This message was preached at Casey.
The book of Revelation has often left people feeling scared and worried about the future. The images of beasts, monsters and fire can often feel overwhelming. However, the book was written to do the exact opposite. Written to a people who were suffering persecution and looking at the world seemingly become more and more immoral the book is an encouragement to be faithful because something good is coming!
Read: Revelation 20:13-15, 21:1-5, 22:1-5Images in the book of Revelation are based on Scripture. To understand what each image represents we look at the “Biblical Design Pattern.” Look at the following images and discuss what you think the image represents.
Image 1: The Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:13-15)The Lake of Fire is a picture that originated with the Sodom and Gomorrah story found in Genesis 19. Writers in the early Centuries equated the Sodom and Gomorrah story with the Dead Sea due to these cities being on the southeast corner of the Dead Sea, and the characteristics of the salt, death and smell. Over time the Sodom and Gomorrah story served as a “shorthand” way of saying judgment of God.
Read: Isaiah 1:7-10, 34:8-10. Ezekiel 16:36-55. Jeremiah 49:17-18. Daniel 7:9-10. Deuteronomy 29:22-23, 27. 2 Peter 2:6. Jude 7.Discussion Questions- In the above verses, was the purpose of the judgment of God to punish, correct or both? (Hint: Look at the Ezekiel passage!)
- After reading these verses, look again at what gets thrown into the fire in Revelation 20. What do you think “The Lake of Fire” represents?
- When God judges us, is it to punish, correct or both? Where do you see this in the life and ministry of Jesus?
Image 2: Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21:1-5)One of the major themes in the Bible is Heaven and Earth coming together. We see this in The Garden of Eden, Jacobs Ladder, The Tabernacle, The Temple, and so forth. We then see this in Jesus’ key message: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” The phrase “Heaven and Earth” is symbolic of how we on Earth relate to God.
Discussions Questions- What do you think Jesus was referring to in Matthew 5:18, Matthew 24:35?
- If “Heaven and Earth” represents “how we relate to God” what would Revelation 21 then mean?
- What do you think Heaven on Earth would look like? How do you see this in the life and ministry of Jesus?
Image 3: The River of Life (Revelation 22:1-5)The river of life is a beautiful picture of a river flowing from the throne of God and brining life wherever it goes. This picture is taken directly from the prophecy in Ezekiel 47:1-12 where the river of life flows into the Dead Sea and brings it back to life! This is the fulfilment of the prophetic word in Ezekiel 16:53-55 and a picture of what Jesus meant when He said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5)
Read Ezekiel 47:1-12Discussion Questions- What do you think the river of life represents?
- Where do you see this river of life flowing in the life and ministry of Jesus?
- Do you see evidence of this river flowing into the world today? What would it look like to see the river flow into your world?
When we link these three images together, is it possible that the author is trying to say something to us along these lines:
The judgment of God comes against death and everything that sets itself up against God. However, there is a new way of relating to God at hand through Jesus! He is making all things new and everything He touches comes back to life!
Discussion Questions- Does this picture of Jesus making all things new (including what was thrown into the lake of fire) give you hope?
- What would you like Jesus to make new in your life?
- How can you join God at work today to see His river of life touch the world?
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