Blessed is the one who reads the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
I have always enjoyed when scholars assist my understanding of scripture by connecting the study to something that I have come to know. Dr Barbara Rossing, a New Testament Scholar at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago uses a scene from “The Wizard of Oz” to help people understand Revelation. I watched the movie many times and even toured the Judy Garland museum in Grand Rapids, MN. The movie captivated me especially as a child and some scenes are seared into my mind.
I especially recall the scene when Dorothy, her dog Toto, and her three friends make it to see Oz. The mantra was Oz could grant your deepest need. When the group entered the castle, they were scared of the sights and sound of Oz.
Oz couldn’t be bothered with this rag-tag group of seekers. Smoke, sound and flames threatened the group. In a spectacular moment Toto jumps out of Dorothy’s arm and bravely heads to a booth hidden by a drape. Toto pulls the curtain back to reveal “Oz.” He was not some great wizard—he was the carnival barker who peddled cures in a bottle.
Rossing contends that John in Revelation is pulling back the curtain on the worldly rulers. Revelation resounds with God as the righteous leader of the Church with blessings for everyone. John deals with the fears and dreams of the faithful in the letter to the seven congregations of Asia he wrote.
As you read Revelation keeping a scene from a movie or a liberating life experience will provide worthwhile insights. Get the popcorn!
Blessings,
Pr Walter
He/his
Let us pray: Gracious God, you bless our world with love and hope through the liberating Good News of your presence and justice. Open that message to all this day, in Jesus’ name. Amen!