Revelation Now :
Daily Devotional Bible Studies in Revelation
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Introduction to Revelation 
Question "How does one eat an elephant?" Answer "One bite at a time"
Treasure Trove of Riches
The Book of Revelation is a treasure trove of riches beyond imagination for those who will explore it. Revelation is a pool in which a baby can paddle or an elephant can swim. There is enough here for you. The Book of Revelation has scared many Christians. Numerous people have tried and failed to get past the scholarly theories or the problems of authorship. We can however leave these arguments aside and read this exciting book as we would do the rest of the Bible. We can climb into the mind of the original writer to see what he saw, and feel what he felt. As we do, we will be captivated by this wonderful text.
Symbolic Language
Revelation is saturated with symbolic language. Seven means completeness or fullness as in the Seven Seals. Three and a half characterize a time of tribulation, imperfection or incompleteness. This number is typically expressed in years but may also be in days, i.e. 1,274 days. Ten is the number of eternity. Twelve is the number for the Kingdom of God with three, the signature of God, multiplied by four, the signature of the world. Colors also bear great significance. White is for purity or innocence. Black is for famine or distress. Red is the indicator of blood meaning war, murder or sacrifice. Purple means royalty and voluptuous ease being the color of the expensive fabric worn by the kings and princes.Pale yellow indicates the end of life, the colour of the skin as life leaves it. Such is the symbol in Revelation.
Bible Reflection
In this e-book, there is just one thought on the Bible passage for reflection each day. It is a primer, a catalyst for thought. It will not provide all the detail but will leave room for more at another time and place. Each daily thought is purposely short and to the point in order to accommodate busy people with hectic schedules. It can be read as an early morning meditation, a family devotion at breakfast, a focus as you commute to work, or even a devotional thought at an evening meal. Some people will take it to bed to gather their spiritual sheep before sleep. It may also be used for a Group Bible Study or as a Lenten devotional. Whenever or where ever it is used, it will help provide you with much needed spiritual refreshment. Pray over it, reflect on each day's thought and apply it to your own life. May this little text be a challenging way to bring Jesus into your life, your home, your family and your job. Let the reader strive and let God be glorified.
Keep Your Fork
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live.As she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her minister and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the minister was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the minister's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The minister stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the minister. The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them, "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."
The Best is yet to Come
During his message at the funeral service, the minister told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and what it symbolized for her. The minister told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. For you never know when it may be your time to "Keep your fork."
Ron Meacock, (original June 28, 1998, published on internet June 2002, updated regularly)
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."
