Unraveling the Revelation
Devotional Readings from the Apocalypse, written from an A-millennial perspective
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"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" (1:3). There is a three-fold blessing in these words that have been noted by Bible students for centuries. Blessed are the people who read the words, hear the words, and those who will take to heart the words recorded here. Anyone who has literary skills can read the words and anyone who has a sense of hearing can listen to what is being read. However, the full blessing only comes when the third part of the beatitude is realized. It is those who take the meaning of the words seriously and structure their lives in accordance with them who can get in on the rewards that come from the blessing. As with the entire Bible, the words of the Revelation are meant for our edification and benefit. They are not meant to be a sermon that we will hear and forget. The reading is not to be "checked off" as one more spiritual exercise completed. These are words for us to ponder, to chew on, and to let sink in. God has been gracious enough to provide for us an open door to see what He has planned for this world and to take this opportunity lightly would be foolish indeed. John gives us the reason for the seriousness with which we should approach these writings: "The time is near." Though centuries have passed since these words were originally penned, the urgency has not passed. The time for fulfillment is closer now than ever. We dare not be asleep at our posts in these last days. Great events are happening all around us and we want to be wide-awake to see just what the Lord has in store for us and for our world.
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About the Book
Far too often the last book of the Bible has been used to fuel fanatical speculation or in ways meant only to appeal to the sensational. As a result, the message contained therein is often misunderstood and can drive the reader to despair, or even worse, heresy. The purpose of this book is to present The Revelation of Jesus Christ as a word of hope and encouragement that a struggling world needs desperately to hear. Written in a daily devotional form it can be digested in "bite size" portions or studied at length for continuity. The overall message of the book brings to light the words of Jesus: "In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
About the Author
Randy James has spent over thirty years as a pastor and evangelist in the United States and served for three years as the Director of Spiritual Development and Chaplain at Africa Nazarene University in Kenya. He graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Religion from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Doctorate in Religious Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary. He has been married to Mary Jane since 1974 and has two children who are also involved in full-time ministry in the United States.