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!