This is the final part of the 66 in 52 Bible Journaling Challenge. Over the course of the 52 weeks in 2018, we focused in on one verse from each book of the Bible with many others who have signed up to join me. Click here to see the other 51 weeks.
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The Big Picture of Revelation:
This final book in our Bible was written by John near the end of his life while a prisoner between 85-95 AD. In the first few chapters John depict a vision given by an angel that he was instructed to write down. These included messages for seven churches. Chapters 4-20 describe things he saw in the visions about God’s kingdom and heaven, especially describing Christ as the lamb who was slain for us but now reigns over all. We also hear of the devil being cast into the Lake of Fire and descriptions of hell. In the final chapters 21-22 he describes the beauty of the new heaven and new earth, a place without pain or tears, a place Christ invites us to come and enjoy.
Tips for Reading Revelation:
Revelation is one of the books people are most hesitant to read. It all just seems so “weird”. Here are some things that may help as you read it:
- Watch the Bible Project Videos linked below. They always do a great job of outlining books and helping understand key elements.
- Understand the type of literature you’re reading. We read and comprehend poetry different than we would a science textbook. If we read Revelation similar to one of the letters we recently studied we’ll probably get confused. Revelation is considered apocalyptic literature which means it is filled with symbols. Some scenes can seem strange to us, but if you read closely, many clues are given for what the symbols stand for. While symbols and numbers aren’t necessarily meant to be literal, they do still convey literal truth and describe literal events. Dig to discover those truths.
- Numbers are another key symbol in Revelation. For example the number seven is used over 50 times. The number seven represents wholeness or completeness. Other common numbers are 12 and 3 or multiples of these numbers.
- As with all of Scripture let it interpret itself. Consider all that you’ve read up to this point and let that help you understand what you’re reading now. (e.g. People try to use this book to say that they can predict the end times, but God told us many other times in Scripture that it will come as a surprise. Yes, the signs are there, but we still will not know.) Also, consider what the message would have been to the original readers. Yes, it has relevance to us, but we only really discover that when we understand what it meant for the first Christians.
A Few Key Verses and Possible Reflection Questions/Prayers:
Some of us are planning to read through the whole book or books each week, while others are just focusing in on one verse per book. This section of the weekly intro post might help you narrow down a verse to reflect on for the week, but you do not have to choose one of these verse, pick any section of the book you want! These are just some ideas.
- “When I saw {Jesus}, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living One. I died, but look–I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” (Revelation 1:17-18)
REFLECTION: How are these verses encouraging for you?
- “They triumphed over {the accuser} by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11)
REFLECTION: How have you seen the story of God’s work in lives lead to triumph over Satan’s accusations? How can you encourage someone this week with your story?
- “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. And the One sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’…” (Revelation 21:4-5a)
REFLECTION: Just take a few minutes to smile and dream about that beautiful, beautiful day. Praise God for His sacrifice that makes it possible for us to experience that some day!
Some Other Resources:
- The Bible Project summary video for Revelation 1-11
- The Bible Project summary video for Revelation 12-22
- A Pinterest board with resources and pictures for Revelation
The Challenge:
So now it’s your turn! Pick a verse and settle in this week, or read through the whole book. If you post any picture or blogs on social media, tag them with #66in52challenge so we can all share in this journey together!
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