March 25: A WRITING ASSIGNMENT FROM ABOVE
Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. Revelation 1:19
This three-phrased command is incredibly important. It positively affirms the correct method of interpreting prophecy. It is called historicism, which moves sequentially through periods of history. John was called to write what he had just been shown, and to continue the message for his day, carrying forward to the final events of earth’s history. Likewise, Daniel’s writings stemmed from his day and went forward all the way to the end of earthly history.
Write the things which you have seen… John was riveted with what he had been shown in vision: an exciting glimpse of Christ’s return! What a dramatic contrast to the drudgery and dreariness of his current imprisonment. In this attention-getting vision (v.7), he was given the assurance of the Savior’s identity and intent to return, the central theme of the Bible’s last book. It had been some sixty-plus years since the issuing of the Great Commission by the Lord, and His ascension into heaven. The other apostles had been martyred, and John was the only one left of the original twelve. The churches were established around Asia, and each needed a special message from Jesus. These letters (chapters 2&3) address a variety of situations within the churches of the first century, the things which are, in regard to John’s time. In his confinement, John was fully assured of the Lord’s attentiveness to the struggles in the churches. A clear reference to future events, looking from the first century forward, is the third phrase: and the things which will take place after this.
Why do these three elements of time—past, present, and future—matter? It is to give all of God’s people a reference point in the stream of time. Think of the mall map that says “YOU ARE HERE.” All my life, I’ve been right “here.” The map is really helpful, as long as I have a clear understanding of where I am. When the Lord states that He is the one “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (v.8), He assures me that He has full knowledge for all of time. When I confess past sins, though He already knows of them, He readily lifts that burden with a cleansing power to move me forward. He is with me right now to strengthen, guide, correct, protect, and encourage. In accepting these now, my future with Him is secure. His perfect knowledge of all history points to things to come, so that His people can safely navigate life’s earthly journey. Due to the specific and historical nature of the facts of prophecy, our enemy has devised two diversionary tactics to throw people off from recognizing prophecy’s fulfillments. Futurism tosses fulfilled prophecies far into the future, as though they have yet to occur. And preterism, claims that all of the events of Revelation took place in John’s lifetime. Both are intended to prevent recognition of Satan’s work through the antichrist.
The prophecies of Revelation and Daniel each begin with the prophet’s time and move logically and sequentially toward the end of this age. Therefore, the truths presented are relevant for every generation of believers. God intends a great benefit from understanding the past, comprehending the present, and correctly anticipating the future.
Jehoshaphat … said… “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20b
[Jesus] said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” Luke 24:25