What is the best book about Revelation?

Why did you write commentary on Revelation?

For many years the book of Revelation has fascinated me. I did not always understand the book, but there was a fascination.

In the early years of my faith, the church I attended studied the prophecies of Revelation several times. Each time the feeling grew in me that the studies originated in news stories or modern technology and authors twisted the scripture to make listeners believe we live in the end times. I dislike twisted scripture.

When I was in college and seminary, I took several classes in Revelation and Eschatology (study of end times) under renowned professors. These classes were interesting and gave more in-depth and connected commentary. The studies left me with a lot to think about. The professors compared scripture to scripture. Ultimately, the book’s complex plot twists were difficult to follow. But I had a better understanding.

For years I studied other books of the Bible that I understood better. I resisted studying the book of Revelation until several senior adults in my church cornered me into teaching it. I told them I would guide them to understand passages in the book of Revelation related to the worship and praise of God. But the Senior Adults took it as a challenge to make me share how I felt about Eschatology in the book of Revelation.

I accomplished the class, but a year later, the same people wanted me to teach it again. I did, but during preparation, I saw something that helped me understand the meaning of the Apocalypse. During the 15th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, I realized Revelation is not about the future. It concerns a past crisis. Twenty years before John wrote the book of Revelation, attackers destroyed the city of Jerusalem. John asked, “Why?" and God explained.

From the time I had my epiphany, I felt an undeniable desire to write a commentary. The process took ten years. Over those ten years I had to examine previous assumptions, always verifying that new ideas were true and Biblical. I did not want to twist the scripture, as others have done. The book is now written.

Why do you think the multitude of existing commentaries are inadequate?

Many commentaries exist in the book market that claim to simplify the book of Revelation. I have found none that really make the book less confusing. Several issues cause confusion about the Apocalypse.

1) Commentators look at Revelation in a piecemeal fashion. Commentators divide the book into small parts. They use unrelated Old Testament (or sometimes New Testament) proof texts to explain these small parts, which have themes based on those texts. ... If a proof-text does not fit, people will force it to fit.

2) The book of Revelation’s division into small parts causes it to lack a real storyline. The book imposes a timeline, forcing some parts to fit at the expense of clarity.

3) The imposed timeline creates a problem because it needs to be updated every 10-20 years since the end has not occurred yet.

4) Some things imposed onto the book to fit the proof texts are pathetic, such as:

.   a) The book clearly says things are happening “soon.Biblical literalists counter with, “It is like climbing up a hill, we see the mountain in the distance and John didn’t realize there was a valley containing years of time between the hill and the mountain, creating a long time, not a short time.”

.    b) The seven churches seem to be mega-churches, or at least like modern churches. Most pagan communities had no mega-churches.

.    c) Presentations imply the seven seals reveal the scroll’s contents. However, the scroll is still unread in chapter 10.

.    d) the seven trumpets = ten plagues of Exodus. Any mathematician knows 7 does not = 10, and the plagues are out of order. ... I think Genesis 1 makes more sense (explained in my book). 7 days = 7 trumpets, seals, bowls, churches, and a lot of other sevens in the book.

.    e) The number 666 ... how many things can it mean? Commentators impose gematria (which was not common at that time) or various other twisted ideas to seem smart. None of them are biblical.

How is your commentary different from any other commentary?

1) My commentary looks at the Apocalypse as John would have understood it, as a Jew living in the first century.

2) John wrote the book 20 years after the destruction of Jerusalem. John wanted to know, in real time, why God allowed the destruction of the Temple, its altar, and its priesthood. People in crisis don’t have time to dream about a distant end of the world. 

3) I share cultural Jewish practices as verified through books of Jewish ceremonial tradition. These same books share Jewish conversation of the first century. I quote them so the reader can understand John’s thoughts and reasoning.

4) I offer a storyline that fits history. The story can be verified, and I share eye-witness accounts. Because the story really happened, it is easier to follow. Each person mentioned is real and appears in history. Revelation is not fiction.

5) I found the book to be very consistent. There are 8 parts that mirror each other. I can compare and find meaning where it might not be apparent because the mirror verses fill in the gaps. Each of the 8 major parts contains 2 sets of 7 (patterned after the seven days of the week) and a summary poem (or song). Consistency and John clarifying his own story to add reliability. The entire book is well-footnoted.

6) The message and history were written by a Jew about Jewish things ... not by a Jew about Gentile Roman things. John writes about current events, which he knows and understands, not about future technology or people who would not exist for thousands of years.

7) The book actually fits the genre of the rest of the Bible, not some type of unrelated fantasy prediction. When you read “John’s Apocalypse: A Jewish Idea” it will make sense. Click here to buy

Why would you write a commentary to sell in an already crowded book market?

I wrote the book to bring sensibility back to the Book of Revelation. People will attempt to fit “John’s Apocalypse: A Jewish Idea” into some existing pattern of theology ... but it will not fit. The message found in my book is historical and filled with profound truths (like the rest of the Bible) rather than being futuristically eschatological. Read the first part of te book online, you will see the difference. 

 A New Book - John's Apocalypse

A new commentary on the book of Revelation, like none other, became a reality two weeks ago. The manuscript, ten years in the making, is available in both electronic and print formats.

Why do we need another study on the John’s Apocalypse, you might ask. The answer is simple: many discoveries await us, and the reader will not find them elsewhere. John’s Apocalypse is fresh and new and contains several new ideas never previously presented and concepts to help the reader make sense of what many call a very confusing book.

The new book, "John's Apocalypse: A Jewish Idea," ten years in the making, treats the Revelation of Jesus Christ in a new light. This book captures the reality of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Scholars tell us John wrote the Book of Revelation in 90-95 CE, which means the destruction of the Temple was in the past tense. When John wrote the book of Revelation, the end of the world was past tense, not future tense.

The Apocalypse opens with these words: “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” (first verse of the book). John tells us the book of Revelation is not about a far-distant future, but, like every other book of the Bible, deals with the current reality John is facing in his personal life.

John lived most of his life in Galilee and Jerusalem. The First Jewish War (66-73 CE) destroyed both Galilee and Jerusalem. Although John moved to Ephesus before the war, he heard news about the disaster in his homeland and grieved. He asked why the God of the universe would destroy the city and the Temple that represent Him? Why would God destroy the city He loves? John’s Apocalypse answers these questions.

Pick up a copy today …. you will not be disappointed!

A Job at Macy's

    It started as a retiree's attempt to do someting different ... and a goal of accomplishing a buck-list item: marching in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

   I have watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year for my whole life. In addition I have watched "Miracle on 34th Street" ... I do not know how many times. From these two habits (which I blame on my parents), I developed the idea of marching in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

   I went on-line to find out what it would take. The website said, "Parade participants are primarily employees or associates of Macy’s or its affiliated companies." I applied (note: seasonal positions open in September). Because the labor market is so tight, Macy's responded (they probably would have anyway), and hired me for a seasonal positon (November - January) in Holiday Sales. That requires I live in New York City ... because I wanted to work at Herald Square. (a person could work at a Macy's closer to home ... I just wanted the "real" experience).

   The job has been rewarding. Although I did not get in the parade this year, I did find a path to participate next year. (I will probably write a blog on that when it happens). In the Macy's Holiday Decorations Department, the amazing thing (I should not have been surprised) is that I have met people from all over the world.

   I should mention (because I would like to sell some copies of my book Advent Journeys) that I gave a copy to my manager to read. Did you know the R.H. Macy's father ran a bookstore on Nantucket?? This was his first retail experience.

   While working in the job, I found I am not the only one with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on my bucket-list. I talked to one customer from South Dakota who told me it was one of his dreams. Please look for me in the Parade next year.

Prepare the Turkey

      Preparing the Turkey, I used to be charged with this task when I worked in a church. I needed to make all the arrangements to feed 150-200 people (and later more). For me, this was less a task about cooking than about organization. And because I was good about organization, it was done on time and without worries.

     The first year I was charged with this task, I was told to enlist six people who would each cook one turkey. YES, I signed myself up as one of them, and I cooked and sliced the turkey. The turkey I prepared and the other five came ready for table service. It was great, and I could enjoy my time with people ... yes, a part of the season is about people.

Turkey Float in the Macys Parade

     I discovered over the years, as the congregation grew, when I plan to purchase turkeys, I need a pound for every person I expected. For Turkey that gives a half pound serving of meat and a half pound of waste (bone and skin). That is about what people serve themselves. If the crowd is older or eats lighter, cut the amount in half (or adjust)

     I came to the point where I could bypass reservations by using the previous year's attendance as a basis and factor in growth of the church. This worked well, and eliminated the hastle of people not making reservations.

     The other part of the church plan was covered dish ... in the first church. In some later churches, a standard fare was prepared ... sometimes with hired cooks, sometimes with volunteers.  

     Finally, I prepare soemthing else ... entertainment for the people. This can be a devotion, a conversation prompt, or something else, like pictures.

     If you want to do something extra special, order this book, and give one to each family. This keeps the holiday spirit continuing through Christmas.

A Christmas Journey

      Christmas is a time of travel: physically, mentally, spiritually and spiritually. Because of this fact, I have seen great personal anxiety occur in people who do not prepare a plan ahead of this highly charged season.

     What is your Christmas like? Do you look forward to these days with active anticipation, or do you dread what is coming and just hope to hang on and survive. Is the season enjoyable or fearsome? Do you enjoy getting out, or would you prefer all the hubub go away so you can relax, drink a cup of hot choclate, and escape the reindeer race?

     Christmas occurs when the sun is the lowest in the sky and days are shorter than any time of the year. Because of this people put out lights, wich bring a spark of energy to neighborhoods. Also, because of the early sunset, gettin out can be dangerous or avoided due to depresion. This should not happen.

     Christmas is meant to be a time of contact and interactions, starting at the Thanksgiving season. It is a time when life should slow down, and energy should be spent on strengthening family and friendship relationships. Therfore, travel is a necessity. Sometimes the travel is across country (plan this in advance for less stress and cost savings). Travel can be on an airplane, by car, or on a train (have you tried that one?) Planning ahead is of great help.

     December is also a time of functions, work parties, and social gatherings. These should be planned and calendared well in advance also. Are you throwing a party? Buy the goods early, perhaps at Thanksgiving food sales. Then the event becomes more hastle free, one thing off the list.

     And also automate invitations and house cleaning. If a day is set, and a plan made, all things become easier. And The easier an event is to host, the more enjoyable it becomes for you. If everything is done in advance, there will be no last minute rush to do the things that should have occurred earlier.

     Travel, functions (which we journey to attend - even if it is across town) take time and draw energy. That is why I put "mentally' on the list. We need to make mental preparation ... physically for the events is good mentally for us, because there is less worry. Also we can place the plan on the calendar, so we can know where we should be in advance.

     And finally, we should prepare spiritually. Christmas should be a time to draw closer to God, to become more spiritual ... that is what the holiday (holy day) is about. How do you prepare for that? I would recomment the book: Advent Journeys. You can order it on Amazon.com. It has short daily readings guaranteed to put spiritual meaning in the holiday.

     With correct preparation, the season can be wonderful, and full of enjoyment. Are you prepared?

 

The Christmas Hikes

   Have you ever thought deeply about what life must have been like for the people we read about in the Bible? I mean, what was it really: like when Joseph found out Mary was pregnant ... and then when he was told he must pay his taxes in Bethlehem. Have you ever thought about how difficult the trip must have been as Joseph traveled with Mary, who was nearing her time of delivery? How did they traverse the mountains, what did they eat, and where did they sleep? These real people, who were forced into a difficult situation. Would you travel with them if you could? 

   You can! Through a guide entitled Advent Journeys, available on Amazon.com. 

   You can also meet and travel with the Magi, on their way from Parthia to Bethlehem. (And you will be in the room when they meet King Herod!)

Sheep eating leaves of an Olive Tree in Israel

   This guide will allow you to listen in on the voices of the Shepherds as they watched their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem.

   The book  Advent Journeys is designed to lead you into Christmas through short daily readings, beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Please order the book today, so you can read it this season and begin to experience the journeys described in the Bible.

Time for Thanksgiving

    Rush, rush, rush ... that is all some people do! Life is lived by going from place to place, from one task to another, and always on the job ... or eating, or sleeping. These rushing people are the ones that make us curse on the road (because they cut us off), are impatient, and issue rude comments and complaints. (Ephesians 4:32)

   God's antedote to all this wild activity is "Thanksgiving." The giving of Thanks is encouraged throughout the Bible. Thanksgiving is an activitiy that requires us to sloooow doooownnn and to observe the world around us. 

Turkeys spotted on the side of the road in Sleepy Hollow, NY

   What can you give thanks for?  

   At this time of year, the color in the trees! And you can also give thanks for the variety of trees, and plants, and turf to walk on. Give thanks for Gardeners ... and if it is a natural area, to the God of Creation who placed each object in its place: which means giving thanks for the terrain, including the rocks and streams. And don't forget the animals.  ... take time to smell the roses!

Take time to smell the roses!

     And now that you have taken time to enjoy the things the eye beholds, take time to Thank God (Yes, we do this one often ... although sometimes not in the detail that we should) for the tastes provided in the foods we eat. And not just the obvious (What meats, vegetables and fruits did you eat today ... that includes pies, and the dairy product known as Ice Cream), but also the small. Have you ever noticed how a touch of this spice or that enhances the flavor. And, while you are at it, remember the cook, the server, the grocer, and the farmer.  And God who provides the rain.

A Jazz Musician playing his tune

   And we need to thank God for the things we hear, like music, other people (and that other people can hear us), the leaves rustling, animals and activities nearby, and even our own breating (life is a miracle), heart beat,and noises made when we move. Pray for people who are losing their hearing (and be patient with them ... because most people, including you, will have hearing loss in old age). 

Israel's largest waterfall at Banias, which flows into the Jordan

   And we should give thanks for the things we can feel, like the water trickling under our feet in a cool mountain streem, over our heads from a waterfall or the rain, or on our bodies like the waves of the ocean, water from our morning shower, or the stream from the faucet over our hands. we can give thanks for different textures and surfaces. And we can also give thanks for the love we recieve and can give. Let us always recognize the feelings that come not just from our surroundings and other people, but the feelings that come from reieving God's care.

   Make sure to give thanks every day this season.