I am a bug big person (although the former may be right since some people-but I won’t mention Jo’s name-say I bug them). 🙂
I repeat: I am a big person. I am 6’5″ and tip the scales between 210-214. I have grown 1 1/2″ since I graduated college. Go figure. To some of the little ones running around the church building (or my house…aforementioned wife will go unnamed) I am a pretty imposing figure. I can only begin to imagine how intimidated the little people feel whenever I come around. That is one reason I like to get down on their level. ‘Course as I have “gained in age” it has gotten harder to get back up…but I digress. But I think you will agree that big people can be pretty intimidating to little ones. I can’t think of too much these days which intimidates me, except maybe that pizza I can no longer (and shouldn’t) finish.
I love studying the Bible. I like digging into passages to find their deeper meanings. But I gotta tell you: I am intimidated by some subjects. Subjects like the Trinity, and Election/Predestination, and some of the words I can’t pronounce. I just avoid them. 🙂
But I am teaching Wednesday night on my least favorite book of the Bible (except for some in the OT). This book intimidates me! I look at it; I read it; I even study it; and still I go “what in the world is he trying to say?” I’m not alone. Well, at least in my lack of understanding. Some love to tackle this book. They live, eat, and breathe it. Me? I would just as soon ride my bike indoors (a real punishment) than study this book. The book? You’ve probably already guessed:
REVELATION
Say it ain’t so! Yep, ’tis true. For the past two years I have been teaching what I have called Route 66, which has been shortened to 66. Surprisingly, the class attendance has held steady except for one who has left the church. Along the way we have gained a person or two. It has taken us 2 years to finish what is supposed to be a one year course. I am not sure how anyone could be foolish enough to say that, but it is true. We have taken our time, and along the way some breaks. But the next two weeks are on Revelation. I have been studying for hours today and will do so tomorrow as well, and I have to tell you: I know why I am not never have been keen on teaching it. Ay yi yi!
Gives new meaning to intimidating. But there is silver in the lining. Not only is this course about over; not only will I not have to teach Revelation again for quite awhile; I will begin teaching 66 all over again February 5th. That kind of eagerness to learn makes even teaching Revelation again not as intimidating.
Anyone else in my predicament?
I’m not crazy about Revelation because it just seems like it takes a lot of leaps to get what most people teach about it.
My feelings also.
Revelation is a tough one. Perhaps John was just on an acid trip? Other than that I just keep trying to come back to it and perhaps glean a bit more each time that makes some kind of sense or gives me some kind of perspective.
While I won’t go the acid trip route 🙂 , I can go with you on your making your way back to it from time to time. Unfortunately, my perspective doesn’t change much. lol
I think I can help…hopefully.
Revelation speaks of many bad things to come. Many.
But the most common verb in the Book is (in the Greek) ‘nikao’…from where we get the word (name of a shoe company) ‘Nike’.
It means ‘to conquer’.
Bad things will happen…but Christ will conquer. Christ is the Conqueror. He will conquer.
The Conueror…The Savior…The King…will get us through it all. So, fear not.
There is a saying, “I read the end of the book.” That is what I tell people when they ask me the gist of Revelation. I see a Conqueror. Unfortunately, when teaching a class, that doesn’t hold much water.
Why not?
That’s the whole point of the Book.
Not that we can ‘do’ anything about it.
The Book is a source of comfort for the afflicted. Like the gospel itself.
I reckon what I meant was just having the class meet for me to say “I’ve read the end of the book now you can go home” would not suffice. 🙂 Unfortunately, I do have to teach some of it. And I will.
That’s right, Bill. Teach about the terrible things that will come, one day (maybe progressively worse)…but also tach about the fact that we will be ok…because of Christ…in the end.
Of course you have to make it last an hour…or whatever…but that’s the key message in it all.
I think Revelation may be the most misunderstood books in the Bible.
I can’t and won’t disagree with you Dan.
I love enigmas…
is that why you married Gary? 🙂
Open book
🙂
Can’t wait for tonight!
I think it will be interesting. Totally different approach.
Misunderstood and confusing, as well as misapplied. A pastor I know once said something to the effect that no one cares what your eschatology is if your lived out theology is bad. I think we tend to put too much weight on that book, but I’m usually willing to listen to what someone has to say on the subject. You’ll do fine with this, Bill. 🙂
I like what that pastor said Rick. I agree there are def some who put too much weight on the book. I’m looking forward to a unique study for us tonight. Thanks for the encouragement Rick.
I like it, not that I’m saying I grasp all of it, but I like it just the same. I like looking at small pieces of it and digging in and pondering them specifically. I like to search out things that I’ve not read about in all the volumes of opinions on the book and subject.
I’m fascinated by things like the saints in the throne room who are asking when their deaths will be avenged (my words). And they’re already there! They’ve suffered before John wrote the book! I’m not sure what the likeness of not writing things in our chronological time and space would gain?
I’m also intrigued that the words “the great tribulation” never appear in all of scripture. Only great tribulation is mentioned in Revelations and it is the same translation for pretty much all the other times the word tribulation is used in scripture… if my memory serves me (fingers crossed).
Since we know the ending, the other isn’t anything to be divided on and none of us know for sure the exact details “nor the hour.”
There just had to be one in the crowd didn’t there? 🙂 One thing that strikes me Floyd is how we often “find” what we want to find, whether in Revelation or elsewhere. And i am certainly not going to set dates.
That’s what happens when you invite even your suspect friends!
yep, it is a risk (but one I’m willing to take). LOL
I’ve really enjoyed studying Revelation with someone else who really knows their stuff. It’s fascinating. But even they were like “I’m not exactly sure about this passage here.”
Methinks I will be saying that phrase a lot. 🙂
As a women’s bible teacher God would have to move heaven and earth for me to teach on Revelation. The pastor I got saved under loved to teach any book that had prophecy in. Will be praying for you Bill.
Thanks Betty. I have to admit avoidance tends to be my modus operandi for Revelation. But can’t avoid it this time. 🙂
I’ve done group studies of Revelation several times. Sometimes scratching the surface, sometimes digging pretty deep. Every time the conclusion has been “We tried but we don’t understand all of this. The main thing is, have I accepted Jesus and what am I doing until that day comes”.
Most definitely the right question to ask Karen.