I have always been a movie buff. In college, I even majored in Film. My best friend in high school worked at a theater, so if a movie was released between 1995-1998 there is a good chance I’ve seen it! I saw “Braveheart” and “Titanic” multiple times and vowed my future husband would absolutely have to be Scottish (I, of course, eventually married a Swede), and an adventurous artist (jackpot!). I fiercely “ugly-cried” through “Saving Private Ryan,” “Life is Beautiful,” and “Armageddon.” It wasn’t until the end of college when a series of movies moved me from obsessed to transfixed. I’m referring to “The Lord of The Rings” (LOTR). The redemptive suffering and presence of Christ seen in characters like Gandalf and Frodo, along with the ultimate defeat of evil at great cost, made me see the hope of Christ in powerful ways!
The Monster Storm of Chaos
When I think about the book of Revelation, I often liken it to LOTR, but ultimately, I like to focus on the hope of Jesus. Sure, the genre of Revelation can seem scary to dig into, but we need not fear it or its style. It’s similar to LOTR in its imagery, scope of story and characters and ultimately tells us of the victory of Christ. So let’s return to Revelation during this Lenten season. We will dig into imagery and characters; and there are many ways to interpret what we will be studying. In fact, there are four popular ways to view the events.
There is:
the view that everything already happened (preterist “past”)
the view that everything is yet to happen (futuristic) leading up to Christ’s return
the view that everything has been, will be, and is currently happening
— in chronological order (historicist)
the view that everything characterizes – in no certain order or time
– the entire church age (idealist)
and there is a fifth view (eclectic) that affirms elements of all four approaches.
So which one is it? How do we make the events relevant, reliable and resourceful for its original readers and for us today? I believe we start at the end. The book ends with an invitation to come to Christ (Revelation 22:17). Imagine, like Peter, James and John, you are shown a glimpse of the Lord of the cosmos (The Transfiguration in the Gospel accounts). Read Peter’s account from his second epistle:
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…. 2 Peter 1:16-21 (NIV) [Emphasis added.]
So let’s return to Revelation as we move towards Resurrection Sunday. Let’s boldly journey like in the Fellowship of the Ring. Let’s shine a light in dark places and ready our hearts for the best ending of all.
by Kris Thulson
