Hi everyone,
So, back in June when we were voting on the books of the Bible you wanted Julie and me to explore together with you this summer, you had a choice of New Testament books: Romans, Mark, or Revelation. YOU CHOSE REVELATION! So starting this Sunday, I will kick off our wild ride through one of the most controversial pieces of literature we have. Revelation! Buckle up!
I say buckle up for a couple of reasons. First of all, the book itself is a bit of a ride, with wild images of stars and multi-headed beasts and swords coming out of mouths. But also, Revelation has been used by Christians throughout the centuries and significantly these days to talk about end times. People have used it to scare and manipulate.
Through August, Julie and I will explore it as a vision, a dream sequence, a message to churches living in wild times and advice to Christians on how to be citizens of the Kingdom of God under the powerful influence of Empire. Sounds relevant to me. And we will see how it resonates with the realities of life today. Does it speak to people who march in Pride marches like some will do this Saturday at the North Shore pier and Sunday downtown? Does it speak to people trying to find affordable housing? Does it resonate with international trade or the climate crisis?
And most powerfully, does it spark our imagination? Does it (as the name suggests) reveal God’s presence and God’s path for us in a new way? Does it help us choose life, and love, and service, and forgiveness? And if it does, it will be well worth the wild ride.
See you on Sunday.
Will