Learning the Geography
Continuing a short study on the blessings, pitfalls and challenges of studying the Book of Revelation.
In the midst of the back-streets of Malaga there is an old tavern that shares the name of our eldest grand-daughter. Finding it has always been a challenge, but gradually I have developed an inner map of the old part of this city; if I have the cathedral on my left and this plaza on my right, and that monument ahead then I can find my way.
In the same way, I remember I would look at Revelation, hoping to make some sort of sense of it’s confusing imagery. I once described it as being a spaghetti-hoop-soup with monsters lurking-within-it!
With time though, and with the help of some brilliant teachers, I now have a better understanding of its geography and it has become less fearful or confusing.
There are the inspirations of chapter one; the deep challenges of chapters two and three; the absolute awe of chapters four and five in the throne-room; the horrors of the tribulations of chapter six; the beautiful reassurances of chapter seven, and so on.
We will need to attune ourselves to it’s rhythm: it’s high points and low points. As we familiarise ourselves with it’s highways and byways, it will offer up its truths to the diligent student.
Recently I taught an overview of the whole of the Book of Revelation to a class, from the beginning to the end. I had to cut one or two corners! It took me a whole hour and I was shattered at the end of it but it served its purpose of giving the students a geographical understanding of the whole of Revelation.
I felt the students were then able to traverse its chapters and imagery with more confidence and were thus able to appreciate its message more clearly.
In the days ahead I would like to put a brief overview of Revelation into my notes.
Thank you for reading this. More tomorrow!
- Revelation 22:20 Our cherished hope
There will be a unity of heart when everyone calls out for his glorious return. There will be a spirit of grace upon God’s people that will bring us all together in unity and brotherhood. - Revelation 22:16 God’s Word
No-one has a monopoly on the truths of this magnificent book, and we will all have our struggles and misunderstandings on our journey, but God is demanding that we treat Revelation with the utmost respect that it deserves. The truths that were sealed in Daniel’s time will be opened up according to God’s direction. This will need purified and refined souls to understand and teach, in the midst of immense confusion and mistruths. Please pray for those who are called to understand and teach. - Revelation 22:11 In or Out…
Even at this late stage, a reference to the polarity of mankind, between the righteous and the unrighteous. One thinks of Noah’s Ark, and the obedient who were safe inside and those who chose to ignore Noah’s call for righteousness and stayed outside. - Revelation 22:7 The time is near indeed
Having taken us to the very highest of heights, surveying the Holy City that is beautiful beyond words, John brings us back to our ordinary lives, waiting with a cherished expectation for our Lord to return and keeping the words of this prophecy, with all its encouragements, admonishments and warnings. - Revelation 22:3 No longer any curse
Peter praised his contemporaries for their faith in Christ Jesus although they had never met him in real life and had only heard of him through Peter. Imagine though, what it will feel like, approaching the throne and gazing into the eyes of the Divine, to reach out and touch the very hem of his garment. It will be beyond belief…
Revelation 34 