Revelation is the end of the Bible … but not the end of the story. Its part, though, has us cheering for the Hero who came to fight for and rescue those in the story. We also see that this rescue plan began all the way back in the first chapter of the story, which is Genesis. The Hero is the one who defeats the Evil One and saves the world. Literally saves the world yet needs no cape. No hero in any Marvel movie can outdo our hero and our final victory far outweighs anything Hollywood could imagine. In fact, think of the best superhero movie you have ever seen. Now think about how you felt after the final scene as the music played and the credits scrolled onscreen. Imagine that feeling times a billion and maybe you will get a glimpse of the victory that happens at the end of this story.
As with any great story, Revelation has suspense, struggle, heartbreak and of course, a hero named Jesus. Revelation opens with a reminder to persevere and trust that the hero is doing what he does - saves. You and I are encouraged to keep going and not to give up under the struggle and heartbreak we will face as we walk through life.
John 16:33 reminds us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Because life is hard and the Evil One is continually trying to change the story, we must stay close to our hero. He walks with us and says, “Don’t quit.” Motivational speakers have nothing on our hero. He speaks straight to our souls the words of life we so desperately need. Yes, life is hard and sad and joyful and tiring and a lot of other things, but in it all our hero is with us and fighting for us.
Revelation reminds us to keep everything in perspective in relationship to our purpose. King Solomon tells us in Proverbs 20:18: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”
Our instruction is to see others through our hero’s eyes and to realize our comfort is not the plan. No engaging story has the protagonist comfortable the entire time. It does not work in books and it does not work in life. Our comfort causes us to think only of ourselves and to forget we are even part of a great story. The Evil One wants nothing more than for us to forget we have a hero and that in the end, we win because He has won!
Ultimately, Revelation shows us that evil is defeated, the Hero saves, and God wins. It is the only story truly worthy of be called … Epic!
Take a moment and invite the Holy Spirit to stir the waters of your soul. Invite Him to permeate your thoughts with this one idea … Jesus, you are my hero!
-Dr. Jerry