Some people think the book of Revelation deserves the subtitle, ‘handle with care’, but I suspect that those who would recommend such a subtitle would probably prefer that we avoid reading Revelation altogether without their specific guidance. But 1 Timothy 3:16 says:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”
So let’s be bold and read it! We can definitely get a good feel for the book before going into a verse-by-verse study with an end times specialist’s study guide. So here is a very basic approach that will help you get the most from your initial read-through.
1. Read it remembering that it was given to help those who read it first
As soon as you start reading the first chapter, you’ll see that the Revelation was given to the Apostle John for the benefit of a group of churches that he knew well and had a concern for. We need to keep this in mind. If we cannot see how what he recorded benefited them, it is unlikely to benefit us.
As you read on you are going to discover that God gave John some very specific pictures, presented in a graphic and stylised way that might be unfamiliar to us but which despite their symbolic nature clearly apply to the future. If we don’t keep the initial readers in mind, we could end up with an interpretation that fills our heads with fantasies and our hearts with fear.
At the very least we have to see that the pictures would have given the believers at the end of the first century a fresh perspective and a genuine hope in the midst of their own troubles.
Some of these troubles were quite specific. All seven churches in what is now the Aegean region of Turkey probably could trace their roots back some 50 or 60 years to the time when Paul was teaching in Ephesus. Despite John’s subsequent arrival, some had lost focus and momentum.
The risen Jesus addresses their local challenges, instructing them to deal with these before they go on to see what will face the Church worldwide in the years ahead. His corrections and encouragements to these churches can have relevance for us today.
2. Read it holding onto God’s greatness
As you are noticing the significance of the original recipients, you will also be registering God’s greatness. John does not hold back in describing the one who is about to reveal things to him.
No sooner has Jesus appeared to him on the island of Patmos, than John finds himself flat on the floor, overwhelmed by the awesomeness of his risen Lord. That sense of awe then continues throughout the book.
The unique thing about the book of Revelation is that it continually gives glimpses into heaven, alongside pictures of what will be happening on the earth. This is God’s way of constantly assuring us that he is in charge. This is the BIG message of the book. If you miss this you have missed what Revelation primarily exists to reveal.
3. Read it holding onto God’s graciousness
As well as God’s greatness you will see God’s graciousness. This is a book that is meant to draw us closer to Jesus, not out of fear but in response to his love and kindness.
You will see the gracious way in which Jesus addresses each of the seven churches, showing them his relevance to their need before urging them to put things right in readiness for a reward.
You will probably come to see that rewards for overcomers are actually a feature of this book. The section after section ends with joyous and triumphant scenes in heaven in which God wants us to participate. Make sure that you see beyond the pain and problems to God’s greatness and graciousness.
4. Read it so as to capture the flow
Unless you are reading very slowly, you won’t have to read for long before you notice that there is a pattern to the book. Of course, as Revelation is ‘God-breathed’ it is capable of being read at a snail’s pace and examined in depth, but it’s hard to believe that’s how John would have received it.
In the midst of its relentless picture-upon-picture presentation, John would never have missed seven as a recurring theme. John used seven signs and seven ‘I am’ statements in his gospel. So having begun with seven churches, we move on to seven seals that unfold history, seven trumpets that sound out God’s judgement, and seven plagues and seven bowls that pour out God’s wrath.
Each of these builds up to a note of triumph, as does the section between the seven trumpets and seven plagues. That is a section that records the persecution under the dragon and the two beasts (Satan and his helpers).
Resolve from the outset that in the midst of all the symbolism you are going to press on with your reading, gaining that sense of momentum that John must have had when God was showing him these things.
Marvel at the build-up to an ultimate victory when the world system (Babylon) collapses and Jesus returns to bring in a new heaven and earth.
5. Read it with God’s ultimate plan in view
My final tip for your introductory read-through would be to take a peep at chapters 21 and 22 first so that you know where you are heading. This will give you a picture of God’s complete restoration, with the devil and all his forces gone, the fallen world wrapped up, and a new order in place.
If you keep this in mind you can land on some treasures as you read from chapters 1 to 20. Make sure that you are inspired to live as described in 12:11
“ They triumphed over him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death”
If Revelation encourages us to live like this, it is definitely a book worth reading.