Revelation: Craziness or Sanity?
Yesterday when I began studying Revelation with my Bible class, I had the students participate in a word cloud. With their iPhones they sent a word or phrase that comes to their mind when they think of the book of Revelation. 252 of the students responded, and here were their answers (the word gets larger in the “cloud” each time it is listed):
used with permission
scary
chaos
intensity
mystery
end of time
eyes and wings
fantasy
streets of gold
epic
condemnation
heaven
the End
death
crazy
future
Armageddon
revolution
eternal life
fate
end of the world
rapture
Anti-Christ
ending
symbolism
apocalypse
billboard at 11th & Treadaway in Abilene
craziness
hope
new Jerusalem
Batman [no mention of Robin]
epic
misunderstood
perseverance
The Second Coming
bad
horsies
666
eternity
left behind
deep
life
last of days
cancer
Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe
whoa
doom
judgement
the end of a new beginning
salvation
The leading entry was for crazy/craziness. And it does seem crazy—partly because of our unfamiliarity with apocalyptic literature and party because of the wild ways in which the book has been treated (think: Left Behind). Too often the prophet/seer John has been confused with Nostradamus.
I’d like to recommend the sane, insightful reading of Revelation in Michael Gorman’s Reading Revelation Responsibly
Following is a quick “hearing” of Revelation that I posted earlier after listening to a reading of the book:
Revelation begins with a vision of Christ. And what a vision it is for believers in the late first century who need to summon their courage in light of the power and pressure of Rome. (Note here: The United States isn’t the best place to try to understand Revelation. Since Christianity is the majority here, it’s hard for us to understand the underdog language of apocalyptic. We keep wanting to flatten the imagery and kill the symbolism.)
Words go out to the seven church. Jesus knows! He knows their situation, their strengths, and their weaknesses. They are commanded to be loyal — refusing to buckle even with pressure and persecution.
Then we are whisked up to God’s throne where he is worshiped by 24 elders and by 4 living creatures. John sees a scroll with seven seals, but he’s crushed that no one can open the seals. Then he’s pointed to the Lion . . . the lamb who was slain . . . the one who is worthy to open the seals.
One by one the seals are opened; and one by one the calamities are unleashed. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse gallop forth and suffering is everywhere. When the sixth seal is opened, it seems as though all hell has broken loose: stars fall, figs drop, the sky recedes, the sun becomes black, the moon is blood red. “Who can stand?” people cry?
But if we’ve just seen the world “from below” — with all the evil and pain — we are now given a chance to see “from above” (chapter 7). We learn that hell hasn’t broken loose. And who can stand? Well the four angels sent by God are standing (7:1). God knows his people! John “hears” them, and it sounds like 144,000 (a symbolic way of saying, “God sees every last one of you!”) Then he “sees” them and realizes the number is beyond counting. From heaven’s perspective, we are safe. Not necessary protected from evil; but “safe” in a deeper sense.
Finally there is silence in heaven: a time to contemplate the full measure of evil.
You’d think the end has come. But this isn’t a prophesy conference; it’s an apocalyptic call to courage — in light of the fact that God is in control (despite appearances to the contrary).
Seven angels now appear with seven trumpets. More catastrophes ensue. Then we meet the three great enemies: the dragon (in a rather unconventional Christmas story . . . try performing that little scene next December . . . “Ok, kids. Who wants to be the dragon who tries to eat the baby when he’s born?”), the beast of the sea, and the beast of the earth. Satan — along with the power and prestige of Rome — seems too much. But really, he’s no match for the Lamb and his people.
Seven more angels pour out the contents seven bowls — the seven bowls of God’s wrath. Seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls. That’s a lot of devastation!
We learn that the great “whore of Babylon” (Rome) isn’t a match for God. Some will cry (18); while others will rejoice (19). But “our Lord God Almighty reigns!”
Now it’s time for the final battle: Armageddon. But it doesn’t really live up to its billing. It’s a boxing match that ends with a KO after 2 seconds. Because God is one of the ones in the battle. Satan is thrown into the pit for a thousand years. Then he’s released for a while until God’s final judgment. Then Satan, death, and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire.
But are we ever going to get to “the end”? Or, the beginning of the end? Oh, yes. In Revelation 21-22, we see the “new heaven and new earth” which the prophets had anticipated. Those who’ve long prayed “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” will finally see that prayer answered in full. God’s dwelling place descends out of heaven. Eden is restored. Tears are wiped away.
“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will given them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (22:20)
How does that happen, technologically speaking? Where do they send those words and phrases with their iPhones? I’d love to be able to do that with a class I teach.
Ah . . . you’re asking the “how does that happen” question. I’m better at the “how do you do that” question!
Here’s my answer: really smart people in technology at ACU built some tools that are available to students and teachers that are quite nice. The students (and prof) have to be signed into m.acu.edu with their ACU accounts to participate.
In other words, we’re talking about something that’s beyond me. They show me the steps to follow . . . I show the students the steps to follow . . . and—bam!—it works.
Yep, crazy stuff ~ Had a conversation with someone recently where I said heaven isn’t our final destination. She didn’t believe me. There IS more to the story.
“Seven more angels pour out the contents seven bowls — the seven bowls of God’s wrath. Seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls. That’s a lot of devastation!”
Is it okay for God to be wrathful or exercise wrath against his enemies? I thought God was love.
But this is just the beginning of an eternity in God’s presence. As one that does not merit this an any way I am happy, even thrilled (dare I say joyous?) about the prospect.
FWIW,
Geezer
Great post. I am also waiting on Dr Rick Oster’s upcoming book on Revelation. Was a pleasure to take his class on Revelation at Harding Grad. He has a very interesting take on Revelation. I continue how many people in our fellowship who have gobbled up the Left Behind series.
Well, dang it, I had plans on May 21.
May 21? So much for me attending U2 in Denver that day… Especially since I had tickets to last year’s show that was cancelled in Denver due to Bono’s back surgery. 0-2
Hey Mike,
We have a friend who started reading the Bible with my wife and I over the winter. She is a deep thinker, she loves anime, and she is very imaginative…so naturally, Revelation was the first book she wanted to read in the Bible. My wife and I weren’t quite ready to begin there, but truth be told, it presented a fascinating story of God in this world that led our friend and now sister closer to him. I loved reading your post and summary of the book. It’s craziness can be intimidating, confusing, and demotivating to read, but I think the way you presented the story in this post helps to recapture the fascinating and captivating story of Christ. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it!
Of course, just because the folks touting May 21 as THE DAY OF THE PAROUSIA (!) are a bunch of loony-tunes nut-bags, that doesn’t necessarily mean Jesus won’t return that day.
Keeping my powder dry,
qb
Since my family is closing on our house on May 11, if the Lord comes again on May 21…. I just wish he would go ahead and come on May 1st and save me a LOT of headache and packing.
Because our children’s minister was a brave soul and I was half-crazy, I have taught Revelation to kids who had just left 4th grade for the last 3 summers (our elementary curriculum starts in Genesis with Kinder — I used to wander in the wilderness with the 1st graders) . They were actually the perfect age to teach it to (and just about on my level of understanding, as well). We went with Randy Harris’ summary of the book: “God’s team wins. Choose a side. Don’t be stupid.” We played old-school Acapella’s “John the Revelator” at the beginning of every class so that they would know about the author, and we used some incredible imagination to draw some of the beasts and battles. They taught me a lot.
Appears to me that Revelations is more about God’s love than about His wrath. If you follow the timeline of the emptying of the seven bowls, doesn’t it seem more like seven opportunities for unbelievers to recognize God and come to Him? If it’s all about His wrath then God could end everything in one fell swoop.
I know at least two people who believe in full preterism–that ALL of the Bible has been fulfilled, including Jesus’ Second Coming. Apparently they believe that Jesus’ Second Coming was a “spiritual” return (whatever that means). Does anyone have any experience with this teaching?
My boys have decided that the world can NOT end on May 21, because Jeff Dunham doesn’t come to Abilene til June. (“I keel you”)
Seems like Mike is holding to some doctrines typical doctrines of the CoC. –Catholic amillennialism eschatology. Sorry, but it’s not at all supportable scripturally. The reformation didn’t leave all Catholic doctrines behind. If Stone-Cambell thought they were restoring the one true church , they missed alot of that Catholic teaching teaching as it certainly was not a teaching of the early church.
I’m pre trib , yes rapture believing and I see all the signs of the times, including this emergent church and all its association with the UN. I praise the Lord that I will not be here for what God says is “the wrath of God” for His wrath is not for the believers but for the nations , unbelievers, and apostate churches .
To even try to associate a false teacher like Jeff Dunham to those of us who do believe in the rapture would be a mistake. We know we will not know the day or the hour, that’s basically a definition of rapture – a sudden , a blinking of the eye. However, we are certainly given many signs of that time. I see lots of signs as a watchman but I don’t know the time. Even Christ, when asked about this said, “only the Father knows”
Those of you who might think this world is going to get better and better with all of your “building up the kingdom” work are totally off base. Sorry, but true.
“To even try to associate a false teacher like Jeff Dunham …”
Umm, Hi Gina … Jeff Dunham is not a “teacher” of any kind. He’s a ventriloquist, an entertainer, a guy who makes his living in show biz. He puts on a pretty good show, even if he did graduate from Baylor.