"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keeps what is written in it, for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3, ESV.

Are you often confused or scared when you read the book of Revelation? Do you struggle to understand the narrative, timeline, and imagery of the book? You are not alone. In many African tales, both written and oral, creatures that don’t resemble “normal” ones are often considered evil, demonic, or cultic. A creature with more or fewer than two eyes is assumed not to be from God. We read of beings with horns, wings, and multiple faces, and we close the book, concluding, “I’ll understand it when the time comes.” Some of us may never pick the book up again.

Overarching Purpose

However, the opening verses of Revelation set the perspective for us. The author proclaims, “Blessed is the one..." (Rev 1:3). Again, he declares, "Grace and peace from [the triune God]..." (1:4). We are reminded that it is from "...him who loves us and has freed us..." (1:5). Take note of the words, 'blessed', 'grace', 'peace', 'love' etc. Revelation is meant to endow its readers, hearers, and keepers with the love of the triune God. In it, we see God as a loving father who tends to his persecuted and discouraged children. It should strengthen and refresh us. We should rejoice in the assurance and the eternal rewards promised to all who persevere to the end.

Perseverance and Eternal Reward

As the book opens, Christ appears as a High Priest dwelling among the churches. What a beautiful picture of the one who intercedes on our behalf (Rom 8:24, Heb 7:24-25). He is the Son of Man in Daniel 7 and 10, who judges the wicked, but gives good gifts to his people (Dan 7:26-27). Likewise, here he sends his messengers to warn, to strengthen, to comfort, and to assure his people. They are safe in his disciplining hands. Each letter closes with a promise of reward for those who conquer. Conquer what? The trials, temptations and tribulations before them. Are we any different?

The Triune God as the Central Agent

Readers are then drawn to see the Triune God seated—undisturbed and unshaken—on His throne, forever worshipped and adored (Rev 4). We see risen Lamb and the Holy Spirit accomplishing God’s mission (Rev 5-6) so that God's people from every tribe, tongue, and nation stand before the throne (Rev 7), saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (7:10). He will wipe away every tear and guide them to springs of living water. They shall be at rest with him forever. Isn’t this a blessing to rejoice over? We may not have tasted it wholly, but we will. Even as judgment is poured out and people refuse to repent (Rev 8-9), God still sends his people into the wicked world to prophecy and call men to repentance (Rev 10-11). It was and is a dangerous task, yet "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Isa 52:7, Rom 10:15). 

Yet the victorious will be with Christ—the One whom the devil endeavoured and failed to destroy (Rev 12). Now, Satan has turned his attention to the Church, and we will feel his wrath, but his doom is sure. God has already had the last word. Dear Christian, let this hope sink deep into your heart: no evil plans of the devil will destroy or annihilate the believer. May we be encouraged by this, that “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death" (Rev 12:10-11).

The Certainty of God's Victory

The devil may assemble his minions—both earthly and demonic (Rev 13-20)—but God will remember their doom and bring it to pass. There shall be two feasts in the end: one, a wedding feast; the other, a feast for the birds of the air (Rev 19). It is a dreadful image, but a comforting one for God’s people. We will be joined to Christ forever, and he will call us his bride, his wife (21:9). Thus, this earth will pass away with all its troubles and evils, then the New Jerusalem will be ushered in, full of goodness and joy. Nothing evil will enter or be found in it (21:27). May the words of the Holy Spirit through the apostle John ever be in our minds and hearts. Let us meditate on them day and night and trust the Spirit to mature us in Christ's likeness.

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates" Rev 22:14

This article has been written by Buddy M. Muthama, a regular contributor to the Injili Blog.