John, the author, probably the same John who wrote the Gospel and the three Epistles that bear his name, tells us up front that what follows is his description of a vision given by God providing him, and us, insight into what would “soon” take place.

Many debates rage over what exactly John means by soon.

Does he mean “soon” relative to his own time, as in the first century AD? Or does he mean "soon" in the way that God understands soon? As Peter said, "To the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day" (paraphrase). Peter was, of course, just using a figure of speech to refer to the fact that God is eternal; that he stands outside of and beyond time.

I don't know what John means by the word "soon", but I do know that his vision takes John beyond this world and allows him to see sights and hear sounds beyond his comprension. And, we should admit, beyond our own as well.

John tells is that his vision occurred while he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos , an island, in the Mediterranean Sea.  On the "Lord's day", a Sunday, John is met by the Lord Jesus Christ himself in his glorified body.

Christ gives John messages for the seven churches over which he exercises pastoral oversight in Asia Minor (or Turkey ). These messages are timeless. They apply not only to the particular churches named in the book, but to all churches everywhere. As you read these messages ask yourself, "What would Jesus say to Good Shepherd?"

Then John sees an open door. Christ calls him through it.

Once through the door John finds himself in the throne room of heaven. There he sees 24 elders, beasts, angels and the Lamb that was slain.

What is all of this and how are we supposed to read it? Revelation is a difficult book for Americans. We are a pragmatic people and we do not deal every day with symbol and metaphor.

Moreover we are generally not as familiar with the Old Testament as those who originally read Revelation and since most of the symbolism in the book is taken directly from the Old Testament, we often miss much of its significance.

It is very important when studying Revelation--if you happen to have a study bible--to follow all of the cross-references to the Old Testament and carefully read all of the text notes.

If you don't have a study bible, think carefully about the images themselves: the beasts, angels, seals, trumpets and horsemen. Ask God to help you get a sense for what he is trying to communicate. If you are interested Hank Hanegraff has just completed a very good book on Revelation called, “the Apocalypse Code” which dispels some of the more recent wilder interpretations and provides a good solid basis for reading and understanding the book.

And read it we should. You may not have noticed, but Revelation is the only book that comes with a blessing.

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)

At least two things ought to be very clear from the first 11 chapters of Revelation.

First though the Lamb came into this world meek and mild, the humble son of Mary. He will not return that way. Jesus will come again in power and glory and for judgment. We must be ready at all times because we do not know when he will come. It could be this morning. It could be 1000 years from now. Before he comes there will be terrible tribulations. There already have been terrible tribulations in this world but they will continue and get worse before he arrives. And when he comes there will be judgment.

Second, those who have committed their lives to him, be they Jew or Gentile, will be clothed in white robes and sprinkled with his blood. While we may face tribulation, we will not face judgment. Our judgment, God's wrath against our sin, has already been meted out on the cross of Jesus and borne by the Son of God.

So the task for this morning is to ask God to show you the ways in which you are unprepared for his return. Ask him to bring to light those aspects of your life that are displeasing to him (chances are, you already know them). And then commit to be ready for his coming.

If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ that is the most important thing for you to do this morning. Life is fragile and the future is unknown. But there is security to be had. It is found in Jesus Christ. If you give your heart and life to him then while you may face trial and tribulation, but in the end you will have eternal life with God.