In previous articles on the book of Revelation, we’ve seen that its clear purpose is to tell the people of God “those things which must be hereafter.” (Revelation 1:3,19)

But in addition to knowing the plan God has in mind for the close of this age, there are other blessings for the child of God when we study what appears to some to be an enigmatic book. Other books may inform us, but Revelation extends to our hearts specific blessings. Some of those are:


Confidence
In Eastern religions, history isn’t linear; it goes around and around in cycles. There is no permanent resolution. You keep circling (as in reincarnation) until you get it right. In the Bible, however, there is an end game. A clear winner is declared.

At a point in time known only to God, He is going to move His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into “king’s row” and say “Crown Him.” Some claim that Revelation is a puzzle no one can understand. But we can say with confidence, “I understand this: Revelation says we win.”   


Sense Out of Suffering
Earthquakes, oil spills, devastated wildlife — every day our eyes see evidence of how much creation itself longs for the time when God is going to set everything right.

 21Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

 22For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:21-22)

And not just Creation, but we ourselves long for that day.

23And not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope… (Romans 8:23-24).

There is no sense to suffering if we do not see that this was never the plan of God from the beginning. Suffering is the result of sin, the fall of man, and the curse. In the end, God is going to make all things new.


A Glorious Hope
Without the book of Revelation, we would be without this promise:

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:1-5)

Had not the apostle John written these words at the command of our Lord, we would not have the assurance that one day there will be no more suffering. Revelation gives us this comfort.


Stability Amid Chaos
With the assurance that in the end we win and God is going to make all things new, what else will hold us steady? Focus.

In 1859, a Frenchman named Charles Blondin became the first to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope. He grew so skillful at traversing this life-threatening chasm that he later walked across carrying a man on his back. Once Blondin pushed a wheelbarrow containing a small stove made of sheet iron across the gorge. Midway, he proceeded to light a fire and cook an omelet! Then he lowered the omelet down to passengers on The Maid of the Mist, who ate it before Blondin continued his crossing! No one understood how he managed to keep his balance and not fall to his death.

One day a man asked Blondin his secret. He replied, “Go look on the other side, there in the direction I’m walking. Do you see that silver star? I placed it there. I never take my eyes from it. I focus on that star and walk toward it. That’s what gives me stability.” 

Friend, Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star. Amid the chaos, He will give you stability.  Keep focused on the message of Revelation. The assurance of His Second Coming will be your confidence, your comfort, and your stabilizing hope.