Tribulations

My oldest son just got his driving permit; and so I’m in the mood to write about tribulations.

A couple days ago my wife was out “practice driving” with him. From the passenger seat, she was giving instructions; “You going to turn right here…”; “You’re going to need to get in left lane soon,” etc.

Then she wanted to have him practice parking. They pulled into a parking lot and spied a relatively safe parking space. As they pulled into the spot, she gasped, “You're going to drive over a planter!” Taking that as instructions, he said, “Sweet!” … and proceeded to plow right over the edge of the planter. This, of course, gives us great confidence.

But the more I thought about my son’s response, the more I liked it. When it comes to life it's a great analogy. God has warned us there are going to be some bumps along the way. But He has also given us many reasons to say, “Sweet!”

When it comes to tribulations (bumps big and small), one of the reasons we can be encouraged is because God has promised to seal us through them. This is modeled for us in the Great Tribulation of the last days. There, Heaven gives these instructions: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." Revelation 7:3.

God always does this with His people. He seals us. While it is true we are not immune from tribulation, nevertheless God walks with us through trouble and protects from judgment. We may experience the wrath of humans, but we will be sealed and protected from the wrath of God. This gives us great confidence in the things that matter most.

Sweet!

Revelation is written for TODAY (and always was)

Here's an overarching conviction I have about how to interpret and apply the Book of Revelation. Simply this: Revelation is meant to speak to every generation.

In other words, it had a message for the 1st Century believers. And it carries a message to every century believers. Let me say that another way. While Revelation ultimately describes the culmination of human history as we know it, the cycle of Revelation has played itself out many times in history. Theologians call this the tension between history and eschatology in Revelation. I simply say Revelation is meant to speak to every generation. Here are some examples.

We know that, in the final chapter of human history, someone referred to as the Antichrist will come on the scene. But John, the author of Revelation, also says that, This is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. 1JN 2:18. Apparently, throughout history there have been many antichrists.

Or consider the Abomination of Desolation predicted in Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation. We know it happened in the 2nd Century B.C., when Antiochus Epiphanes placed a pagan altar to Zeus in temple at Jerusalem. We know it happened when Rome destroyed temple in 70 A.D. And I believe it is still said to be coming, as predicted, in Revelation 13.

Or consider this. We know that the Great Tribulation is still coming to culminate history. But it is also fair to say that every believer, of every age (if they live long enough) will experience “great” tribulation. There is something about the Great Tribulation of the final days that is characteristic of all of the tribulations you and I face.

Because Revelation is meant to speak to every generation.

Revelation Reading Plan (cont.)

If you're reading along with me through Revelation, here's this week's plan. (I'll update this week to week).

SUNDAY Jan 28-- Rev 11:1-14
MONDAY Jan 29-- Rev 11:15-19
TUESDAY Jan 30-- Rev 12:1-6
WEDNESDAY Jan 31-- Rev 12:7-12
THURSDAY Feb 1-- Rev 12:13-17
FRIDAY Feb 2-- Rev 13:1-10
SATURDAY Feb 3 -- Rev 13:11-18
SUNDAY Feb 4 -- Rev 14:1-13

Find previous weeks' reading just scroll down to past posts.

I hope brains run in the family

My sister, Lauren, was just written about in her field of spatial geography. Check it out here. If you understand it, please explain it to me (or at least give me a few phrases I can drop at family gatherings).

A Glimpse of Heaven

It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world. There are those who get up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord! Where’s my Bible?" And there are those who get up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, morning! Where's my caffeine?" (I must admit I can easily find myself in that second group).

How might it make a difference if we began each day with a glimpse of Heaven? In the Bible, John was given just such a glimpse.

"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. ...At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven..." REVELATION 4:1,2

"The Throne" is one of the great images in the book of Revelation (the word occurs 46 times in the book, only 15 times in the rest of the New Testament). Obviously, as God completed the last chapters of His Book, He wanted us to remember the reality that He was on the Throne. The amazing picture we have of God, as the Bible closes, is that He is in charge, in control. There is nothing outside of His oversight, or beyond His power.

Tomorrow, when you wake up, remember God is on the Throne. As you go to work, let your desk, your cubicle, your home, your car, your computer screen, whatever it is… Let that become a throne room. Cast your crowns before His feet, worship Him throughout the day, and live with the confidence of His rule and reign over the details of your life.

Imagine how it might transform your day if you began with a glimpse of Heaven.

Revelation Reading Plan (cont.)

If you're reading along with me through Revelation, here's this week's plan. (I'll update this week to week). Obviously, these are brief sections of Scripture. Spend some time with these passages in reflection, imagination and meditation.

SUNDAY Jan 21 -- Rev 7:1-8
MONDAY Jan 22-- Rev 7:9-17
TUESDAY Jan 23-- Rev 8:1-5
WEDNESDAY Jan 24-- Rev 8:6-13
THURSDAY Jan 25-- Rev 9:1-12
FRIDAY Jan 26-- Rev 9:13-21
SATURDAY Jan 27-- Rev 10:1-11
SUNDAY Jan 28-- Rev 11:1-14

Find previous week's reading plan here.

7 Keys to Understanding Apocalyptic Literature

Tomorrow (Jan 21) I will share 7 keys to understanding apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic literature was a common style of writing 2000 years ago and it is the style of the Book of Revelation. For those checking in early (or checking back later), here they are:


1. Apocalyptic literature relies heavily on Old Testament symbolism and language.
Therefore a great place for understanding is Old Testament cross references.

2. Apocalyptic literature is very symbolic.
Of course, the Bible full of symbols. For example, when Jesus says I am the Gate it doesn't mean He had literal hinges. Rather He is saying that His words, life, death, resurrection, are our gateway to God. He’s the way in. While you can find symbolism in many places in the Bible, in apocalyptic literature like Revelation, symbolism is the rule not the exception.


3. There is value in stepping back to see the whole picture.
Revelation paints a picture in these fantastic, elaborate, sometimes beautiful and sometimes grotesque images to convey spiritual reality. So it helps to step back to look at the overall impression. Sometimes when I view a famous painting I stand close and I’m impressed with the detail and the technique of the artist. But it’s only when I stand back and view the painting as a whole that I’m impressed with the power of the image.

4. In apocalyptic literature numbers are concepts and not simply units.
Seven, for example, equals completeness (as in 7 days of the week). Twelve, and multiples of 12, is often a reference to God’s people (as in the 12 tribes of Israel).

5. Strange creatures communicate ideas.
Revelation is full of bizarre animals. Today we still use animals to communicate ideas in political cartoons. If after an election you see an elephant crying and a donkey dancing – or vice versa - you would know who won the election.

6. Apocalyptic literature is usually written for tough times.
Revelation was written during persecution. It is full of vivid images to depict the battle between good and evil. And ultimately it concludes with the triumph of good and the triumph of God.

7. Apocalyptic literature is meant to convey a feeling.
Ask yourself: What feeling does it promote? Sometimes we get caught up in what we would see if we were there. But part of focus of apocalyptic literature is, “What would you feel?”

There you are - 7 characteristics. How very apocalyptic of me!

What are you known for?

I fear that as followers of Jesus Christ we are often defined only by what we are against. In the media, Christians frequently are described purely by what they oppose: anti-this, anti-that. While it is important that we take a stand against evil - certainly there are some things we cannot tolerate - how much more should we be identified by what we embrace? In fact, this seems to be one of Jesus’ main critiques of the early church.

In Revelation 2, after ascending to Heaven, the Risen Jesus addressed one of His churches, commending them for opposing heresy and standing up against evil. While He affirmed their commitment to truth, He also issued this sobering rebuke: Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Revelation 2:4 These early believers were known for what they were against, for what they hated (see Rev. 2.6) … but not for what or whom they loved. How much more should we be identified by what we embrace?

While He was on Earth, Jesus longed for His disciples to be characterized by love. He taught that our passion for God should navigate our lives and impact every other relationship. When He was on Earth, Jesus explained that love should be our highest calling and greatest goal. On Earth, Jesus said it was all about love..... and, from Heaven, He has not altered His mandate.

Reading Plan for Revelation (cont.)

If you're reading along with me through Revelation, here's this week's plan. (I'll update this week to week). Obviously, these are brief sections of Scripture. Spend some time with these passages in reflection, imagination and meditation.

SUNDAY Jan 14 -- Rev 3:14-22
MONDAY Jan 15 -- Rev 4:1-8
TUESDAY Jan 16 -- Rev 4:9-11
WEDNESDAY Jan 17 -- Rev 5:1-10
THURSDAY Jan 18 -- Rev 5:11-14
FRIDAY Jan 19 -- Rev 6:1-8
SATURDAY Jan 20 -- Rev 6:9-17
SUNDAY Jan 21 -- Rev 7:1-8

Find previous week's reading plan here.

Rev'ed up!

People are getting into Revelation. I just received this email from a friend:

I just thought that I’d let you know that my wife and I are really enjoying your Revelation reading assignments. What we like to do is read the assigned passage from 2 or 3 different translations (usually the ESV, TNIV and the Message)—this seems to help us not only understand the words of the letters, but also the feel and tone. There’s a pretty good chapter on Revelation in How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth—you may want to add this to your recommendation list.

I heartily agree with his recommendation on Chap 13 in Gordon Fee's book, How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth. It is one of my favorites. You may want to check it out.

SpiritualiTea

My favorite teahouse (in San Clemente) just used one of my eCouragements in their e-newsletter. You can read it here.

And if you're in the neighborhood, go see them. Great tea!

This is why blogs are cool

A couple posts earlier I listed several books as recommended reading for our new message series at church on Revelation. One of the books I mentioned was "Dragons, Grasshoppers & Frogs!" by Jerry L. Parks. Somehow he, the author of that book, came across my blog and left the following comment:

Doug:

Just saw your very kind comment on my book "Dragons, Grasshoppers & Frogs!". Wanted to say thanks!

Jerry Parks

I think he lives in Kentucky. Pretty cool, huh?

A Challenge for 2007

As we enter 2007, I'd like to challenge you to begin the year by reading through the Book of Revelation. Why? Underlying all the amazing imagery of the book, you will uncover a clearer, and more exalted, picture of who Jesus is. The opening words of the book set the tone for the rest of the prophecy ...

REVELATION 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ…

Revelation, at its core, is not about a code to decipher, but a Person to discover. Essentially, through these amazing chapters, God wants to unveil His Son. As we enter into a new year, I can think of nothing more important for me and you than a clearer understanding of who Jesus is, especially when present circumstances blur our view.

The disciple, John, received God's disclosing vision of Jesus at a time when he greatly needed it. He was suffering persecution and exiled to a desolate island (see Revelation 1:9). Sometimes our circumstances can veil our picture of Jesus. When we are going through tough times, Jesus can seem distant, weak, out of control, and from another time and place. How John must have needed a fresh vision of Jesus! Exalted Jesus! Powerful Jesus! Victorious Jesus! Jesus still in charge!

How we need that, too! When circumstances blur our vision, when world events appear to be getting more violent and out of control every day, Revelation can orient us to the future. It can tell us where human history is headed. Why not join me in a commitment to begin this year by reading through the Book of Revelation in order to gain new insight into the glory of Jesus Christ?

Reading Plan for Revelation

I've challenged my friends to begin 2007 by reading through the last book of the Bible, Revelation. While I don't expect us to be able to understand every image and prediction in this amazing book, I do hope we will all gain a greater vision of who Jesus is -- after all, it is, first of all, the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

If you'd like to read along, here's the plan (I'll update this week to week).

SUNDAY Jan 7 -- Rev 1:1-20
MONDAY Jan 8 -- Rev 2:1-7
TUESDAY Jan 9 -- Rev 2:8-11
WEDNESDAY Jan 10 -- Rev 2:12-17
THURSDAY Jan 11 -- Rev 2:18-29
FRIDAY Jan 12 -- Rev 3:1-6
SATURDAY Jan 13 -- Rev 3:7-13
SUNDAY Jan 14 -- Rev 3:14-22

Recommended Books for Revelation

As we venture into to this exciting book of Revelation, here's some resources I recommend. If you have discovered other good resources, let me know.


Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary by Steve Gregg. If you only buy one book on Revelation this is it. He does a great job of going through the text, and his greatest contribution is to present the four evangelical positions (historicist, preterist, futurist and idealist).

Dragons, Grasshoppers, & Frogs!: A Pocket Guide To The Book Of Revelation For Teenagers And Newbies! by Jerry L. Parks. This sounds simplistic but actually is a pretty thorough guide and is very Christ-centered.

The Book of Revelation (New International Commentary on the New Testament) by Robert Mounce - good thorough, academic commentary.

The Church and the Tribulation: A Biblical Examination of Posttribulationism by Robert Gundry. This argues that the rapture will happen at the end of the Tribulation. Dr Gundry was one of my professors. To me this is quite convincing.

The Tribulation & the Church by Chuck Smith. If you want the opposite view of Gundry's, Chuck Smith (one of my pastors whom I respect a great deal) wrote this to counter Gundry's view.