Hope in RevelationSýnishorn

Hope beyond the Last Tear

"Hope" appears a total of zero times in the book of Revelation. Yes, despite the lack of mention, the entire book – the entire Bible – points to a hope that’s beyond our understanding, that’s both beautiful and daunting, and that promises to reveal a reward from the "Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Rev. 22:13). It will culminate in the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over death.

Imagine a world where sin does not dictate our daily lives. Where selfishness and rage on the roads don’t ruin our morning work commutes. Where sending our children to daycares and schools isn’t underlined with a sense of guilt or fear. Where relationships with family members aren’t fractured by words and inheritance disputes. Where bodies no longer go through an aging process to remind you that your days are numbered. A world where "mourning" appears zero times in anyone’s mind because it simply does not exist – "the old order of things has passed away." Revelation begins with, "The revelation from Jesus Christ which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." The hope that we as Christians wait for has been revealed and is yet to be revealed. We can expect and look forward to this new order that excludes death, mourning, and pain, but does it make sense in how this will play out in reality? No. People do not comprehend a world void of sin. We just know that our inherent longing is for peace, to love, and to be loved. Jesus says, "Yes, I am coming soon" (Rev. 22:20), and all He asks is that we trust He is coming. "Let the one who hears say, 'Come!'" (Rev. 22:17).

Written by BETH LACHMAN