Revelation

Some have asked about details from Revelation to try to understand if that the apocalyptic prophecy of plagues signifying the end of the world is what is going on now.

My first response is found in Genesis 9 where God promises never again to destroy the earth. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the loving Parent, the One who creates, sustains and nurtures us. That loving nature of God is not predisposed to destroy the Beloved Creation which includes both us and the earth.

Revelation is the last book to be accepted into the biblical canon and in some sects, was not accepted at all. It is metaphor. In last week's sermon I talked a little about signs and symbols pointing to some deeper meaning. The Book of Revelation is full of imagery--full of signs and symbols that are meant to convince the seven churches being written to that they need to change their ways. In addition to those elements of a letter written to the seven churches, The Book of Revelation has elements of an apocalyptic prophecy for those societies. I do not read it as a prophecy of the end of the world, although many do. Remember that over the 2000+ years since the Book of Revelation was written, there have been many plagues, many earthquakes, many hurricanes that people have experienced, and it has not been the end of the world.

It is fear that would have us believe the Covid-19 pandemic signifies the end of the world. Jesus tells us repeatedly, "Do not fear." "Do not be afraid." "Fear not, little flock." Jesus does this to still our anxious, fearful hearts--to bring us comfort in the midst of our suffering. Jesus tells us that he is "with us" on many occasions and that home and heaven are within us. I believe, with all my heart, that Jesus came to this earth in humility and love as the Son of God to show God's grace and forgiveness; that Jesus sent the Comforter/Advocate/Holy Spirit to be present with us now and in the time to come and that the second coming is here as the Holy Spirit acting and moving within each of us as we live the gospel, share God's love, grace and forgiveness with others.

One of my favorite hymns (whose author is listed only as P.M.) sings,

Pilgrim on earth, home and heaven are within thee,

Heir of the ages and child of the day.

Cared for, watched over, beloved and protected,

Walk thou with courage each step of the way.

Truthful and steadfast though trials betide thee,

Ever one thing do thou ask of thy Lord,

Grace to go forward, wherever He guide thee,

Gladly obeying the call of His word.

Healed is thy hardness, His love hath dissolved it,

Full is the promise, the blessing how kind;

So shall His tenderness teach thee compassion,

So all the merciful, mercy shall find.

Another word of comfort that we find in scripture comes from a letter of Paul to the church at Corinth:

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. 

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, 

but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. 

1 Corinthians 10:13

The events that have befallen us may seem overwhelming but we can be assured that we can turn to our church family to love and support one another. We can turn to God in prayer to find comfort and guidance.

God does indeed provide the way. 

Jesus does indeed walk alongside. 

The Holy Spirit does indeed comfort us, motivate us and compel us to be the hands and feet, hearts and mind of love in this world, even at such a time as this.

Pastor Cheryl

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