Day 360

Strength for Suffering

Read: Revelation 1-3

There are three basic ways to interpret the book of Revelation, and devout Christians differ by holding each position. One is the futurist view, in which most of the book deals with events near the end of the world. Another is the historic view, which sees the book as a prediction of events throughout history. The third is the preterist view, which holds that most of the book deals with what would happen shortly after the time the book was written, as Christians were faced with persecution by the Roman empire. I interpret the book on the basis of this last view since we read in 1:1, “what must soon take place” and in 1:3 “for the time is near.” In this view, the purpose of the book is not to give details regarding the end of the world, but to give courage to Christians who would soon suffer persecution at the hands of Rome and to Christians today who face suffering.

John is in exile on Patmos. Jesus Christ comes to him giving him a revelation which begins with seven letters addressed to churches in what is now western Turkey. Each letter follows a similar pattern and assures the church that Jesus is aware of their situation. “I know your works” (2:2), “I know your tribulation” (v. 9), and so on. What an encouragement in the midst of suffering. Jesus knows what is happening to us and he cares. He also offers reproof and discipline as needed because of his love for the church (3:19) but overall urges us to remain faithful to him.

PRAYER
Father, speak to us through this book which is so difficult for us to understand and yet promises a blessing for those who read, hear, and obey you. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.