How often do you think about the future? For many, thoughts of the future bring uncertainty and anxiety. But Revelation gives us a picture of the future, and (spoiler alert) God’s ultimate plan is fulfilled. This view of the future changes the way we live in the present.
In this episode, Whit and Casey talk about existential angst, the final battle at Armageddon, and living a life of purpose.
In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, the idea of a fixed future can be incredibly comforting. It’s a concept deeply rooted in Revelation, which provides us with a fixed point in the grand narrative of existence.
We often carry around an existential angst that if we mess something up, it will be irreparable. But Revelation reminds us that the ultimate plan of God is predetermined, set in stone, and can’t be derailed by man. It will come to pass regardless of our actions.
Phew! Aren’t you thankful for that? This truth allows us to take responsibility for the things we can and release the fear and anxiety for the things that we can’t.
Revelation not only offers comfort, but it also presents a sense of urgency and responsibility in living a purpose-driven life. It reminds us that life should not be solely about seeking pleasure and comfort. There is a higher purpose at play, and we are part of a larger narrative.
It paints a picture that there is both free will and a fixed destination that we’ll arrive at. Consider the analogy of a cruise ship. Passengers on a cruise ship are free to explore and enjoy the ship’s amenities, but they are also aware that the ship is on a fixed course. Revelation paints a similar picture: we have free will within the confines of God’s plan. So, what will we do with it?
To continue our cruise analogy, when we get to Revelation 19, there’s a mutiny on the cruise ship. Some people will join the side of the mutiny, and some will join the side of the captain.
Revelation 19, however, presents an anticlimactic battle. It seems the dragon and beasts are defeated before they even have a chance to fight. There is no battle because the decisive battle between good and evil has already been won, and that happened at the cross.
If we believe that the battle has already been won, that means we aren’t fighting for victory but from victory.
Belief in this victory allows us to face the present with grace and patience, knowing that the future is secure. This perspective transforms how we handle setbacks and challenges because we can trust that the end result is certain.
So much of our anxiety is rooted in the belief that everything is at stake in the present moment.
Beneath our anger, frustration, and angst lies a profound fear of loss. We often react with vitriol when we lack confidence in who truly holds the future.
Colossians 3 reminds us of the new perspective we can have because of Christ’s victory: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).
Scriptures like Philippians 1:21 and Stephen in Acts 7:54 remind us of the importance of unwavering faith, even in the face of persecution and deep misunderstanding. When we can’t abide, we just seem angry about “the way things are going,” and it’s a turn-off to the world.
This is not to say we shouldn’t advocate for justice and morality in our current world, but we must also remember that the world will be incomplete and broken until we arrive at the fixed future of Revelation.
We live a life of meaning and purpose. People often find a sense of purpose and belonging by building their own tiny kingdoms. It’s all too easy to distract ourselves with things that don’t really matter.
The way we put anxieties to rest is to have something more important to focus on. So, what should that focus be? The will of God: to love Him and love others.
Rather than striving to make the most significant impact possible, we should seek to be as obedient as possible. This looks like humbly showing up before God and asking, “What do you have for me?” God is doing something both in you and through you.
Let God worry about effectiveness and fruitfulness. Our focus should be on loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Ultimately, Revelation encourages us to stay close to the Lord, allowing Him to shape and change us and trusting Him with the outcome. By focusing on God’s will above our own desires and anxieties, we can find peace in the fixed future and live with purpose in the present.
Show notes:
Listen to the message: Revelation: Living Today in Light of Tomorrow
Check out another blog on Revelation: The Good News About God’s Wrath
test test