Keys to Happiness in … the Book of Revelation?

A daily revelation!

"Are you ready for the end?" asks Edwards, who is a big fan of the Apostle John's vision of the apocalypse as he lived in lonely exile on the Isle of Patmos. "In the last book of the Bible," she writes, " John wrote down the exact words of the risen Christ to help us prepare for our future with him. The book comes alive with color, sound, visions, songs, terror, triumph, warnings, and promises. Jesus even promises to bless us if we read Revelation, and all the more if we heed its instructions. To me, a study of Revelation seems timely. A few days before the crucifixion, the apostles asked Jesus what signs to expect when his return was imminent. His answer both excites and alarms me."

A daily revelation!

Edwards continues: John was known as the apostle Jesus loved; not that He did not love them all, but He held a special affection for John. John was the only apostle who did not run for his life when Jesus was arrested. Instead, he stood beside the women at the foot of the cross. Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to John. Years later, John was exiled to Patmos for his faith during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Scholars believe John wrote Revelation in AD 95 or 96. Later he was allowed to return to Ephesus, where many believe he died in his bed, the only apostle who was not martyred. Chapter 1 of Revelation sets the scene and describes the resurrected Christ in all his glory. Savor the richness of John’s words. See Jesus in your mind’s eye as preparation for the day you will meet him face to face. Get ready!

A daily revelation!

What voices draw you closer to Jesus? The internet? YouTube? Television programs and advertisements? Films? Video games? Billboards? Occasionally uplifting words come across your screen, a book might inspire you, a friend’s email might precipitate a more intimate connection with God – but most of the time, the blaring messages distract you from a rich, full spiritual life. Everything in Pergamum distracted the Christians too. Oh, the pace of life there was slower than ours. Technology did not follow them home. But they lived in a wicked place bent on dirtying them with the mud of the culture, just like we do. Contradictory voices called: Assimilate. Compromise. Everybody does it. Another voice countered: No, don’t withdraw from the world or you cannot influence it. How do we navigate our culture in a manner that pleases Jesus?