April 3: Revelation 16–22

By Eric Spears

John’s symbolic language makes the interpretation and application of Revelation difficult to apply in daily Christian life. For this reason many Christians find their practical inspiration in other books (e.g., Proverbs, Psalms, James, etc.). Placing Revelation in proper context, however, provides meaningful insight and spiritual relevance for our everyday faith.

These chapters are a response to the early Christians facing opposition by the Roman imperial cult, a form of state religion in which the emperor was given exclusive allegiance. Historical analyses have shown that even the Christian Ephesians were influenced by this imperial rhetoric, which diluted their faithful practice.

This perspective on Revelation 16–22 enables us to make connections between the first Christians threatened by the imperial cult and the challenges present-day Christians face. We in the First World live in a “developed” society that embraces technological innovation, puts financial profit over social justice, and devalues faith as something antiquated. Twenty-first century globalism is arguably our version of the imperial cult, and the never-ending distractions found in our jobs, social life, and entertainment challenge our allegiance to the Holy Trinity (please refer to Doug Thompson’s insightful discussion on March 10th that focused on “Practicing the Sabbath”).

We need to reflect on the many different ways this contemporary version of the “imperial cult” challenges our faith and integrity. More important, we need to pray as individuals and a community for daily strength and focus.

April 2: Revelation 8–15

Sareta Shelburne

The book of Revelation confounds non-Christians as well as Christians. Even theologians and Bible scholars cannot agree on interpretation. So how am I, a simple Bible student, to discern the mysteries of God depicted in the pictorial language of the visions John experienced? I read and listened to the reading of chapters 8-15 several times and concluded that I should consult one wiser than I to shed light on the meanings. Thus, I read portions of Eugene Boring’s commentary on Revelation.

Boring theorizes that Revelation “does not teach a doctrine, but holds vivid pictures before us, pictures which point beyond themselves to ultimate reality.” He continues by saying that “it is glad to abandon any claim to describe this reality in an objectifying manner, for the reality to which it points transcends anything that can be objectively described by finite minds and language.” The pictorial language in chapter 8 through 15 is indeed rich in imagery as the final troubles intensify leading up to the finality of planet Earth.

Rather than despair, I took heart in the passages proclaiming truth about God’s nature, his ultimate defeat of evil, and his preservation of his church. Like the early Christians, I was encouraged by the reassurance given throughout Revelation. I was encouraged by the glimpse of heaven and the songs sung by heavenly beings in praise and adoration of our Father and by the proclamations given by God’s angels (chs. 11, 14, 15). I was encouraged by the two witnesses who were killed because of their testimony, yet vindicated by God who raised them and took them up to heaven. I was encouraged knowing that Christ “holds the keys to Death and Hades and will finally cast them—not their victims—into the lake of fire” (Boring, 118). Christ is triumphant!

April 1: Revelation 1–7

By Lanta Cooper

As we listen to Revelation, we can easily find ourselves suspicious of what the text actually means. If we over-analyze and dig too deep into the meaning of the text, however, we may run the risk of missing the elements that make Revelation unique. Interpreting this apocalyptic literature requires a sense of creativity and imagination that allows us to look beyond the words of the text and into the heart of its author. What do you see in the author's heart of discipleship? How can this illuminate our personal spirit of discipleship?

March 31: 1 John 2–Jude

By Darrell Pursiful

When someone who tends to see the world in black and white stakes out the middle ground, I take notice. The author of the Johannine letters was such a person. His letters are filled with light and darkness, truth and falsehood. When 2 and 3 John are set side by side, they create a tension that should not be easily resolved. The message of 2 John is to have nothing to do with heretical teachers. The message of 3 John is to have nothing to do with those who, in their zeal to avoid heresy, reject authentic teachers with the highest credentials.

The congregations of the primitive church were linked together by an ad hoc network of traveling prophets and teachers, pastoral correspondence, and the occasional apostolic visit. It was a situation prone to abuse. Heresy could creep in, so in 2 John the Elder warned “the elect lady” to be careful whom the church accepts. On the other hand, isolation could breed parochialism, so in 3 John he warned Gaius to be careful whom the church rejects.

A church leader named Diotrephes was turning away the Elder’s hand-picked messengers. Perhaps he did so in the name of “doctrinal purity,” but the Elder knew that for Diotrephes heresy was just a handy pretext. His real motivation was that he loved “to be first.” His appropriate authority to guard the church from harm had gone to his head.

March 30: 1 Peter 1–1 John 1

By Betty Clark

Remember the fad of the Pet Rock, the inanimate object that was elevated to the position of pet and maybe even family member? What a curious phenomenon it was to see a human being look to a hardened lump of minerals for companionship. No matter what doting and affection was lavished on that pet rock it could not live, nor breathe, nor contribute unselfishly to any human relationship.

In today’s passage, we hear of the “living stones” that are to build up the foundation of the early church. Indeed! The most non-conforming stone was appointed to be the corner stone- Jesus Christ himself! Certainly we see no resemblance to the aforementioned pet rock!

Are we to be, as today’s Christians, pet rocks or living stones? Are we to sit in our appointed pews, week after week, like cold rocks with little to offer outside of taking up space? Are we content to have love and care lavished upon us, yet give nothing in exchange to build up the kingdom?

May we reject the daily, no hourly, temptation to remain mere pet rocks and may God breathe life and inspiration into us so we may continue the good work that began centuries ago, holding up the foundation of our faith as living stones with purpose and strength in love through the power of Jesus Christ, our cornerstone and Lord!

March 29: Hebrews 11–James 5

By Bruce Conn

Be doers of the word and not hearers only. This reading has a wonderful unintended circularity to it. Starting with the roll call of the saints in Hebrews 11 who lived by faith and ending with James’ incessant exhortation that we live this way, we are told to be the gospel.

The saints of old lived without promise of the glory that we know, and we are challenged to live up to their example of faith. And how are we to do this? By being doers of the gospel. What do we do? Sing with me, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying.” We are to live the gospel. “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Jas 3:13)

March 27: Hebrews 2–10

By Rebecca Cooke

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Over and over we are admonished to open our ears (how ironic to us in this FCBH journey) and heed the message. We parents give warnings quite often in an effort to prevent our children from going astray and the eminent punishment involved. Who has not heard (or used) the phrase “This hurts me more than it does you”? As a child, we believe the parent speaking those words must surely be lying. As a parent, we understand how painful it is to watch our children act out, or act ugly as I say sometimes. We feel a little like maybe we could have prevented it all if we had been more strict earlier or warned them more often.

Hebrews 2-10 begins with the refrain, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” And it continues with an explanation of how God surely understands our mistakes, as the human, Jesus—who is also the high priest who came to earth and suffered what we have. He is therefore able to sympathize with our weaknesses (4:15). He is able to deal with us with more compassion because he has been flesh. He is the new covenant, the new promise of God’s love and judgment, the new sacrifice.