DECEMBER 1 READING…REVELATION 1
The first line of this book tells us what it is all about…the revelation of Jesus Christ, and to show the things that are to take place. This all was revealed to John who was exile for his faith on the Island of Patmos. John who knew Jesus very well during the Lord’s earthly ministry, now is about to experience the revelation of the glorified Christ. This would not be the first time he saw Jesus in this manner, for he was on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus. Daniel also saw Jesus like this, recorded for us in Daniel 7. As John’s purpose in his gospel was to make sure we knew the Deity of Jesus, here in Revelation 1, he leaves no doubt. He speaks of Jesus’ Resurrection…calls Him the Ruler over all the earth…He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End…the “I AM”, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. Jesus appears completely different than He did when He walked on earth. He is clothed in a garment to His feet with a gold band around His chest…His hair was white as wool and snow…and His eyes burned like fire. His feet were like fine bronze…and His voice sounded like many rushing rivers. He held in His right hand seven stars…and out of His mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. John was overwhelmed with the presence of the post-incarnate Christ…as all would be.
Jesus instructed John to write what was revealed to him, and send it to the seven churches of Asia Minor…which eventually we received, and are now reading. Though Revelation is a book filled with many images, these images represent real things and events…and should be taken literally. This is a very logical and orderly book…its purpose is to “reveal”, not to create more mystery. These things will happen, regardless of the naysayers, and those who just want to spiritualize this book. John saw Jesus holding the seven stars…these are the angels (messengers), pastors, to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The seven lamp stands that Jesus is walking among are the seven churches themselves. Jesus the Lord of the church is about to reveal His eternal plan to His churches. For these seven churches and their pastors are certainly literally churches and pastors in the time of John…but the also represent all of Jesus’ churches and pastors of all time until His return. The sharp two-edged sword that proceeds out of Jesus’ mouth is the Word of God…we will see this again in Chapter 19.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…REVELATION 2