Tag: Revelation 1
Jesus Christ is Coming!
Scripture reading for December 1: Revelation 1
“John to the seven churches that 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, and from Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings on earth. To Him Who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen.” Revelation 1:4-7
The final letter in the New Testament Scriptures deals with the things that were, the things that are, and the things that are to come. This letter has an amazing impact on the world view of any who will read and heed its message. Through this letter, God reveals His plan to bring all things together, in heaven and on earth, under the Kingship of His Son. This letter is written to the seven churches in Asia that were under the oversight of the Apostle John, who was now in his old age and imprisoned by Rome.
The Greek word for “revelation” is “apocalupsis” which means the lifting of a veil or covering that brings a revelation of what has been hidden. In this letter, Jesus is lifting heaven’s curtain on how God views all of history, past, present, and future. Jesus reveals special messages for the churches that gather to worship Him regularly. He gives promise of blessing for those who will hear and heed His Word. John portrays Jesus as the “Faithful Witness” Who testified of the Father’s love and mercy. Jesus also was the “Firstborn of the dead” in that He alone was raised bodily in power and glory and ascended to heaven as a glorified man. Jesus is also the “Ruler of all the kings of the earth”. No earthly power or authority is over Him. He reigns forever and is coming on the clouds of glory. At the time of His return, every eye will see Him, even those who had pierced Him! There will be much wailing from those of earth. Those of heaven will rejoice!
Have you considered Who Jesus Christ really is right now at this moment? Does your world view include the possibility of Jesus Christ coming on the clouds of heaven? Being honest with yourself, will you rejoice at seeing Him or will you wail and mourn?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving us and revealing that love through Your Son and His giving of his blood for our salvation. I believe Jesus is coming again, and soon. I rejoice at His return! Use me to share this Good News. Amen!
Jesus has the Keys!
Scripture reading for November 30th: Revelation 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Revelation 1:17-18 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
John, the disciple who Jesus loved, wrote the final book of our Bible. It is a revelation of Jesus Christ! As John was worshiping God while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, he was given a vision of Jesus Christ standing before Him in resurrection glory. This caused John to fall down as a dead man! Jesus put His hand on him and spoke to him in words of revelation and reassurance! As One who tasted death for all mankind, and now was risen victorious over death, Jesus told John that He now possessed the keys of death and Hades and was alive for ever and ever!
Observations for over-comers: The resurrected Christ hold our key over death and Hades and tells us not to fear anything! “But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever–yes, for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7:18)
An unveiling of Jesus Christ!
Scripture reading for December 1st: Revelation 1
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw–that is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:1-3)
John wrote down this prophesy to the Church given to him by Christ’s angelic messenger. This prophecy is a revelation of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. Jesus is the Faithful Witness and First-born from the dead. When He comes again, every eye will see Him. This is the only letter of the New Testament that promises a blessing to those who read and take to heart what is written. The letter closes with a warning against adding to this or taking away from it! (Revelation 22:18-19) A key truth is that the time is near for the fulfillment of a literal revelation of Jesus from heaven.
John was imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos because of preaching the Word of God. While worshiping alone on that rocky island, Jesus appeared to him and he was overcome with His presence. “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and Last. I am the Living One; I was dead and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-19) Jesus is alive and victorious! His people are now free from fear of death or punishment! He is aware of each of His servants and with them to encourage them! The best is yet to come! Amen!