If you are thinking about reading the bible in some focused way this year, I would like to encourage you to read the book of Revelation in 2022. Why? Because God has given us this last book in the bible as a gift to help understand what will happen in the future. Many people shy away from reading this prophetic book because of some confusing and dramatic visions of a future apocalypse. I was like that until I decided to read through Revelation once a week for about three months (about three chapters a day) a few years ago. I found myself both absorbed in the End Time story and excited about what God was saying to us about the closing years of human history.

In particular we see three themes clearly spelled out to encourage our faith. We see the theme of majesty. The overarching picture of Revelation is that God is on his heavenly throne, fully in control of the world and cosmic events. Time and time again, angels are worshipping our Trinitarian God as the glorious king of the universe. Our hearts are caught up in this praise around the throne. Secondly we see the theme of eternity. There are dramatic events depicted on earth as evil and global shaking increase, but there is also an eternal plan revealed, a vision of a new heaven and earth, and a God who is beyond both the beginning and end of history and holding it all together. Our minds are expanded by seeing this greater perspective on history. Thirdly we see the theme of victory. Jesus returns as the rider on a heavenly horse to defeat evil, overturn the horrors of the Antichrist regime, and bring his peaceful and glorious kingdom fully on earth. The author, apostle John, was part of a persecuted church under tyrannical oppression of faith. He saw hope in his vision, hope of a better world and a God whose love overcomes all enemies. For those of us despairing of the suffering and evil in the world, this book strengthens our faith that good not evil has the last word in the story of our world. Jesus wins!

If you would like to understand the book of Revelation better, have a look at the latest X Rhythms discussion vlog I have been part of in ‘The Forerunner Cry’ series. In this 20 minute group chat we uncover some of the core issues and themes about how to read Revelation:

For more in depth understanding, you can buy my book ‘The Forerunner Cry’ and read through the detailed section on the book of Revelation. Buy through the link on this website.

As we continue to live through uncertain and shaking times, should 2022 be the year you get to grips with understanding the book of Revelation?

God bless you at the start of this year.