While John resided at Patmos, around A.D. 95, he was delivered a revelation by Jesus. This apocalyptic rendition of prophetic visions was entrusted to the apostle so it could be documented and shared throughout the land, to inform believers of the Lord’s second coming, and warn non-believers about the end of days.
“4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,” (Revelation 1:4)
After an introduction, John addresses his audience, notably the seven churches in the Roman province named Asia. The churches were located at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The seven Spirits include the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of understanding, the Spirit of counsel, the Spirit of power, the Spirit of knowledge and the Spirit of fear of the Lord.
“5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,” (Revelation 1:5)
John describes Jesus as the faithful witness, from whom flows undeniable truth and perfection. Risen from the dead, Christ is hailed as the King of kings and ruler over the earth and those within it, who are loved and forgiven of their sins by the blood of the Savior that was shed on the cross.
“6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:6)
Because the Lord makes His disciples kings in His kingdom and priests of His church, believers are no longer bound to the law of Moses or dependant on ordained clergy to have a relationship with God, or with Jesus Himself. Through faith in Christ, believers are set free from the wages of sin. By the grace of God, those in Christ inherit a place in Heaven where each saint will rejoice, forever.
“7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)
John announces the second coming of Christ as a glorious, triumphant return to earth where He was persecuted and crucified by the Jews. Then, John warns of the mourning that will take place throughout the world when Jesus returns to judge all nations and people according to their deeds.
“8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
Using the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, John reveals how Jesus describes Himself as the first and the last, the beginning of all that exist, and the end of all this is to come on earth. 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
