Revelation: Hope Revealed • Founded in Truth | Messianic Livestream | Book of Revelation

Revelation: Hope Revealed • Founded in Truth | Messianic Livestream | Book of Revelation

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Pastor Matthew Vander Els, focuses on understanding the Book of Revelation not as a prophecy of fear and destruction, but as a revelation of Jesus Christ (Yeshua) as King and a powerful source of hope and encouragement for believers. The teaching emphasizes the historical context in which Revelation was written and encourages a fresh perspective when reading this often-misunderstood book.

The True Meaning of Revelation

The Greek word "apocalypse," which begins the Book of Revelation, literally means to reveal, an unveiling, or a pulling back of a veil. In contemporary culture, "apocalypse" is often associated with the end of the world, marked by explosions, disasters, and widespread destruction, largely influenced by Hollywood and fictionalized accounts. However, the original intent of Revelation is not to depict the planet's destruction, but rather to reveal the truth about Jesus Christ. As Simeon proclaimed in Luke chapter two, the revelation of Jesus is a light to the Gentiles, bringing salvation.

Therefore, Revelation should be understood as the apocalypse of Yeshua the Messiah, Yeshua the King. It unveils the true reality of what is happening now, what has happened, and what will happen, regardless of outward appearances. This book is not primarily about the end times, the Antichrist, or Satan, but about the reign and authority of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

Historical Context: Resistance Against Rome

The Book of Revelation was most likely written near the end of the first century AD, around 90-95 AD, during the reign of Emperor Domitian. This was a time of oppression for Christians in the Roman Empire. Rome was at the height of its power, and being a Christian was viewed negatively by both the government and the general populace. Christians followed a new Lord, Yeshua, which challenged the authority attributed to Caesar. They refused to participate in Roman wars and violence and would not worship the deified Caesar or the Roman gods.

Christians were seen as subversive because their ultimate loyalty was to Christ, not Rome. The Roman Empire, built on violence, exploitation, greed, and self-interest, was often referred to as Babylon by both Christians and Jews, echoing the Old Testament account of Babylon's destruction of the temple. This empire was also likened to a beast in biblical prophecy.

Rome used propaganda, such as the concept of Pax Romana (Roman peace), to promote its power and demand submission. This ideology presented Roman rule as the bringer of peace and security to those who yielded to its authority. Even coins featured the personification of Pax, reinforcing this message. Additionally, Rome had a civil religion where support for Caesar and the government was intertwined with the worship of the gods.

In this environment, Christians stood out as different, refusing to conform to the civil and religious norms of the empire. Revelation serves as a call to action for believers to live out their faith and worship the true Christ, separate from the oppressive Roman regime. It encourages nonviolent subversion to the evil that seeks to rule through political powers.

Reading Revelation: A Symphony, Not a Puzzle

The teaching emphasizes the importance of reading the Book of Revelation from front to back in one sitting, like experiencing a complete symphony. This allows the reader to grasp the overarching story and the flow of John's visions without being interrupted by the urge to analyze every detail immediately. It's crucial to avoid imposing preconceived notions or trying to tie the text to current events during this initial reading. Hollywood and fictional books have often tainted the understanding of Revelation, leading to misinterpretations.

Revelation employs symbolism and belongs to the genre of apocalyptic literature, which uses explosive and shocking imagery to portray historical and prophetic events. This imagery is meant to make a profound impact on the reader's heart and soul, prompting change and commitment. Just as Picasso's painting Guernica uses symbolic representation to convey the horrors of war, Revelation uses vivid symbols to communicate the realities of spiritual warfare and God's ultimate victory.

The core message of Revelation, reiterated in the opening verses, is about the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Everything John saw in his visions ultimately points back to Yeshua. The book is structured with scenes shifting between the earthly realm of chaos and tribulation and the spiritual realm or heaven, where God's reign and clarity are visible. This back-and-forth perspective offers hope by revealing the true reality behind outward appearances.

The Present Focus and Ultimate Hope

The teaching stresses the importance of being present in the moment. Worrying excessively about the past or the future can distract from the present opportunity to be a witness (martyr) of Christ. The Greek word for witness, "martyr," initially meant to be a full testament to Yeshua, later becoming associated with dying for Christ. Believers are called to focus on showing the love and mercy of Yeshua in their current circumstances, rather than being consumed by anxieties about government overreach or future events.

Despite the challenges and suffering depicted, Revelation ultimately points towards a glorious future. Revelation 21 describes the climactic moment when heaven collides with earth, and God's dwelling place is among his people. In this new reality, God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This is the trustworthy and true trajectory of God's plan. The difficulties faced by believers are like birth pains, which do not negate the beauty of what is to come.

Application for Everyday Life

• Prioritize your allegiance to Yeshua as King in all aspects of your life, recognizing His ultimate authority over worldly powers.
• Resist the pressure to compromise your faith and Christian ethics for the sake of worldly comfort or acceptance.
• Be fully present in each moment, focusing on the opportunities God provides to show love, mercy, and be a witness for Christ.
• Cultivate hope and trust in God's promises, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty.
• Read the Book of Revelation as a source of encouragement and strength, understanding it as a revelation of Christ's kingship.
• Actively resist evil in your daily life through faithful worship and allegiance to the Lamb.
• Focus on being a witness (martyr) for Yeshua in your community and to those around you who are hurting and in need of comfort and hope.
• Forgive others and address bitterness promptly, not allowing distractions about future anxieties to hinder present reconciliation and healing.

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