Thursday 24 January 2008

Background

As we read the book of Revelation, we can easily get lost or putoff by the difficult imagery and unusual language. Some will readthe book as a kind of blueprint for the future and see in variousrecent (or not so recent) events a fulfilling of the propheciesmade here by John the Divine, the traditional author ofRevelation.

Yet, we need to remind ourselves that these words were written tospeak to a particular people at a particular point in their history- followers of Christ, who were being persecuted for their faith.To them comes this message of hope and assurance, with anexhortation to hold fast to their faith despite alldifficulties.

It is in this context then that we read the words of chapter 5.Here is a vision of God the Redeemer, of Jesus, described here as"the Lamb" who through his death has conquered sin - that is, oursand the whole of creation's separation from God and falling shortof his purpose.

Who is worthy to open the scroll? The Lamb, "standing as if it hadbeen slaughtered". It is the crucified Christ who alone is worthy.And by his death, he has drawn into God's kingdom "Saints fromevery tribe and language and people and nation" (verse 9).

Here is a vision of hope for a world and a people who doubt God, orfeel pulled away from God by the pressures of society. The messageis that God is in control, whatever appearances might indicate tothe contrary. This is God's world and through Christ, the Lamb, allcan be drawn to God.

To Ponder

What gives you assurance that this is truly God'sworld?

What causes you to doubt?

Where do you find hope?