If you are in Jerusalem, leave! If you are outside the city, don’t enter it! For these will be the
days of its punishment, and all that was announced in the Scriptures will be fulfilled. How
hard will it be for pregnant women, and for mothers with babies at the breast! For a great
calamity will come upon the land, and wrath upon this people. They will be put to death by
the sword, or taken as slaves to other nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by
the pagans, until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.
Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations,
perplexed when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves. People will faint with fear
at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will
be shaken. Then, at that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power
and great glory. So, when you see things begin to happen, stand erect and lift up your heads,
for your deliverance is drawing near.”
Reflect:
Do you have difficulty understanding all these cryptic narratives in the Book of Revelation?
Here is an incident that might be of help to you to understand the Book better: James Hewett,
in his book Illustrations Unlimited, narrates the story of Bernard Travaieille, a student at a
theological seminary. One day, while playing basketball, he noticed that the aged janitor,
who waited patiently for the kids to finish their games before he locked up the gym, was
reading the Bible. Bernard realized that the man, who evidently had little formal schooling,
was reading the Book of Revelation that even biblical scholars had difficulty grasping.
Surprised, Bernard asked the janitor: “Do you understand it?” the janitor replied: “Oh yes,
I understand it.” Now really intrigued, Bernard probed: “You understand the Book of
Revelation? What do you think it means?” The janitor replied calmly: “It means that
Jesus is gonna win.”
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