This weekend, we are taking a test at the Oklahoma School of Ministry over the course book called "Eschatology." I'm kind of nervous for a couple of reasons:
(1) I've always avoided topics dealing with anything more than a skimming reference to Revelations prophecies of the End Times. The Letters to the Churches and "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last," have been my most referenced verses from that book. When it comes to all of the details of the End Times, the Trumpets, Horsemen and Bowls of Judgment, I've got to admit, I just feel helpless, like I can't swim, like I'm sinking in the most horrific images of all time. And I try with all my might not to let the images of those chapters haunt my mind--especially at night! (Have I mentioned my nightmare issues? Night terrors? Screaming in my sleep?!!? I avoid ANY movies that could give me nightmares. This book of the Bible has many things in it which could haunt me in my dreams.)
I remember basically "ignoring" any message or sermon on doctrines concerning the Tribulation. There were people in the church, when I was growing up, who talked non-stop about it, preached about it. And I remember, around 12 or 13, saying to my mother, "How is this helping anyone live their lives TODAY? Right now? How does this help anyone live for Christ NOW?" And I suppose, because of that mentality, I have tuned out most all of the teaching I was supposed to learn about it.
...Which is coming back to haunt me now, when I'm taking a class to earn my ministry credentials...
(2) My mind isn't left-brained enough in memory and fact retention to keep all of the details straight. For me, the End Times prophecies all run together; I can't make out heads or tails about it, other than for brief facts--body sores, hail storms, comets hitting the earth, blood in the water, land destroyed, water poisoned, darkened sky...And then I think of all the "apocalyptic" films out there where the world freezes, or the volcanoes explode all over the earth, a meteor hits...and I just go into freak out mode again.
I'm just too visual. My mind's eye gets crowded quickly with the images summoned by a reading of this text. It's like an information overload for me.
And then I think, as fear and anxiety press in my mind while I'm trying to comprehend everything, "Lord, why is all of this included in the Bible? Why did you tell us all of this? Do I need to really KNOW this? Like, me? Shirley Harrod Yandell?"
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I think Christ's warnings to most of the seven churches (in Rev. 2-3) are the "foundation" for the visions that follow (especially the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls). Likewise, some of the symbolism introduced in Rev. 1-3 comes to be "expanded" in those later visions. In other words, the later visions are not meant to be taken literally, but symbolically, and symbolize Christ's ongoing warnings (and encouragements) to churches. (But I should warn you that you might not pass your exam if you give that answer.)
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