of Revelation to a still future time. It reminds me of that wonderful line in The Princess Bride when Inigo Montoya says, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Is there any reason that we shouldn’t understand the word “soon” to mean what it says? Only if you’re forcing a predetermine interpretation on the text. Such views have only arisen in recent history.

I have heard people quote 2 Peter 3:8 which says, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (ESV). Yes, God’s timing is not our timing. But in Revelation the original readers were told several times that these things “must soon take place.” The Holy Spirit is not in the habit of deceiving his readers.

The book of Revelation was written to people in the ancient Roman Empire who were facing trials at the hands of Roman government and Roman society. John described events that they would witness in their life time. He passed along a message that spoke to their circumstances to help them make sense of them. And these words of comfort and courage are just as applicable to us today. An understanding of the imagery of the book is not always obvious on the surface, but the word “soon” is pretty clear. Let’s not trip over it.

Looking beyond how the word “soon” informs us how to interpret Revelation, it also speaks to the urgency and immediacy of its message. Among other admonishments, the reader is cautioned to be vigilant, to be aware, to be expectant. A search of the word “soon” in Revelation will highlight threats of judgment, not only upon the world, but also upon God’s own people if they do not themselves heed his warnings. Let us not be naive about the world we live in and God’s active involvement is it. He loves his creation. He loves the people in it. He also loves justice. He works constantly to see that both his justice and his mercy are on display for all to see and respond to. Revelation shows us that his justice and mercy are expressed in many ways, sometimes violently. Many believers in the Roman Empire lived to see those events that were foretold. We too may see God work similarly in our day. Soon.

Lord, you are a mighty and compassionate God, always active in the world. Your justice and your mercy were on display at the cross. They are ever on display today through your church and through world events. I may not always see or understand your hand at work. But I know you are moving toward the redemption of your creation. I pray that I will be ready for whatever that may bring. Amen.