A revealing of Jesus, the Messiah. Revelation 1:1a (TM)

As a young student, I was amazed when I learned that books had greater meaning than just the events of the story. It was a "revelation" when I began to understand the themes the author was trying to communicate through the story. It transformed the way I read, the way I listen to stories, and the way I was films. I want to know what is being said in the bigger picture. Understanding the greater theme gives clarity and power to the events of the story.

Many people get lost in the details and prophetic metaphors of Revelation. Some get so mired in the detail that they lose focus on the main theme. Others get so confused by the detail that they avoid the book all together.

John give us the theme in the very first sentence of the book. In fact, it’s the overarching theme of all scripture. The book is a revealing of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus revealed Himself to John and gave John a glimpse of how He would be revealed at the end of all things. Whenever I read Revelation, I find that it’s good to keep this in mind. Ultimately, everything leads back to Jesus. He is the beginning, and He is the end.