Martyn Isles shows us that the reality in this world is that life is unstable. Circumstances shift, expectations collapse, and evil intrudes. Revelation names this reality honestly, including the sobering truth that tribulation is part of the Christian calling. John identifies it as central to our partnership in Christ (Rev. 1:9).

“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Rev.1:9

But into this unsettled world, Revelation declares a daring truth: Christ reigns. So, these troubles are not signs of His absence, but they are realities taken up into His sovereign purposes. John is invited to “come up here” (Rev. 4:1) and see history from heaven’s perspective. From this vantage point, tribulation is reinterpreted – it is not meaningless or wasted, but transfigured. It prepares God’s people for glory, and prepares God’s world for redemption.