We couldn't possible get to all the themes, let alone exhaustively handle the ones we do deal with. However, there are some important conversation and realizations to be had nonetheless.
As the group leader, don't let anyone view hijack the conversations. There are many in our faith that hold certain views of eschatology as a barometer of faith and are vigilant defenders accordingly. Others, on the opposite end of the spectrum, avoid the book of Revelation and the whole conversation because of the kooky, sci-fi factor. Our job as leaders is to allow everyone to grab on and discuss, to help the group figure out what the application is, and to really put some substance into their views that go beyond avoidance, misunderstanding or fantasy. Don't panic when you get a lot of quietness and blank stares in response to some of the questions. It's just going to be, for many groups, more challenging than normal for everyone in the group to feel like they have something intelligent and informed to say. Use this as a catalyst for personal study in between meetings, some good ole Google research (or eve one of those ancient libraries...they have resources from what I understand) and for tryin to familiarize ourselves with very mysterious, esoteric language. In the end we will find Jesus remarkably relevant yet again, and all of us having even more to rally around as the Kingdom unfolds.
Thaw
- What's your favorite doomsday movie/story?
- As a kid, did your family ever openly discuss the end?
- Did you family ever prepare for it openly? Share.
- What most stuck with you from Sunday?
- What was shared that alters your view of prophecy, or scripture, at this point?
- What was most helpful?
Read
- Revelation 1
Leader note: It may be helpful to the group to read in 3 or 4 verse segments and then discuss. Also, it may benefit them to compare Revelation 1 to Daniel 7:13, Isaiah 19:1, Ezekiel 30:1-3, as John of Patmos most certainly had these very ancient texts in mind, and as such they help us get at what his and his readers' very Jewish minds were thinking about what God was revealing.
- Thoughts?
- Visually, describe the scene. Why do you think these images are important in starting the letter?
Read
- Numbers 12:6-8
- Coming off the series on Parables, why do you think God would speak to prophets in visions, codes and allegory?
- How do we determine what parts to take literally and what parts are metaphor for something greater?
- What is the danger(s) in having a hard and fast rule either way?
- Are there any modern examples of important things needing to be explaining allegorically or the listener/receiver wouldn't understand?
Leader note: Love songs may qualify as an answer. The message wouldn't be the same if it wasn't allegory and art.
Discuss
- What issues are you most hoping to deal with in the coming weeks?
- What benefits do you recognize in having some of Revelation better understood?
- Are there any non-negotiables about end times? Share what you think they are.
Prayer
- Spend some time praying over the group for a Spirit of discernment, clarity, trust, and- dare we ask- of revelation. Pray that our view and trust in the message of Christ is strengthened, and that we can hear these words of prophecy in a manner similar to those who first received the scroll from John of Patmos: as a politically subversive, mystically intriguing, timelessly relevant, scriptural continuation of God's plan in a world that's broken. Enjoy!
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