Over breakfast yesterday with an old friend, I fretted about the state of this world. Perhaps that is just part of getting older. Earthquakes, political unrest, war, disregard of faith in God – do these things foreshadow the End? Are we living in ‘the last days?’ Some think we are, others see this time as just another cycle of history.
My anchor in life is the Truth of Christ and the Word so I look to the book of Revelation—the final word in the Bible— for insight. Yes, the apocalyptic chapters of that book resist simple interpretation but there is a hopeful thread of truth that runs through those inspired words of John.
My reaction to the vivid, often terrifying imagery, of the Revelation has ranged from fascination to deep discomfort. Written in symbols and code, the book is packed with allusions to Old Testament prophecy. It demands both careful study and the Holy Spirit’s guidance to even begin to grasp its meaning.
Many have tried to decode Revelation—sometimes in tortured ways. Years ago, I was taught to see the book strictly as a roadmap for a future "Great Tribulation," a time when God's Spirit would allow humanity to drink the full cup of rebellion and give Evil free reign over the world, leading to terrible suffering.
Others view it as a message to the first-century Church, a word of hope during intense persecution under Roman rule. Still others try to map every symbol to a current event, often leading to fanciful and foolish conclusions.
In fact, Revelation speaks to the past, the future, and the present. It’s not just a book for scholars or end-times theorists. It’s for every generation of Christians—especially those who suffer, who grow weary in the ongoing battle with sin, Satan, and humanity’s evil.
Songs for the Battle-Worn
If you read Revelation closely, you’ll notice that throughout its storm and struggle, voices rise—songs of praise that proclaim God’s eternal purpose and inevitable triumph. These songs are for us. In the 5th chapter, we read this: “I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”
And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
When you’re worn down by temptation, discouraged by the slow progress of righteousness, or feel like evil has the upper hand—those songs can be life-giving.
Handel famously drew from Revelation 19 for his “Hallelujah Chorus,” a piece that still lifts people to their feet centuries later. That same chapter reminds us: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments...” (Revelation 19:1, NIV)
When despair whispers that the enemy is winning, Revelation
thunders back:
God reigns. He is faithful. His justice will prevail.
The Grand Conclusion
Don’t get so caught up in decoding each detail of every vision that you miss the book’s overarching message:
God wins.
Read Revelation—and remember its full title: The Revelation of Jesus Christ. This is not just a book of wild visions. It is a portrait of our victorious Lord. At His first coming, He was the son of Mary, the Savior of compassion. He offered His life to save the world from her sins.
In the last book we meet the triumphant King, riding out in glory to vanquish evil. Revelation assures us that He is both—our Savior and our mighty King.
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!” (Revelation 19:6-7, NIV)
Amen.
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