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From beginning to end, the book of Revelation is about the Bride of Christ. Jesus has come, called, saved, redeemed, and gathered to Himself a Bride out of every nation, tribe, and tongue. And though all the forces of hell and unbelief array themselves against her, He will guard, keep, and continue to prepare her for Himself, until He finally returns to bring her to their eternal home in glory.
Revelation is a book for the Church – to strengthen, embolden, and secure her to the Lord. It is a book about the Church – what she is, what she is called to do, and what she should expect in this world and the next. Revelation is Jesus letter of love and assurance to His Bride, and thus, when we read Revelation, we must always be seeking whatever the Lord wants us to learn about being more the people He has called us to be.
Yes, troubling and disturbing times will come. But we are the Bride of Christ, and nothing can change that. Yes, people will oppose and seek to defeat us. But we, the Bride of Christ, have the Lord’s assurance that He is bringing us through all our trials to Himself, strengthening and perfecting us to meet Him in the air at His return in glory.
Churches grow as men and women are equipped for those works of love that build up the Body of Christ in unity and maturity (Eph. 4.11-16). So as we’re studying Revelation, we must listen carefully to hear the Lord’s voice leading us to greater maturity, more consistent love, and stronger patience and hope.
Let the world and the devil throw at us what they will. We are the betrothed of the Lord. We have his ring on our finger and His Word that “soon” and “shortly” we will be with Him forever. Look to Revelation for the Lord to continue His work of making us ready for the glorious wedding feast He is even now preparing.
Read Revelation 8-11
While the world in many ways is made subject to the ravages of sin, the Church continues as a faithful witness to her coming King. What can you see in these chapters to encourage you to greater faithfulness in your participation in the local church?
Glory to Glory
Today, encourage some fellow believers with the encouragement you receive as you read these chapters of Revelation. What specific actions can you take to help build-up your brothers and sisters in Christ today? What can you do to prepare yourself as a more loving Bride of your Savior and King?
Closing Prayer
From Psalm 80.14-19:
From Psalm 80.14-19:
Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts;
Look down from heaven and see,
And visit this vine
And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted,
And the branch thatYou made strong for Yourself.
It isburned with fire, it iscut down;
They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,
Upon the son of man whomYou made strong for Yourself.
Then we will not turn back from You;
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved!
Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Revelation: Introduction and Overview,” simply click here.
T. M. Moore
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.