Beginning With the End: Thoughts on John's Revelation Part I

This year I am doing something that I've never done before. I'm beginning my Bible reading with the book of Revelation, which is odd on several accounts. For one, people usually start new Bible reading plans in January, which almost always start you out in Genesis, Matthew, or a little bit of both. Additionally, I've never been one who was given much to the study of end times prophecy. Before I start getting into my thoughts on this read-through I will first expound a bit upon why I have almost altogether avoided eschatology, as well as why I now seek to gain a better understanding of it.

A short while ago Stanely Grenz wrote a little book entitled "Who Needs Theology Anyway?" which I have regretfully yet to read. Until a little over a week ago, I might have written a companion volume entitled "Who Needs Eschatology Anyway?" However my premise would been much different than that of Grenz - I would have asserted the non-essential nature of understanding end times doctrine. In eschatology with Wayne Wachsmuth I was assigned to write two position papers: one defending my position on the millenium, and another on my position on the relationship between the Great Tribulation and the Rapture of the Church. I combined the two into one paper and entitled it: "An Inconclusive Look at the End Times: Why I Am a Panmillenialist." I still maintain much of what I said in the paper. I don't think we're suppose to have a complete understanding of how everything will happen, and to try to make a timeline is neither fruitful for finding truth nor is it profitable for the edification of the Church. (Who is already more divided than she needs to be.) The summation of my main thoughts and feelings of the past have been: "Be ready for whatever comes, but rather than spending your time starring at the sky, keep your hands busy until He returns."

I think those thoughts are very Biblical, (1&2 Thes) but I can now see that I've only had half of the picture. Yes, we cannot figure everything out, Jesus doesn't even know all of the details of the Father's plan. (Just try to wrap your mind around that one!) However, Jesus condemned the Jews for not being able to discern the time that they were living in. The study of prophecy may not reveal the fulfillment of the prophecy ahead of time, but it will allow the studied person with a humble heart to recognize when that prophecy is fulfilled.

It is with these eyes - eyes that desire to better understand the age in which I am living, and the one to come - that I am reading through Revelation once more. I see however, that it has gotten quite late. I fear I must retire, and begin my thoughts on Revelation with part II.

Good night all . . . and post, please!!! I know God is putting incredible things on your hearts, don't hesitate to share them with us.