Revelation 16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!”

Revelation is an important book of the Bible, but it is to be read with caution. Down through the centuries since it was written, various heresies have been spawned by particular interpretations of it, notably the Jehovah’s Witnesses but not limited to that. When we read it, we need to remember that John was shown things he had no words to describe, but he did what he could. Some parts, like the letters to the seven churches, are relatively straightforward, but many sections leave us scratching our heads. One of my seminary professors said, “If you want to know what Revelation means, go home and ask your wife.” His point was that getting all “theological” is likely to lead us into more error than truth! There was a very brief, simplistic chorus that was popular around 50 years ago that said, “We win! We win! Hallelujah, we win! I read the back of the Book, and we win!” That was all there was to it, but that may be the biggest message we are to take from Revelation. In essence, that is what this verse quotes God as saying: “It is done!” For that matter, that is something Jesus famously said from the cross: “It is finished (completed).” (John 19:30) We see everything in flux and turmoil, but God sees the end from the beginning, and He says, “It is done.” When we really grasp that, we can have peace no matter what is going on around us. That’s not to say the process isn’t important, or that we don’t have to be faithful in the details, but it is to say that we can leave the outcome in God’s hands, knowing that He is omniscient, omnipotent, and love itself.

Even I need reminders of this from time to time. I do seem to have been given more faith than many, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to rest, relax, and rejoice, as the Lord has told me to do. The world situation today hardly lends itself to complacency, but regardless of politics, the economy, or war, God is still God, and I’ve got to remember that. My part in God’s plan is doubtless pretty small, but I’ve got to be faithful in fulfilling it. I’m not to think it all depends on me, but I and those around me will miss blessings if I fail to listen obediently to my Lord. When Jesus went through all He did just to fulfill God’s plans, I have no room to complain about any part He might have for me to play.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I think it’s an important thing to share with the believers, who might be confused after these readings from Revelation. Help me be faithful as a teacher of Your Word, as You have called and equipped me to be, so that the Body of Christ may be built up indeed, as You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!