The final book of the Bible is one of the most talked about books. In the Greek language it is called A·po·kaʹly·psis (apocalypse), means “Uncovering” or “Disclosure.” In this book, God chose to reveal to John ( by way of an angel) a glimpse into the future and He wanted the whole world to know. There have been many negative associations with the word " apocalypse" as it calls to mind a dark, and gruesome end of the world. But God makes it clear that the prophecies of this book are to give those who trust in Him a future to look forward to.
He starts out by proclaiming a blessing: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (V3)
He then puts our focus on Christ and how wonderful He is and how much He loves us. As a child, I had fears associated with the end times but with my focus on how much Jesus loves me, my perspective is now that of looking forward to a grand reunion with someone who truly cares.
"...Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."( v5-6).
The return of Jesus will impact every single human being who ever lived. For those who trust Him, this will be a joyous occasion. For those who rejected him, it will be a time of sorrow as they realize the folly of their choices.
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.”(v7)
God reminds us of his sovereign rule throughout eternity. ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (V8). It's quite mind boggling to grasp infinity and God always existing....past, present, and future. But we are supposed to find comfort in this. Who better to place our trust in? When John is overwhelmed with the grand appearance of Christ, Jesus comforts him by reminding him: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (V17-18)
He doesn't want us to fear him either. He wants us to recognize that he loves us and has complete control of our future. How joyous it is to know that He wants us to spend an eternity with Him.