150506 Revelation Lesson 4 Appreciating the Mural of Revelation as a Whole
| REVELATION • Victory in Jesus • LESSON 4 (May 6) Appreciating the Mural of Revelation as a Whole Perhaps one of the most helpful ways we can allow the message of Revelation to sink in is by envisioning it as a giant mural. Instead of getting out an electron microscope to minutely look at every detail or multiply every number, what Revelation really calls for is the reader to stand back and take in the breathtaking panoramic view.Apocalyptic literature is not, as often supposed, a highly detailed diagram with crucial information hidden in the fine print. In fact, apocalyptic literature isn’t a diagram or doctrinal treatise at all. Instead, it is much more a kin to a giant literary landscape.In ancient battle murals, the conquering army would appear in several panels—first drawn up in battle, then conquering the enemy, and finally leading the enemy away in defeat and disgrace. No one would look at the mural and say, “It contradicts itself! It shows the army in three places at the same time.” That’s not how the mural works. An overemphasis on rigid literalism would ruin it, and likewise will ruin an apocalyptic “mural.”In an effort to appreciate the “mural” of Revelation as a whole, use the space below and on the back to “map” the mural. In just a few words or sentences, how would you summarize each chapter of Revelation as a contribution to the whole landscape? We’ll take the next class period to “draw” the mural together in an effort to recognize the incredible masterpiece revealed to John. Revelation 1 Revelation 2 Revelation 3 Revelation 4 Revelation 5 Revelation 6 Revelation 7 Revelation 8 Revelation 9 Revelation 10 Revelation 11 Revelation 12 Revelation 13 Revelation 14 Revelation 15 Revelation 16 Revelation 17 Revelation 18 Revelation 19 Revelation 20 Revelation 21 Revelation 22 |