We can only comprehend what we can comprehend. As you've no doubt discovered by now, Revelation is HARD! It's full of symbols and descriptions that don't entirely make sense to us. That can make for exciting and challenging reading, but it can also be frustrating. Have you ever wondered why Revelation is this way? I sure have. And the more I read Revelation the more I realize that my mind and my ability to understand God's ways are limited. So rather than struggling with all the ins and out of strange details, I've been trying to focus more on Christ as I read (That's the approach Dr. Kroll takes in our current radio series "25 Portraits of Jesus in Revelation.").
So if you're getting bogged down in all of the details and strangeness of Revelation, don't give up. Try and read recognizing that you're not going to understand it all. And, yes, you're going to have questions. That's normal, particularly with such a difficult book. So if you have questions about what you're reading, send us a blog. Let's work through Revelation together. Tami W.
P.S. If you want a little encouragement about reading Revelation go back and look at Revelation 1:3.
I really had a hard time understanding revelations and it's symolisms, but after reading the Left Behind series (and you have to read all 12 books), the symbols in Revelations became more clear. Now I know that the Left Behind Series is just an "interpretation" of what the two author's interpreted, but it made since. Instead of a hideous creature, maybe it will be a handsome young man who comes into power. I don't know either, but for a guy who doesn't like to read - I actually read all twelve books. It is entertaining, and fictional, but it made me look at the symbolisms much differently.
A question that keeps going through my head is what does all this mean for us today. What role does prophecy play in the Christian's life. There are some people who are so into it they don't live life today in the present and so my attitude has always been what happens in the future is up to God and I want to live life right now walking with Him. Then when judgment comes in whatever form I can be ready. Still, prophecy is a BIG part of the Bible. So why did God want us to know these things and why was Revelation a part of His word that He has given us today. I guess I am wondering what the purpose is for Revelation and why (based on chapter 1 verse 3) He wants us to read it
I agree with Mike. The books were fun and made the prophesy of Revelation more down to earth for me, and cohesive. Reading all the books gave me insight/food for thought about Biblical passages that I hadn't considered before. It may have been just one interpretation, but it made for quite an experience!
Danette,
I'd like to share a few thoughts related to your comments.
Since much of the Book of Revelation appears to take place after Christians have been removed, it's only natural to wonder why we should care. There are, however, some good reasons.
First of all, Revelation proves that God is a God of righteousness and justice. As you've heard it frequently said, "Life is not fair." The wicked seem to get away with so much and not have to pay the consequences. This can become a source of bitterness (Psalm 73:2-16). But Revelation assures us that there will be a day of reckoning for them (Rev. 20:11-15).
But not only is life not fair, it's also cruel. Living in a fallen world exposes us to many hurtful and devasting experiences. But Revelation assures us that there are better things ahead. Revelation 21:4 declares, "And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain." Knowing that the best is yet to be helps us to hang on when life gets rough here and now.
Looking around in the world, we could easily come to the conclusion that evil is triumphant over good. It might even appear that it pays to be bad ("Nice guys come in last"). Revelation assure us that, in the end, God wins and evil is defeated. The false prophet and the beast (the Antichrist) are thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20). Finally, Satan himself is cast into the lake of fire. We know this because the Book of Revelation tells us so.
And lastly, the Book of Revelation is a good motivator for evangelism. No one wants their friends and loved ones (or anyone else) to go through the turmoil and anguish that will mark the Tribulation period. The only way to avoid that is to come to know Christ as your personal Savior.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
Awesome Allen excellent job in explaining Revelation.
Thanks Allen. That is a big help!