* Affiliate links included.
When I told my friends I was reading Revelation, their responses showed why they shied away from reading the last book of the Bible. “I don’t understand it,” said one. Another replied, “It’s too scary for me.”
I can relate to their comments, but perhaps they missed the prologue. Revelation is the only book of the Bible that comes with this promise to readers and listeners: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3 NIV).
So whether we understand this book of the Bible or not, reading it brings blessings.
To me, reading Revelation feels like reading a fast-paced thriller. The predicted coming events seem unreal and unthinkable because they are unlike anything I’ve known. Who has seen a hundred-pound hailstone or experienced hail and fire mixed with blood? Who can imagine a great, blazing star falling from the sky and turning one-third of the rivers bitter? If a movie were made from this book, it would be filled with amazing special effects.
But what saddens me is the response of those living during the time these things happen. According to Revelation 16:9, “They cursed the name of God . . .but refused to repent and glorify him.”
Yet God deserves glory. So I especially appreciate the passages in Revelation that praise God and tell of His holiness and worthiness. It speaks of Him as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. He’s the God “who is, and who was, and who is to come.”
Although the events in Revelation may seem unfathomable, it’s not a fictional book. Everything recorded is true and will take place according to God’s sovereign plan and timetable. So, instead of avoiding this book, I encourage you to read it to see God’s power, majesty, and ultimate victory. Jesus wins in the end, and those who have put their faith in Him share His victory.
The book closes with, “Yes, I am coming soon.” That’s our hope. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
For insight about the Book of Revelation, consider reading David Jeremiah’s book, Agents of the Apocalypse: A Riveting Look at the Key Players of the End Times
along with the Scripture.
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
