A Revelation Invitation

The revelation of Jesus Christ … (Revelation 1:1a)

Apocalypse is the first word of the book of Revelation in the original Greek. Some translators even begin verse 1 with the words “Apocalypse of Jesus Christ …” Although the word and the book that bear its name are thought to be shrouded in mystery, the Greek word apokalypsis means simply revelation. So rather than something mysterious and hidden Jesus actually reveals things previously concealed. What a gift to have access to the mind of God! What an invitation to see how our story will play out under his sovereign care!

Over the centuries the word apocalypse has morphed in meaning to imply something sinister rather than something inviting. In your own reading of Revelation you may have experienced a sense of fear rather than of hope. Admittedly, John’s imagery is vivid, violent and bizarre. Although the meaning of his vision seems cryptic, it quickly becomes obvious that the events he depicts are indeed cataclysmic. Because of the chaos revealed, the word apocalypse has come to suggest universal destruction or disaster. However, in this clash of the forces of good and evil, God is shown to prevail even as the evil he confronts is exceedingly destructive. But will the carnage that accompanies God’s victory be worth enduring? With the book so shrouded in mystery how can we be sure? How unfortunate that the popular perception leaves little room for good news.

That is the irony today of Revelation. This book, which was supposed to reveal, regularly leaves people more confused and more in the dark than ever. By faith, we must believe John when he claims that his vision in Revelation is not something veiled, but is actually something unveiled. Jesus has given us a fully understandable message, one that should help us make sense of the world we live in, even if that message is conveyed through visions, symbols and metaphors.

By bringing misconceptions about apocalypse into a study of Revelation, we unintentionally complicate its message. That nagging cloud of confusion must take a back seat to this: We have been given a gift. The loving hand of the Father gave his Son a message which he has delivered to us, his servants. And servants we are. Yet Jesus no longer calls us his servants, “for the servant does not know what his master is doing.” In Revelation Jesus reveals to us his servants what our master is doing. This message, this gift, comes from the one who calls us friends, “for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Let us no longer fear Revelation, but rather take comfort in this gift from a loving Father. Let us be heartened by the words of the one who calls us friends. Let us treasure this book as it opens our eyes to things previously unseen.

Lord God Almighty, you know all things. You have graciously given me this revelation even though you were under no obligation. Open my eyes that I might see the conflict as you see it. Remove the confusion and the mystery from my mind. If I have ever dismissed this great book as unintelligible, I vow this day to explore its significance for me and your people. Amen.