subject: Words Used by Authors and Journalists Are Frequently Most Revealing in All Kinds of Ways [print this page] Words Used by Authors and Journalists Are Frequently Most Revealing in All Kinds of Ways
Why use this biblical terminology? In certain circumstances there is none better.
These descriptive phrases are frequently employed and it is so highly interesting to observe. Do people who write this material realise the background? The words writers use are occasionally most revealing.
Apocalyptic simply means a lifting of the veil, or a prophetic disclosure, and has its origin in the book of Revelation, which can be a 'happy hunting ground' for some, whilst for others it is left well alone, and remains unread.
Many can be afraid of really getting into this book, but the Word of God was never intended to create fear, but the very opposite. This is a book to encourage faith.
Revelation comes from the risen, living and ascended Lord Jesus Christ, and is sent to John who was youngest of the twelve disciples.
John is now around 90 years of age, and imprisoned for his faith on the Island of Patmos.
John is physically in prison, but his concern is for wellbeing of the Church. His desire is to be with the other disciples of Jesus, but circumstances prevent him from visiting them, so he writes what Jesus Christ sends and reveals.
Revelation is a revealing, and not a hiding, nor a confusing, or obscuring.
In each letter to these seven churches there is the challenge to overcome.
Life was extremely difficult at that time for those who had come to faith in Christ. Persecution was rampant, just as it is today across our pained world.
This final New Testament book has a specific relevance for those who are experiencing persecution, and it has become most meaningful to all disciples who face fierce opposition.
The victorious overcoming Christ is encouraging Christians to persevere and overcome too.
The apocalyptic blessing is for "him who overcomes".
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland. He has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, 12 visits to Israel, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya. He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland", as well as a weekly newspaper column. His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly. Sandy Shaw.
