Friday 17 August 2012

Background

John, the writer of the Book of Revelation, ends his book with avision of "the river of the water of life" (v. 1), which sparkleslike crystal, and which nourishes the tree of life, which isfruitful and abundant. There is a promise that there will be nomore night, light will come from God and the faithful will rule askings for ever. It is a hope-filled, positive and encouragingvision to the faithful people of the small Churches of Asia Minor(western Turkey) whom the Book of Revelation addresses. It is areally big vision full of promise and hope for a smallish andstruggling Church.

In preparing to face Christ as judge, we might want to change ourlives, attitudes and behaviour. The Book of Revelation invites itsreaders and hearers to prepare to be judged. The invitation is tochoose between allegiances to the dominant powers of the world inwhich they live. So, many believe, it's a choice between givingobedience to the Roman Empire and the emperor Domitian (who reignedfrom AD 81-96) and following Christ. There is an opportunity tochoose between a way which is life-affirming and one which leads todeath and destruction.

Just as the faithful people in the Churches of Asia Minor areinvited to make a choice between life and death, light anddarkness, the way of Christ and the way of secular powers, so weare invited to choose. Just like Jesus who chooses the way of thecross, the way of love and the way of light and hope.

To Ponder

• Do you feel ready to meet God?

• What would you want to say to God?

• What, or who do you give allegiance to?