The events we see happening in our nation and around the world have brought up a lot of talk about the end times among Christians. Perhaps those “Perilous Times” that Paul wrote to Timothy have arrived. [1 Timothy 3:1-5]
I have read article after article talking about the events in the Book of Revelation. Authors are applying some of those ‘prophetic revelations’ found in Scripture to what we see broadcast in the media each day. Everywhere we turn people are talking about globalism and the Anti-Christ, the Mark of the Beast, and other such things.
Maybe we need to back up a bit here.
When John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos Jesus appeared to him and showed him what John would later record as the Book of Revelation. Jesus did not start with the Anti-Christ or the Mark of the Beast. He did two things first: 1) He gave a revelation of Himself, and 2) He spoke to the churches about what was right and what was wrong within them. Only after that did He speak of the difficulties that would arise as God reclaims all that is His by His Authority as Creator, Redeemer, King of Kings, and LORD of Lords.
If we are in the last days now – and we are certainly closer to the coming of Christ than any generation before us – then maybe, we should do it Jesus’ way. First, we need to reclaim a true vision of Him. John said we would be blessed simply by reading the Book of Revelation, so start there … at the beginning.
Rev 1:12-18: “I [John] turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ‘like a son of man,’ dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.’”
Want a double blessing today? Read that again!
Let us focus first on Christ Jesus our King. Let us do the ‘end times’ His way!
