The book (letter) of Revelation is one of prophecy which makes use of graphic, unrealistic, exaggerated and almost bizarre symbolism that belongs to the first century and is very hard for us to understand. Prophecy itself is a clearly understood message received from God by a prophet who passes it on to other human beings, normally God's own people. It will address current situations and sometimes predict the future, both near and distant. This prophecy was written to the seven churches in the province of Asia, part of modern Turkey which, according to its government, is now 99.8% Muslim. Each of these churches would have received the whole letter so would have been informed of the spiritual state of each of the other churches. The whole letter was written for their benefit, just as is the case for the recipients of each of the Bible's letters, mainly written by Paul, and would have been relevant to them and their situation. Therefore we have to ask: what was happening to these churches at the end of the first century?

Leon Morris writes: "The Gospel had been preached throughout the province of Asia. Some had believed and become Christians. They had been taught that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the Son of God. Being divine, He was fully in control of all situations. He had indeed been rejected by the Jews and crucified, but that was simply the way in which He brought salvation to human beings. Having died for them, He rose triumphant and ascended into heaven. In due course He would return. He would destroy the kingdoms of this world and set up God's perfect kingdom. It was an inspiring faith and the small group of Christians embraced it with fervour. They looked and longed for the promised consummation when God's will would be perfectly done throughout the whole earth. But nothing happened. The Roman Empire continued on its wicked way. Oppression and wrong abounded. Evil people prospered. Idolaters persisted in their idol-worship and the cult of emperor-worship flourished. Because they would not conform, the small band of Christians found themselves the objects of suspicion, persecution and hatred. Where was the promise of his coming?"

If we bear all this in mind as we read through it ourselves, we will be encouraged to persevere in our faith though all manner of difficulties and trials. The church has been able to do this down the generations and the imagery conveyed different things to them at different times according to their circumstances. We are not called to judge the society in which we live, but to love all people unconditionally; to even love our enemies. We are to recognize that they have been deceived by the god of this world and to offer friendship as well as the Gospel.

Leon Morris again: "John underlines that the future does not belong to the Roman Emperor or to any human ruler or monarch, but to Christ; the One who was crucified for the salvation of humanity. It is He alone who can open the book of human destiny. This is recognised by Highest Heaven and will eventually be recognised by all on earth. Real power rests with Christ, the Lion. The appearances may be against it for the present. But ultimate reality is not dependent on present appearances."

As we seek to understand what God is saying to us through it in our current situation, we must be guided and restrained by what the rest of Scripture clearly teaches us – the faith once and for all delivered to the saints – and precisely to what we are called in the out-working of the Great Commission.