Reading Revelation: Awe, Mystery, and Hope

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 5^th 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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Knowable: Do You Know God—or Just His Name?

Do you know me?

You must know me in some way, or you wouldn’t be reading these words. Maybe you know my name—Jerry Scott. Some know me more personally. Jay, Sean, Christine, and Maribel know me as “Dad.” Others call me “friend.” Over the years, many have known me as “Pastor,” trusting me with spiritual care. Bev knew me as “husband,” a relationship unlike any other.

Each of these names describes a different facet of how I am known. But here’s a far more important question:

Do you know God—or just His name?

God, Made Knowable

The Bible tells us that God is Spirit—eternal, invisible, transcendent. And yet, He graciously makes Himself known using language and images we can understand. He reveals Himself to us in human terms so we can relate to Him, know His heart, and grow in love.

So who is this God we’re invited to know?

Father

One of the most beautiful ways God reveals Himself is as Father. Jesus taught us to pray to “Our Father in heaven.” The Psalms proclaim He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68). The apostle John speaks of His love as lavished on us, bringing us to eternal life.

But His fatherhood is not limited to masculine imagery. Scripture also uses tender, maternal expressions to describe His care. He is like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. Isaiah compares God’s love to that of a mother nursing her child—a picture of nurturing, intimate care.

Yes, we are the children of God—deeply loved and known.

King

God also reveals Himself as King—a concept less familiar to us who live in modern democracies. As King, He rules with majesty and might, protecting His people and directing all creation.

The prophet Isaiah once glimpsed God’s majesty in a vision so powerful it shook the temple itself. Angels cried out:  
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Isaiah’s response was not celebration but humility:
“Woe to me! I am ruined! ... my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6)

To know God as King is to stand in awe—reverent, humbled, and changed.

Husband

In yet another stunning metaphor, God describes Himself as a Husband to His people. The Scriptures speak of His desire for intimacy, fidelity, and delight—like that of a groom for his bride. He longs not just to rule over us, but to be with us, to dwell in loving relationship.

As in marriage, this is a call to faithfulness, love, and mutual delight. The divine invitation isn’t transactional—it’s personal. God desires to be our Beloved.

Shepherd

One of the most beloved pictures of God is that of Shepherd. Psalm 23 begins with those familiar, comforting words: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” He provides. He leads. He restores. He protects.

And in the Gospels, Jesus declares, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10)

In a world of chaos and confusion, the Shepherd calls us to rest and trust in His care.

Not Just Known—Knowable

Here’s the heart of the matter:
Don’t settle for just knowing about God. Seek to know Him.

Jesus is the Bridge between humanity and the Holy One. Through Him, the unknowable God becomes deeply personal—knowable. Not because we are good, worthy, or impressive—but because Jesus, our Great High Priest, brings us near.

The invitation is open:  “Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess... Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14–16)

Take a moment to reflect—and pray: “God, teach me of Yourself. Let me truly know YOU.”

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Living ‘on purpose?’

Tom Brady, now retired outstanding quarterback, was labeled by a player from his team in Tampa Bay as ‘creating an atmosphere of stress.’  Apparently, the high level of play and excellence demanded by the G.O.A.T. was not universally appreciated. Brady answered his critic- “I thought stressful was not having Super Bowl rings." He emphasized his dedication to winning and a champion's mindset, stating, "This wasn't daycare". 

In the context of our Christianity, there is an importance to understanding the call of Christ to true discipleship, to making hard choices in life that will lead us to better outcomes.

Here’s something I know as fact - without constant monitoring of goals and mission, I will wander, spending entire days doing things that are not of primary importance.  The Scripture tells us that “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away…  how shall we escape if we ignore (neglect) so great a salvation?”  (Hebrews 2)

What are the first importance issues for you? Do you know?

Defining a mission, setting goals, and committing ourselves to regular evaluations are the only ways to avoid drifting along, hit or miss in our work, letting ourselves do what is ‘fun’ instead of what is important!

When I was leading a church as a pastor, prior to retiring, I knew that God had entrusted me with the spiritual care of His people. I was to teach the Word, care for those who were hurting, point the way to hope and healing, and keep on encouraging others to serve Him.

In order to fulfill that calling, I had to get myself into my office for study – everyday! I had to pick up my books and read to feed my mind so that I could teach. I was not free to isolate myself behind walls of privacy. My call demanded that I stay in touch and be available to the people of the Lord so that I knew their needs and could be responsive in providing good care. I constantly worked to find that balance between caring for my own spiritual and emotional needs and being a good pastor to my congregation.

Stephen Covey, in his great book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, points out that many of us don’t get to the important because we feel that we must respond to the urgent. He says, “Urgent matters are often visible. They press on us, they insist on action. They’re often popular with others… pleasant, fun to do… and unimportant!” Urgent matters require that we react. Important matters demand that we plan, purpose, and act to do the first things, first.

So, what’s the highest calling we all share?

Jesus lays down this marker about priorities for all of us.
Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33, NIV) What are the ‘all things’ He refers to? Food, drink, and clothing.

Those daily provisions, while important, are not first line issues. What a challenge for us. We spend a lot of time focusing on acquiring and guarding resources to assure that we have enough ‘stuff.’

Jesus promises, if we put God first, God will see to it that we are clothed and fed! Living that way demands a whole different set of values. Jesus told us “Don’t be greedy! Owning a lot of things won’t make your life safe.” (Luke 12:15, CEV) Do we believe that, I mean, really believe it? If so, it will change our priorities significantly. Much of what our society presses on us as urgent, will no longer be an issue of importance for a disciple of Christ.

More specifically, the Spirit of God shapes each one of us uniquely and equips us to serve His purpose with ‘gifts.’  Paul says it like this: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”  (Romans 12)

In God’s world, you have a place and purpose. For what has God made you responsible?
Are you treating His gifts and callings as a matter of first importance?

Are you committing yourself to be the best you can be for the glory of God?
There is rich reward in this kind of focused living. Others may be put off, accuse you of being ‘too intense,’ or fanatical. God will see a person who loves Him first and serves Him best.

Here is a word from the Word. May it call us into greater and higher service today.
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5)

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