One of the strong, compelling themes of The Book of Revelation is a Christian call to be actively engaged in God's justice and mercy in this world.    Some camps, unfortunately in my opinion, interpret this Book as doom and gloom and that the  whole world is "going to hell in a handbasket" so we will bunker down and have nothing to do with the culture in which we live.

How un-Christian!   How not like God, who loved the world so much that he came to the world, and became one of us so that we might become one with him!    INCARNATION is one of the most grace-filled doctrines and realities ever bestowed upon humankind!    The loving process of God becoming human (in Jesus Christ) proves and illustrates a Creator who cares for us so much that he identifies and empathizes with us by taking on human flesh and blood!     God, in Jesus Christ, instead of abandoning and disowning humankind, chooses to embrace, save, and nurture us.    In the very midst of the sin and the ugly mess in our world, and in our lives, God chooses to work redemption!    The Word affirms,  "While we were still sinners Christ died for us." 

So we  as recipients of this great grace - demonstrated so wonderfully and graciously in INCARNATION and SALVATION - are called to share this justice and mercy in the world in which God has placed us.   The Book of Revelation reminds us and affirms that God, through the blood of Jesus Christ, has won the war over evil.   Satan's power has been defeated.   We still have some skirmishes and battles to fight, but God has won the war.   And because of God's great victory and wonderful grace we now have hope  - - hope that inspires action here and now in this world.   Christians, let us not give up.   In John Wesley's words:   "Let us do no harm;  do good; and, stay in love with God."