The book of Revelation for most is a mystery … the book where they try to crack the code. So what do you do with this book. Well, first and foremost, it is a letter with echoes from the beginning to the end. But what about its relevance for today? It is both for now and it is also a book of prophecy.

Apocalyptic images contained in the book are not to be taken literally. It is not a puzzle book to be solved but a picture book to give encouragement. It is a blessing … but only if we take what it offers to us. In Chapter 1 we find that Jesus is the ruler over all God’s creation echoing what he said … ‘I am the Alpha and Omega.’ He is also the one who has freed his people from their sins by his blood. What was once applied to Israel is now applied to the church.

What’s your picture of God? The God who is described here is awesome and overpowering but, as his people, we should never be afraid. This book is about the suffering of Christians for the kingdom of God. It is also about His care for his people in the midst of their suffering. He is the one who controls death and Hades and rules from the midst of his churches. Jesus wins.