The Revelation

Revelation 1:1–3 (ESV) The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation is about Jesus. It is not the revelation of the end times and last judgment before it is ultimately about who Jesus is and what Jesus will do. He is the Revelation of God to man and has finally been revealed to those who are struggling to see God in their chaotic world. John wrote Revelation in AD 95 during the tormenting reign of Dometian who insisted on Emperor worship demanding people to refer to him as "lord and god."

The word, "revelation" means "unveiling." This is what Jesus sets out to do in Revelation. And we are the ones who have opportunity to open it's pages and be blessed. The book is not to be avoided and not to be thought unapproachable. The writer invites us in with special incentive to hear and keep what is written.

What do you need when you are living in a world seemingly dominated by power-hungry talking heads demanding your allegiance and attend? A Revelation of Jesus.

What do you need when you feel like the only person in your world that believes this message? A revelation of Jesus Christ.

What did 7 very different churches in the first century all need to see? A Revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Here's the vision John beholds of the glorified Christ:

Revelation 1:13-16 (ESV) "one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength."

He is arrayed in glory and power. What an incredible scene to behold! This is our Lord! No longer the baby, no longer the meek sacrificial lamb riding a donkey into the city and weeping. He is glorious and wondrous. And we are blessed to see Him for who He is and we will see Him one day.

And this book begins with Jesus addressing His Church. He wants to speak to us, He wants to counsel us. So let the counsel begin!

PRAYER:

Father, give us open ears to Hear what Jesus wants to say to us. We ask that our eyes will be open and our minds will be receptive to the life giving words of Christ. In His Name, Amen.