It is perfectly normal to feel intimidated and maybe even “put off” by the Book of Revelation. But I encourage you to keep reading, at least this one time, all the way through. And while you’re doing so, look for the clues and cross-references to other books of the Bible. This last book of the Bible brings everything together in a really cool way. Don’t give up!
Monday October 19, Revelation 3:1-6
Today’s Takeaways:
- This part is a letter to one of the seven churches – in the city of Sardis. It was a wealthy city, connecting several trade routes and crossed by important roads.
- Note how Jesus describes himself as: “He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars”. Do you remember the significance of the number seven? It means completeness. Jesus has the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Himself and to give to the Church.
- Despite their good reputation, Jesus knows the truth about the people of Sardis. Just because something looks great and shiny on the surface doesn’t mean it is good on the inside or that the character is good.
Today’s Talking Points:
- What does Jesus want the people of Sardis to do?
- Note that Jesus is pleased with some of the people. But the rest of the people need to wake up and stop resting on their laurels, e.g. be watchful, repent…
Tuesday October 20, Revelation 3:7-13
Today’s Takeaways:
- This is a letter to the church of Philadelphia.
- It seems that Jesus is rather pleased with this church. The people had been living in truth and patience.
- Jesus knows this city has faced some spiritual enemies, but he encourages them to keep going faithfully and they will be rewarded.
Today’s Talking Points:
- It says that “I am coming soon”. What do we know so far from the Bible about when and how Jesus will come back? Do you remember? (hint lookup: Matthew 24:36; Matthew 24:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:2)
Wednesday October 21, Revelation 3:14-22
Today’s Takeaways:
- This part is a letter to the last of the seven churches (Laodicea) and oh my, Jesus really has nothing nice to say about those folks.
- Their spirituality and faithfulness is described as lukewarm, kind of blah. They are passive and bland.
- But even to those people Jesus offers a chance to repent.
Today’s Talking Points:
- Now that you’ve read about the seven churches, can you see how they are all different and yet still need to repent?
- There are a million ways to make bad decisions, but there is only one way to the truth.
- This is a big question, but what do you think you struggle most with in your faith?
Thursday October 22, Revelation 4:1-11
Today’s Takeaways:
- Up to now, we have read about current events at John’s time of writing. The following parts of the book of the Revelation are written about future events (from John’s perspective of time).
- Chapter 4 sets the stage. There is SO much going on. I’ll point out a few things that I find interesting, but if you’re interested you can google this and find out so much more.
- The centerpiece is a throne. What does throne generally symbolize? (authority) There’s also a rainbow, do you remember what that’s a symbol of? (God’s covenant with man)
- The 24 elders probably are the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. They are representative of all the faithful.
- The four creatures are often explained as representation of Jesus – man is God’s highest creation and in charge of all and Jesus was the only perfect man; lion is the king; ox is strong and a servant; eagle is the mightiest bird (or could show that Jesus is from above). Each also refers to one of the four gospels.
Today’s Talking Points:
- There is some very vibrant imaginary. What if today you take out some colored pencils or markers and tried to draw what you hear.
Friday October 23, Revelation 5:1-14
Today’s Takeaways:
- The scroll is clearly extremely important. It has writing on both sides. There is so much that needs to be included on the scroll, it almost doesn’t fit. It has seven seals. (remember what seven means?)
- No-one except the one is worthy to open it.
Today’s Talking Points:
- Who is the one who is worthy to open the scroll and how is He described? (slain lamb). Why do you think this image was important for this particular event. Jesus can be described in so many different ways? Why is it this one?
Munger Kids 