"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev 19:10) and a prophetic perspective promotes purpose. Yet in a world swiftly growing callous, true purpose and meaning are fading. Many of Jesus' disciples today have "lost their first love," which is Jesus himself (Rev 2:4). And too many souls overall miss the wonder, inspiration, and comfort gained by those who would endeavor toward fuller comprehension of the book of Revelation: "Blessed are they who read and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near" (Rev 1:3). Neglect of the Holy Spirit, slothfulness, fear, and the ongoing confusion generated by competing interpretations and bad theology are the primary obstacles between an individual and the liberation to be had by reading the last book of the Bible. We must not forget that while the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, its author is Jesus Christ, and he is not an author of confusion but of peace (1 Cor 14:33). This commentary presents a practical, discipleship-based perspective toward following Jesus into the very heart of his Revelation. So as the end of this clamorous age approaches, may we truly hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches!
