The $64,000 Question
There was a 1950’s game show by the same name as my title. It’s become a catch-phrase for any question that is difficult to answer.
That’s how many feel about the unfolding events of the End Times. It raises a number of $64,000 Questions about the Tribulation, the Rapture, the coming of Antichrist, and the seals, trumpets and bowls. One person summarized the feelings of a lot of people: “I’ve just always been confused about this and hear over-complicated responses, yet I can’t make heads or tails of Revelation when it comes to the big picture.”
Here’s how I approach the Book of Revelation. I personally love to read it because it carries a promise: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)
The blessing is found in seeing Jesus Christ throughout the book as our all-sufficient Savior and conquering King. Since it was first written, Revelation has assured every generation that God is ultimately in control of history, and that he is bringing to completion the redemption of his people and the judgment of the wicked. It gives much-needed rest to our minds when we see the world unraveling around us.
I’m less concerned about believers understanding the details of certain end-time events and far more interested that they keep themselves ready for the return of Christ.
That seems to be the emphasis of Jesus in the parables about his Second Coming: Stay alert! Stay busy for the Lord! (see Matthew 25:1-30)
Peter’s advice in spot-on: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God.” (2 Peter 3:11)
I recommend that as you read Revelation, be refreshed and encouraged as you see Jesus worshiped as the Redeemer-Lamb, or watch him presiding over every detail, and shout with joy as he rides on his white horse in victory.
In may be helpful to keep a study Bible close at hand whenever questions arise about a specific passage. Revelation was never meant to confuse us, but always intended to compel us to follow closer to Jesus.
Finally, set your heart on the final words of Jesus in Revelation 22:20, “Surely I am coming soon.”
