Mr. Scofield and Oilcloth Charts. A Note From Jan.

I’ve been reading through the New Testament. Reading through it for what felt like forever, or so it seemed once I hit the book of Revelation.

Daddy’s seminary training and inclinations led him to teach the book of Revelation using oilcloth charts and  Mr. Scofield’s reference Bible (a highly annotated version for those of you who missed Scofield along the the way). It took a fair amount of mystery out of Revelation, as did the charts. 

Folks loved it when Daddy taught the Bible on Sunday nights. Life’s full of mystery and questions. Felt good once in a while to get some answers, even debatable ones.  The oilcloth charts hung in front of the baptistry on Sunday nights, so he could teach with an old fashioned sort of power point. He had the power to point at where we were to look.

Revelation was neatly explained. You could take out your Scofield Reference Bible and follow along, then breathe a big sigh of relief that if you were a Christian you’d escape the worst of the troubles to come. You were “pre-tribulation.” Daddy, a “pre-trib,” is now in heaven with Jud, a “post-trib,” to use the arcane language of this field. Wonder what they’re thinking and talking about now.

Well, I could’ve used a chart or two myself, as I waded through Revelation, knee deep in sorrow for this world and my own sins. I shuddered and wept some days, other times sat puzzled and stunned while reading. Almost every chapter found me writing, “Lord, have mercy” or “Thank you, Jesus.” Which pretty much sums up most of my praying these days.

I guess that’s not all bad. Times have changed.  Gone are most Sunday night services, four part harmony sung from hymnals you hold, oilcloth charts and Scofield Reference Bibles. Gone to heaven are most of the folks who taught me to think for myself (Jud, especially).

But I hope I never get so sure of myself that I stop shuddering, puzzling, weeping or praying for mercy when I read the Bible in any one of the many translations of the book of Revelation.  It’s scary but hopeful.  Jesus wins! I got that, even without a chart. 

I still have my Mama’s Bible in the King James version, a Scofield Reference Bible, and Jud’s NIV translation. All well marked, well read, well loved.  Better still, well lived.

Which is what matters in the end.  Faithful, no matter what.