IT IS DONE REV16:17

We had an interesting experience one day last week on the subway. While we sat down, a young lady came to stand in front of us. The pockets of her coat had the words IT IS DONE REV 16:17 so we used it to ask a question which led to further conversation. I think maybe I started off by pointing out the words to Mark. Mark then asked her straight up in Chinese “Are you a Xn?” She stated “no” then he proceeded to point out the words. In the conversation we tried to explain that those words came from a book in the Bible called Revelations. On her phone dictionary she typed in revelation. I said yes, though I knew that wasn’t the correct explanation. I briefly explained that Revelations is a book in the Bible and many books make up the Bible with chapters and verses. I explained about the idea of the Bible being like a big story that has many stories that grow into a climax of Jesus, then has a resolution - much like the plot of a novel.  She told us that some American teachers had  taught her Bible stories and she likes the Bible stories but that she didn't want to be a Xn. She thought the words IT IS DONE meant that the Bible is finished, no one can add to it. Although that fact is true and the words IT IS DONE in Revelation 16:17 refer to God’s seven bowls of judgment poured out on the earth, I tried to point her to the idea of IT IS FINISHED - Jesus’ completed work on the cross for salvation. I had a hard time explaining that concept. She also didn’t understand the 16:17, thinking that it meant 4:17pm.  In the end, I encouraged her to read the Bible, especially since she already knows some of its stories.  Interestingly, the whole time Mark and I had this conversation in English, I noticed some people across the aisle listening intently. We learned that she uses the English name of Crane – like the bird. I pray that God will use curiosity to open her eyes to his word and that she will be free like a real bird.