There’s a moment in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe that captures the essence of anticipation and hope. When Mr. Beaver utters the words, “They say Aslan is on the move—perhaps has already landed,” something extraordinary happens. The children, who had never heard of Aslan before, suddenly feel a stirring within them. Edmund experiences a mysterious horror, Peter feels brave and adventurous, Susan senses a delightful aroma or melody, and Lucy awakens to the joy of new beginnings. This scene beautifully illustrates the power of revelation—how the unveiling of truth can stir our souls and transform our perspectives. It’s with this same sense of anticipation and wonder that we should approach the book of Revelation in the Bible.
Often misunderstood and sometimes avoided, Revelation is a book that many find intimidating. Some fear they won’t understand it; others are aware of the disagreements surrounding its interpretation, and many believe it’s primarily about the future and thus not practical for today. However, while we may not grasp every detail, the central message of Revelation is accessible and profoundly relevant to our lives right now.
At its core, Revelation is about unveiling God’s eternal plan. Revelation invites us to see our earthly existence through the lens of heaven. Jesus challenges us to replace our unhealthy fascination with the future with a determination to follow Christ in the present. The Greek word apocalupsis means to reveal or unveil. It’s as if God is pulling back the curtain to show us earthly events from a heavenly vantage point. This connection, once hidden, is now made clear through Jesus Christ.
Revelation is commentary on Old Testament prophecies. Of its 404 verses, 278 allude to prophetic truths already revealed in the Old Testament. This continuity reminds us that God’s plan has been unfolding throughout history.
The book uses rich symbolism, numbers, and repetition to convey its message. This approach isn’t meant to confuse but to aid memory and understanding. Like windows opening or camera angles shifting, these literary devices offer insights on eternal truths.
A key to understanding Revelation is recognizing that it’s not just about the distant future—it’s about the present reality of God’s kingdom. When it speaks of things that must soon take place, it’s referring to events that are already unfolding. This immediacy has led every generation of believers to feel they’re living in the last days, which is precisely the point. The message of Revelation is relevant for all believers in all churches across all generations.
Importantly, Revelation is not a nail-biting battle between good and evil where the outcome is uncertain. On the contrary, it declares that the victory has already been won. This triumph was secured before the foundation of the world through “the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 13:8).
Originally, Revelation was a pastoral letter from John to seven specific churches. These churches, while real, also represent all churches throughout history. Written during a time of intense persecution, when being a Christian could cost one’s life or livelihood, the letter offered encouragement to remain faithful amidst trials.
The revelation of Jesus anchors us in the present by giving us a glimpse of unseen heavenly realities. It teaches Christians how to live in the tension of the “already but not yet”—the kingdom of God inaugurated but not yet fully realized. While Satan’s ultimate defeat is certain (as promised in Genesis 3:15), his activities have not yet ceased. The church is thus called to endure faithfully, staying true to Jesus rather than aligning with the world’s systems.
Above all, Revelation motivates believers to worship Jesus. It redirects our attention from our small lives to God’s grand, eternal plan. It assures us that God rules, even in evil days, and that He has not forgotten His promises or forsaken His people.
The book builds to an incontrovertible conclusion: Jesus is worthy! He is the faithful witness we can trust to tell us the truth. He is the firstborn from the dead, paving the way for our resurrection. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth, sovereign over all earthly powers. These truths about Jesus are so compelling that we can almost picture John pausing in his writing, lifting his hands toward heaven, and exclaiming, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood!” (Revelation 1:5)
We’re challenged to see our lives and our world through the lens of God’s ultimate victory. In times of confusion, persecution, or doubt, Revelation reminds us that our King is on the move, working out His purposes even when we can’t see it. Like the children in Narnia, we too might feel a stirring within us—a mix of awe, adventure, and anticipation. This is the power of divine revelation. It awakens us to the greater reality of God’s kingdom, infusing our daily lives with eternal significance.
So, let us approach Revelation not with fear or confusion, but with expectation. Let’s allow its message to redirect our focus from temporary troubles to eternal truths. And most importantly, let’s respond with wholehearted worship to the One who loves us, frees us, and reigns supreme.
Aslan is on the move. The same is true when we behold Jesus in Revelation. For some, it’s dread—because to follow Him means dying to self. But for others, it is courage, joy and hope.
So yes, Jesus is on the move.
He has already landed.
He is in the midst of His churches.
He reigns now.
And He. Is. Worthy.
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MichaelStovall 