The Beginning of the Bible’s Last Book
We’ve begun studying the Book of Revelation. It’s the first time for many of us. Our heads are so full of images and interpretations from popular culture, TV preachers, and movies, that we have to step back a bit and read the chapters afresh. We’re trying to see what meaning Christ is conveying to us through St. John the Theologian – the author of the book and the one who had all the visions. Here’s how the Book opens:
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place; He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near.”
– Revelation 1:1-3
How are we to be blessed? By understanding our predicament in the world and how to take refuge in Christ, being in union with Him. During our discussions, we’re considering persecutions and plagues, and the Paradise we lost but hope to return to.
Indeed, we’re in a pandemic now. It’s disrupting our routines and dreams, and our assumptions about reality. We seem to be living in “apocalyptic times.” In other words, a lot is being revealed that was previously hidden. The coronavirus is causing us to reflect on the foundations of our world. Its disruptions have uncovered our self-centeredness and divisiveness. Without a foundational faith in God, people have been living in an illusion, and now the illusion is shattering.
Since the dawn of time, God has directed us to live within limits and follow His “guideposts,” starting with the Tree of Knowledge being off limits, then the Ten Commandments setting limits, and then the Sermon on the Mount guiding us on how to live. When we don’t live within these parameters, confusion and catastrophe are soon to follow, as they have.
And what of the persecution of believers in our time? We’re slowly accepting that our world has changed. As we study Revelation, we are also studying the bestselling book Live Not By Lies by Orthodox Christian Rod Dreher. He writes:
“The Western world has become post-Christian, with large numbers of those born after 1980 rejecting religious faith. This means that they will not only oppose Christians when we stand up for our principles – in particular, in defense of the traditional family, of male and female gender roles, and for the sanctity of human life – but also they will not even understand why they should tolerate dissent based in religious belief.”
This may mean that we will not be able to hold certain positions, or conduct business as usual, if our beliefs don’t line up with the progressive ideology of government institutions – and also corporations.
Having experienced much persecution himself, the Apostle Paul prepares his faithful flock:
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:12-15
Indeed, our hope is in Christ. Though we may encounter difficulties, we can find meaning and joy in Christ, who will give us peace as we resist the lies being drummed into us.
We can still seek out the good, the true, and the beautiful in our world. How can we do this? By being willing to suffer for the truth. By strengthening our family life. By finding faithful fellowship with others who can give us support and assurance. By being a part of the Church – the mystical Body of Christ.
Throughout history, with all its problems, persecutions, and questions, we see that the most effective answers involve returning to a serious faith. One that emphasizes the importance of prayer and worship, humility, love of others, self-control, self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and respect for creation.
If we live in this way, we will endure the time of which the Apostle Paul writes:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” – 2 St. Timothy 4:3-4
Also, may we be kind and loving to all people, starting in our own homes, and extending to our work and community. The Apostle Paul writes:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians. 4:5-6
And finally, here are the words of the Apostle John which we read last Tuesday in our Bible Study. His words are a blessing to us, describing our worship of Christ, who reigns in glory, and who has the power to save us:
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; ... saying with a loud voice:
‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!’” – Revelation 5:11-12.