In "A Christmas Carol," the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Ebenezer Scrooge grim images of his future. Scrooge exclaims: "No, spirit! Oh, no, no!... Hear me. I am not the man I was... Why do you show me this, if there is no hope for me?"
Through his literary character, Charles Dickens wants to convey a truth to the reader: Necessary changes in life today lead to a different, better future.
The Book of Revelation directs believers in Christ to this reality in a sobering yet hopeful way—not as a fictional narrative, but as a profound prophetic truth. The opening verses of Revelation present us with a promise: "Blessed is the one who reads, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" (Rev., ch. 1, v. 3*).
The Book of Revelation invites us to look towards the future, to repent of our sins, and to live by faith—today and every day. We can be confident that the Author and Finisher of our faith knows how the story will end, and He calls us to live in readiness, repentance, and hope as we journey towards eternity with Him.
Link to the original article: https://www.intouchuk.org/read/daily-devotions/an-invitation-back-to-the-future
* Biblical quotes are from Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013