We had to climb through the night to reach the top of Mount Warning, Australia’s furthest point east where the sun first touches the continent. Here I am with my sons Levi and Jon.

Scripture
Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book. Revelation 22:7

Observation
Christians should read Revelation more and more. But most are afraid of what they consider a doomsday book. Revelation has become to some a boogeyman to supposedly spook them about the end of the world.

But Revelation is nothing of the sort. This is not a book about the future; rather it is a book about Jesus. In Revelation, and in this book alone, do we see Jesus as he really is. In fact the picture in this book is far clearer than any of the Gospels. The only description we are given of Jesus physical appearance comes from this text. In the these last pages of the Bible we see Jesus glorified as he is for all eternity.

That sense of Christ’s position, authority, power and honor irons out our thinking so wadded by our confused age. We know that no matter how dark days may appear not only will Jesus win but he is winning now. We also see through the money, position, power, threats, corruption, debauchery that fill every TV screen and every human relationship and see that evil must and will come to an end.

Life is not forever and one day with our without human permission Christ will return and upset everyone’s schedule. That day is closer now than yesterday. That alone is reason to read this book. But the events of the news should send us there. Israel is reborn. Europe is united. Iran is emerging as a world power. The United States now occupies Babylonia. Gog and Magog are flexing their muscles. Revelation seems very current to me.

But we should not read Revelation just to satisfy our curiosity. In some way the book confuses us as much as it helps us understand the future. Instead we should read the book for one reason: to be blessed with a better understanding of just who Jesus is. As diamonds are best viewed against the black velvet of the jeweler’s box so too Jesus is seem best when we contrast his current glory with every power of evil that opposes him.

Application
The principles of Revelation must become my life principles. It launches with urgent messages to the churches. Let me speak those. It calls us to worship in difficult times. Help me to do that. It separates us from everything that attracts us. Let me come apart. It calls me to unmask the powers of the Antichrist already at work. Help me to discern that. And best of all, it calls me to love Jesus more because I have seen him more clearly.

Prayer
Father, though I have not seen him, I love him and my heart is filled with inexpressible joy today as I receive the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul. Even though there are so many good things to hold onto in this life, still I’m excited to say, “Come Lord Jesus.”