A Revelation Invitation

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15 ESV)

Have you ever had a dream in which you were out in public not fully dressed, maybe even naked? I have. And it’s so unsettling. I frantically hide in the shadows, behind furniture and around corners to prevent being seen by others. I fear that my nakedness will be exposed. The embarrassment is mortifying. Even when I’m roused from my sleep, the sense of humiliation seems quite real. Fortunately I have never experienced those circumstances in real life. While funny to talk about, it’s still a serious relief when I realize it was just a dream.

The beatitude of verse 15 (the third of Revelation’s seven beatitudes) is a warning cloaked in a blessing. Jesus warns of his coming—sudden and consequential. In the immediate context he comes to judge (destroy) Rome, the oppressor of his people. Unsurprisingly, God’s judgments have always come on the powerful and the brutal throughout the ages and into the present day. However, this exhortation to stay awake is directed at God’s people, too. Isn’t it supposed to be the wicked and the oppressor whom he threatens with destruction? Why are Christians warned? Because we can be enticed by the luxuries and pleasures that the world offers, the idolatry that the world is enslaved by. Therefore, we must not be entangled in those affairs when God’s judgment comes so that our own nakedness will be exposed. Furthermore, when judgment falls on the enemies of God, we must be ready for the suffering that may touch our lives as well. It is entirely true that the wicked of the world are the targets of these bowls of wrath. Sometimes, however, God’s people are hurt or at least inconvenienced by the fallout. We live in the same world on which these bowls of wrath are poured. While those tribulations are not judgments on us, we may not be spared from suffering. We don’t know when Jesus will come, when God will act against the world, when he will punish the nations. He does warn that he will come like a thief. Needing to remain ever vigilant, we are wise to heed this warning today.

Complacency is a real danger for Christians especially those who live in affluent societies. The people around us expect their present prosperity to continue unabated as long as they live. The powers-that-be expect their reign and influence to continue in perpetuity. Consider how often Jesus warned of the fleeting nature of wealth and power. Jesus cautions that he will come suddenly in judgment. What a tragedy if we have been duped by those worldly illusion when his judgment falls. We shouldn’t be stunned when it comes. We should even expect it. Jesus promises great blessing, exceeding joy, if we keep our garments on. Certainly we ought to cover ourselves in righteous deeds, walking the path that Jesus did. He traveled the road of suffering. When we follow him on that same path, we show the world what kind of God we worship, what kind of savior we serve. Let us put on the garment of Christ. When we are clothed in his righteousness, when we in faith rely on his blood shed on the cross, we are prepared for whatever may come. Then the promise of joy and blessedness is set before us no matter what tribulations fall on the world, no matter when they fall.

Father, clothe me with your son so that when you look at me you see his righteousness. Keep me vigilant of the dangers and deceptions around me. I don’t want to become complacent so that my nakedness is exposed. Your judgments are righteous. Your promises are sure. Find me fully clothed in the righteousness of your Son when you come. Amen.