Saturday 26 January 2008

Background

The language in the book of Revelation can seem obtuse anddifficult. It's often hard to make sense of the imagery and we mayhave difficulties today in understanding the apocalyptic style ofwriting (which speaks of revelations and prophecies using compleximages). But Revelation was written for a people undergoingpersecution. Its purpose was to encourage the early Christians(with symbols and messages that they would understand) to hold fastto their faith by assuring them of the continuing presence andpower of God and to give them hope for the future.

The earlier part of the chapter (verses 4-8) speaksof the people of Israel - those who are 'sealed' or belonging toChrist - part of the kingdom of God. From each of the 12 tribes,12,000 are so sealed. This is not, as it has sometimes beeninterpreted, a limiting figure. Quite the opposite…

The number 12, and then the 12,000, is a picture of completenessand wholeness. And then in the passage we have read there is aglorious picture of the openness and completeness of the kingdom ofGod - "a great multitude that no one could count, from everynation, from all tribes and peoples and languages …" (verse 9).This is all made possible because of the Lamb - Jesus - by whom thesealed are cleansed and made whole.

Here is a picture of hope, where there is neither hunger northirst, nor overwhelming, destructive heat; but only guidance "tosprings of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tearfrom their eyes" (verse 17).

The final verse contains a fascinating image - the Lamb who will betheir shepherd. It seems paradoxical and impossible, yet Christiansknow what is meant. Here is Jesus at the centre and heart of allthings. The one through whom God has worked to offer God's healinglove for all people, who is there to guide to a future of hope ifwe will follow.

To Ponder

What's your picture of the kingdom of God?

To what extent do you see the kingdom as a closedgathering of the elect, or as an open collection of people? Whatare the criteria for belonging?