Written around A.D. 95 by the apostle John while he resided at Patmos, the Revelation features three literary genres, starting out with epistolary introduction and benediction, followed by an apocalyptic rendition of prophetic visions brought to the book’s author by an angel of God.
“1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place.” (Revelation 1:1)
The word “revelation” was translated from the original Greek text where John was led to start his epistle using “apokalypsis”, an unveiling brought by the Savior Himself, Jesus the risen Christ.
In His revelation to John, Jesus uncovers events to come, including God’s judgment over the earth, the tribulation and the second coming of the Christ, fulfilling the promise made by the Lord when He lived in the flesh and walked among men.
“And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.” (Revelation 1:2)
Jesus appointed a chosen angel to deliver His revelation to John, who was well versed in God’s word as well as the life, death and resurrection of the Christ. Jesus also entrusted the apostle with documenting the message spoken by this angel and the prophetic visions associated with the revelation.
“3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)
Here, John delivers a benediction to those who read, hear and live according to the words contained in the revelation of Jesus, telling us that those who abide by the divine unveiling will be blessed. The apostle ends his introduction by warning of the time line of Jesus’ revelation, with events soon to take place. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through your revelation delivered by your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
