Getting Apocalyptic - January 28, 2009

Good Wednesday morning! Winter has reclaimed its time and will stay for a bit now. A new day of serving begins for those of us who love our Lord Jesus! I have complained about the use of words in this message before today, but one came to mind not so long ago. Apocalypse, when did that word become a word of dread and doom? We have read a devotional from Pastor Rogers that noted the Greek root of apocalypse means an unveiling, like an artist does when his or her work is completed. Revelation is written in apocalyptic style, meaning that Jesus unveils God's plan for the final days. The problem I think lies in the two sides, those who believe and those who do not. Think back to a time that you had not surrendered to Jesus, a time before you believed in the Good News, what did you think of the visions in Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew, and Revelation when you first heard or read them? I recall that the visions of the end times struck terror into my mind.

Now the difference is great, more like John at the end of Revelation; "Amen, come Lord Jesus!" What a great day that will be when our Lord returns to take up His Kingdom! However, to the world the Apocalypse is a time of death and destruction. From this we get apocalyptic novels and movies where all or much of the world is destroyed. Usually the story is then told through a few survivors struggling in their own strength to start again. Sometimes, as in a Twilight Zone episode from back in the day, there is only one survivor. These stories are interesting as a kind of "what if?" exercise for our minds, but we know that end times will not be anything but what God has laid out. We take comfort from Revelation not from a wish to see anyone suffer, but from the knowledge that Jesus is in control of all things.

Thinking about an 'apocalyptic' type of story, as in the modern meaning of apocalypse, can you imagine the feelings and thoughts that must have gone through the minds of Noah and his family when they landed? Their first new babies must have been some welcome additions to the world! The Bible is full of amazing stories. Take some time to check them out today!

Bucky