The fancy word ‘dystopian’ describes a type of novel that young adults really enjoy. The world has all gone wrong, there’s been some huge cataclysmic event, and teens and children have to bravely find a new way to live (with or without mutations). Streaming services have lots of new series like that. It seems to touch a deep need.
The Bible also has some dystopian parts. They get called ‘apocalyptic’. The Book of Revelation is one of them. It’s written to encourage Christians who are experiencing persecution and powerlessness. Because the political powers back then were too strong to speak against directly, they used code words that the Christians understood, but the ruling authorities didn’t get. Christians in China, where all electronic messages are monitored, still do the same, if they are arranging a Bible study or a prayer meeting. The apostle John wrote Revelation to encourage Christians not to give in during times of intense opposition. He was reminding them and us that nothing finally is stronger than God and grace– no government, no social media, no big business, .
And at the end, God will make all things new. The tears that we cried will be remembered, but the hurt of the grief and the pain will be taken away. There is the promise that God will be with us, face to face. I believe that everything thing we have enjoyed or appreciated in this life will be a pointer to something even better in eternity.
