This gentle sunrise offers the hope, not only that the darkness is overcome, but that the destruction of the heavy snow is ended. As I drive around now two weeks after, there are still broken branches giving up their tenuous grasp of the trees and drooping further into the roads. But we know the worst is over.
Apocalyptic literature gives us a horizon of hope. It intends to assure us that no matter how dark and destructive things look, Jesus has won the war against evil. There are still some battles being fought and some soldiers hiding in caves, unaware that the war is over. But Jesus is triumphant.
It strikes me that a good modern comparison to apocalytic literature is science fiction. No matter how weird and frightening the plot gets we know that the convention requires that good win out over evil.
So what impact do apocalyptic Scripture passages have on my spirituality? They help me to let go and not be so bothered by the evil in me and around me. The triumphant Jesus is in me and with us. His risen life permeates me and our world and is gradually transforming it. He may use me to bring some good about, but it is his accomplishment, his victory.
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