Understanding Revelation

There probably has never been any book more misrepresented than the book of Revelations. To the casual reader it is a very mysterious book – yet, in spite of its mysterious nature, it still clearly conveys a profound sense of importance and urgent warning! Sadly, many have sought to take advantage of its “mysterious” nature to leverage it to their own advantage, by drawing attention to themselves and by making much money off of people’s curiosities and fears.

Although it is a book of many deep spiritual meanings, the Lord Jesus Christ intended it to be received and understood by all – just as he has intended for all to be able to forsake their sins and be saved. The first step to receiving the message is to have a humble and a broken spirit. No matter how much one studies, the intellectually self-righteous will never get it. The stubbornly self-willed will never come close to its real meaning. And the religious, yet still sinful heart, is extremely far from any kind of comprehension.

Jesus said “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” (Luke 10:21-22)

Clearly it is Jesus’ revelation. You must get it from him, and you don’t approach him for understanding just any way you want to!

In the very first verse of Revelations, Jesus tells his servant to deliver the message to His servants. It is only addressed to those with a heart of a servant. Do you comprehend what it means to be a servant? Don’t be so quick to answer this question – it is something you must experience and live to understand. Few in this day and age really know what it means to be wholly owned by someone else, and to do the bidding of your master first, before your own. And to take this further, to be a servant of Christ is to be a servant from a loving, willing, and obedient heart.

But don’t be discouraged if you are not yet his faithful servant. Over 40 years ago, I too was living for myself, although I was religious. But my heart was honestly seeking in the humblest way that I knew how, so Jesus had mercy on me, and revealed enough of his great love to me that I might turn completely away from my ways and ask forgiveness. This is the first step towards “The Revelation of Jesus Christ!”