Day 361

Christ Can Do It

Read: Revelation 4-7

To understand Revelation we must realize that in terms of its type of literature it is mostly a form of writing called apocalyptic. Narrative writing, such as the description of what Christ did as found in the Gospels, must be taken literally. But apocalyptic literature must not be taken literally, although it must be taken seriously. It consists of visual descriptions which are meant to stir the whole person, rather than simply the mind. It uses metaphorical language which is misunderstood if taken literally.

John now has a vision of heaven. At the center of heaven sits God in all his glory. The physical eye may see the Roman legions marching through the streets, but Revelation shows true reality. It is not Caesar but God who has all power. Therefore to remain faithful to God even though it means death is far wiser than rejecting God as Caesar demands. O Christian, visualize the unseen reality of the throne of God in all his glory, and as a result, get your priorities straight.

Someone is needed to carry out God’s great plan (5:2). No one is found until Christ appears on the scene, he who is both like a lion and a lamb (vv. 5-6). Only he can open the scroll, that is, carry out the plan of God. As he opens it, there appear four horsemen, representing the various forces which God uses to unfold history. The section ends with a song of praise to God, who wipes away our tears.

PRAYER
Father, how good it is to know that our Savior is in control of history. Wipe away our tears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.