Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham, offers a personal and devotional look at the book of Revelation. If you want a theological treatise or a new scholarly theory, you won't find it here. But if you want to think through the struggles you face in the light of the Lordship of Christ, The Vision of His Glory offers a user-friendly perspective on Revelation.
The book stems from a series of messages that Lotz developed a few years ago. (Tapes of her speaking to an audience are also available with the book from Word Publishing.) A wife and mother, she taught Bible Study Fellowship for 12 years before establishing a speaking ministry that now takes her around the world to share her biblical insights. She says about this book, "Revelation is, above all, a book of hope, and the blessing to be found in its magnificent imagery has been, for me, a continuous, awesome experience of worship as it has led me to a fresh, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. This book is my humble attempt to share with you how this richness of worship, this wealth of hope, this vision of His glory, is intended for all of us."
The first part of The Vision of His Glory discusses the early chapters of Revelation: the vision of John and the messages to the seven churches. The author explains the symbols and gives background on the churches, using these as springboards for taking a serious look at our lives today. If you are depressed and discouraged or wondering how you fit in God's scheme of things, Lotz helps you see that the images and symbols of Revelation encourage you to depend on God and discover a wider perspective on your life.
As Lotz works through Revelation, she asks pointed questions about life choices. For example, in the section that talks about the Ephesian church, she says, "If you have unconsciously lost your first love while staying busy in service, remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent. Return to the things . . . you may have been doing when you were in love with Jesus that you are not doing now. Would you ask Jesus to shine the light of His Word into your heart and pinpoint what has cost you your love for Him?"
The Vision of His Glory moves on into the heart of Revelation. Because this book emphasizes the Christ of Revelation, Lotz doesn't spend a long time explaining events or symbols, but instead offers encouraging insight on how Christ makes a difference, even in the most difficult situations. Inspiring stories of people who have lived out their faith in the face of persecution as well as personal anecdotes help readers relate to the Scripture.
Lotz constantly encourages life application like the following: "Have you ever had a close brush with death? Or just standing at the grave of a loved one, have you been confronted with eternity? When I have those experiences, it gives my life a new perspective and new seriousness. I deeply desire to be right with God and live in such a way that my life counts for something."
The final chapters highlight the hope that all Christians have, a hope that defeats death and fires the heart with praise. All through the book readers are encouraged to worship Christ and fill their hearts with hope in the Savior who is Lord of all. Anne Graham Lotz maps a course through Revelation that avoids the charts and diagrams of end times speculation and makes the message of this complex book relevant and full of hope for Christians. If you want a devotional approach to the book of Revelation, The Vision of His Glory offers a solid book from this first-time author.
Candy Paull is a freelance writer specializing in book marketing and creative projects. She lives in Nashville, TN.
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