The book of Revelation, among all the New Testament books and letters, is unique in style. The use of imagery and apocalyptic symbols is arresting, serving as a perfect vehicle to establish its central theme, “the Lamb will overcome…for He is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).
The message of the book was relevant to those who first read it. John wrote the book in the midst of persecution, offering hope to the afflicted. It is unfortunate that interpretations of the book have appeared that do violence to the immediacy of the message. Any who believe that the book details physical battles and earthly conflicts yet to occur fail to understand its message and purpose.
The message to the persecuted Christian, both then and now, is simple. You are on the winning side! Consider the Lords’ promise, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death’” (Revelation 2:10-11).
Note, however, that while victory is assured by the Lord, it is misguided to think that it will be enjoyed on this earth. Christians throughout the last two millennia have been persecuted, ridiculed, marginalized, and even put to death. A misunderstood minority stands little chance against an antagonistic and powerful foe.
Ultimately, however, God has the most powerful. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). It is the lot of God’s children to suffer at the hands of the ungodly, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13). But, we trust in the promise that God will settle all accounts, “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
Imagine the comfort this gave to the Christians of the first century. While John acknowledged that things were hard for God’s people at that time and place, he assured them that their suffering would bring them, (as Paul wrote), “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Consider John’s words, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Revelation 22:14-15). One day, it is the righteous man who will have privilege and benefits, and the ungodly who will be “outside”, without access to the rewards of eternity. Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13). Jesus has promised the reward, and being who He is (22:13), He certainly is capable of delivering on that promise!
Put in basic terms, it is the Christian’s responsibility to prepare, and wait. We do not know the day the Lord will return in judgment. Paul wrote that “the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). His conclusion, as it applied to his readers, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). When He comes again, those who have prepared will “obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
Over and over again in scripture we have the promise of victory in Jesus. As long as we take the long view, this promise gives us motivation, and the steadfastness needed to serve Him. It brings us to unity, and a desire to “comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We know that our trials on earth are a test. We are blessed with an opportunity to prove ourselves worthy, knowing that when we have been “approved, [we] will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Do you love the Lord? Are you living for him? Yes, it is hard, and the difficulties of life can sometimes seem overwhelming. But, this life “is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). We endure for a moment, and benefit for eternity. In every prayer we ask, “Lord come quickly!” “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21).
