The letter that vividly
describes a violent and final end for so many begins rather nicely for the
seven churches. Of course this good beginning was written to seven churches
facing an even more imminent end themselves. That is helpful to remember
because I don’t think we can fully comprehend what the word from the One who is
and was and is to come meant to the rightful recipients of John’s letter. I
think I know what we’ve done with it and even though the best-selling series
Left Behind was red hot I think God might put it in the lukewarm category for
God's sake. So how do we hear a word for us even though it is clearly addressed
to them? First of all, one does not need to be persecuted or enslaved by
temporal powers in order to desire freedom. We are all in bondage to sin and
cannot free ourselves. And while some may face an imminent end all of us face
an inevitable one and can find comfort that the first born from the dead opens
a way for those who will follow. And finally the promise of Jesus’ coming on the
clouds, whether one wails or not, is a promise that our violent wounding world will
come to an end and a world of peace and joy and love will take its place. And that
is good news indeed.
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