In our culture we live in a very linear way; all calendars and watches. We want results and we want them in a ‘New York instant.’ I mention this because much of the difficulty in understanding, and thus appreciating, the Book of Revelation comes from trying to apply modern Western logic and literary style to the Book.
Revelation is two-thousand years old apocalyptic literature and to understand it we must always approach it from this perspective. The four Gospels all tell the story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection, each from a different perspective. In much the same way the cycles of seals, and trumpets, and bowls (chs. 15-16) are self-contained visions of God’s response to the evil in the world and the persecution of the people of God.
The thunders in chapter ten are another cycle of judgment. In apocalyptic writings there is often a place where God shortens the time of suffering for the sake of the people of God. (Mark 13:20) The message of the seven thunders is not written down by John. In this setting if the message is not written then it will not come to pass, thus shortening the time of suffering.
John’s eating of the scroll is reminiscent of Ezekiel 2-3 and makes the point that while the announcement of God’s judgment of evil may be pleasing, the reality of judgment is always bitter, no matter how well deserved.
What does today’s reading
reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change
anything in your life?
9-Oct-11 Rev. 11:1-19
No comments:
Post a Comment