The Book of Revelation

Recently I’ve been reading the book of Revelation. Many people find this book difficult and intimidating. I am one of those people. Years ago I read ministry about revelation and that made it a lot clearer at the time. Unfortunately I don’t remember much that and so I am back to being not very sure. I do remember there was a verse in the first chapter that delineates what follows into three parts.

This is the verse: “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;” Revelation 1:19 KJV

So I see the book broke out into three sections. What John has seen, the things which are, and things which will be afterwards. The letters to the churches seem clear enough. I have read that they are prophetic in relation to the church on earth. The first ones follow the early church historically. The last ones continue until the Lord's return. In all of these there is reward for personal faithfulness regardless of the outward condition of the professing church. Jesus said behold I stand at the door knock if any man open to me I will come in to him. There is always a call to the individual. Answering that call is faith.

When he gets to the part about beasts, elders and angels with vials I must admit I am out of my element. What I do get from these chapters is that those with faith who follow the Lamb will be rewarded. Those who oppose the Lamb will face tribulation as no one has ever faced on earth. It is so bad men cry out to the mountains to cover them so that the Lamb cannot find them.

I can’t say I have a very firm grasp on revelation. As I put these thoughts down they seem pretty feeble. I may write more on Revelation as I get to the end of the book.