The Monster Mash // Rev. Matt Kennedy // Oct 13 2024

In chapters 12-19 of the Book of Revelation we find some of the most fantastical, surreal, and even horrifying images of the Bible. Some of it feels like it comes from the pages of fantasy novels, Manga, Anime, or a Marvel movie (in fact, a few Marvel villains get their names from the Greek New Testament). We meet multi-headed dragons, angelic warriors, mutant beasts, and cosmic armies battling across heaven and earth. It can all seem so strange and disturbing that we lose sight of what it means for our everyday lives of seeking Christ. The prophet John writes these visions not simply as fantasy or exercises of imagination, but to encourage believers to seek Christlike lives of justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness. Revelation was written for beleaguered believers tired of feeling like their cause was lost. These monsters and mayhem are symbols to help us see past the satanic lies that life is only what you can take, and not what you can give. Revelation is a story to help us break free from fear, pride, greed, and lust... to find true life and joy in the worship of a true and gracious God.