The book of Revelation reveals Christ in His power and glory and the future as under God's control.
The book of Revelation is often ignored in Bible study groups, and even by preachers because of the difficult symbolism and sometimes vague-sounding visions, but it is the one book in the Bible that God promises a special blessing to those who simply read it.
The book of Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about Jesus, not just the future.
Even the title of the book suggests this: "THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST." The focus is not just the future, it is the power of God in control of the future.
Jesus in the Gospels is the man of sorrow, acquainted with grief, pierced with our iniquities, etc. But here John reveals Christ as the King of Glory! Jesus here is the conqueror, the one in charge of history, the one who alone controls the future, controls the nations, controls all the universe! This is the Jesus who is coming!
The book of Revelation shows us the glorified Christ and the certainty of His ruling over all things. We are not stumbling toward an uncertain future, but we will not enjoy this future if we are not in fellowship with the King!
We must see this Jesus for faith in the future! This revelation is given to rouse the church to impact the world, to get its own house in order, and to be at the ready for Christ's triumphant return. The church cannot take the luxury of deciding it has plenty of time. There is a sense of immediacy and urgency to the book of Revelation. The early church expected Christ's return at any moment and so should we. We are closer now to His return than at any other time in history!
To figure out the date of Jesus' second coming, or who the person will be who will become the antichrist, is not the thrust of the book. The thrust of The Revelation of Jesus Christ is to reveal Jesus Christ and His control over tomorrow and to be ready for the future when it gets here! And it will get here! And only those who belong to Christ will welcome it and benefit from it.
Are you ready for the future?
Tim R. Barker, D. Min.
South Texas District Superintendent
Houston, Texas
August 2020
About Tim:
Reverend Tim R. Barker is the Superintendent of the South Texas District of the Assemblies of God which is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
He is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Ministries/Biblical Studies, with a minor in music. He also received a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from SAGU and received his Doctorate of Ministry Degree from West Coast Seminary.
Reverend Barker and his wife, Jill, married in 1983, have been blessed with two daughters. Jordin and her husband, Stancle Williams, who serves as the South Texas District Youth Director. Abrielle and her husband, Nolan McLaughlin, are church planters of Motion Church in San Antonio. The Barkers have four grandchildren, Braylen, Emory and Landon Williams and Kingston McLaughlin.
