Dismissed by contemporary authorities as gibberish, in truth the Book of Revelation proposes a narrative of existence that constitutes a radical alternative to the status quo. Although "about that day or hour no one knows" (Mk.13:32), Revelation's prophecy instructs us to keep watch for signs of the end times that we might not be found asleep at Christ's return. By exposing the true identity of "mystery Babylon" (Rev.17:5) Revelation provides an instruction manual for how we should live as "strangers and sojourners"(1Pet.2:11). For in "this present darkness" (Eph.6:12) it seems we suffer a lack of purpose and identity precisely to the extent that we fail to read and interpret the Apocalypse.