Week of September 16, 2024
“Apocalypse” originally meant a revealing of what had formerly been hidden. “Apocalyptic” is a particular kind of literature that was developed especially by Jewish prophets and teachers, some of which we have recorded in the Old Testament, in intertestamental books like 1 Enoch, and in the New Testament book of Revelation. Apocalyptic literature records divinely inspired visions, revealing God’s intervention in human history and his plans for his complete triumph over human evil and the supernatural powers of darkness. While the symbols and language of much apocalyptic writing can seem strange, a deeper look even by moderns can provoke deep emotion and inspire a renewed imagination for God’s activity in the world.
Monday | Ezekiel 37:1-14
What does the symbol of the dry bones represent (see v.11)? What was going on in ancient Israel to make them like dry bones? How does this vision anticipate the saving work of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit? How have or are you experiencing dryness in your own spirit? What experiences and spiritual practices bring life to you?
Tuesday | Daniel 7:1-14
While there is certainly debate over the images of the great beasts, many scholars believe they point to the empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. In general, what does Daniel’s vision show about the nature of human empires (see especially v.7)? What is the ultimate fate of all such empires (see vs.11-12)? How does God use even evil empires to fulfill his purposes? Who ultimately rules (see vs.13-14)? What perspective does this vision give regarding the American empire?
Wednesday | Revelation 1:10-20
What lets the reader know that John is providing an apocalyptic vision (vs.10,12)? Why were the seven churches receiving the vision called “lampstands”? What does this suggest about Peace’s mission in the Chippewa Valley? Where did John get the phrase “son of man” and who is it? What do the details of the vision of Jesus tell us about his nature and ongoing mission (vs. 14-16)?
Thursday | Revelation 5
While the crowds in heaven giving praise to God can be understood literally, much of this chapter provides symbols that inspire faith. Scholars thinks that the “scroll” could represent A book of redemption (“The Lamb’s book of life” with the names of the saints), the Old Testament, a book containing events of the future “Great Tribulation,” a book containing God’s plan of judgment and redemption, or the book as a “testament” (describing our eternal inheritance). Which of these alternatives most appeal to you? Why in the vision is Jesus the only one who can open the scroll? How has he earned that authority? What does it mean for Jesus to have authority over your life and destiny?
Friday | Revelation 9:1-11
Here is a far darker vision of God’s judgment on evil and his use even of demonic forces to lead people to repentance. What sorts of historic evil does the locust/scorpions bring to mind? Why would the image of locusts have struck terror in the hearts of ancient peoples? What strikes fear in the lives of modern people? Disaster does not necessarily lead people to turn to God (look ahead to vs.20-21). What does soften hard hearts?
