The Way - Day 211 (Revelation 1)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION
The book of Revelation was penned by the Apostle John near the end of the first century (AD 94-96). He is also the writer of the Gospel of John and 1-3 John. As the last living apostle, John had been exiled by the Roman leaders to the Island of Patmos for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Revelation 1:9).  All of the other apostles had been martyred for their faith and unwavering passion for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is little argument about John's authorship of this book. His name is mentioned four times throughout the writing (1:1,4,9; 22:8). Early church fathers also confirmed that John was the author of Revelation.

Revelation is a book of the Bible often avoided because it “appears” to be surrounded in mystery and addresses events that have yet to occur. Although John’s writing does pull back the curtains and expose events which will occur at the end of the world, Revelation should not be approached as incomprehensible. God gave John these words to write as a way for his readers to have a clearer understanding of what awaits those who believe and those who do not believe.
The word revelation literally means to uncover or reveal. What is being uncovered in this book? The fundamental revelation of this writing is Jesus Christ, the One who defeats the evil forces of this world. Throughout Scripture, Christ's final victory has been foretold, but the book of Revelation gives the reader a glimpse of these final days before all people enter into eternal life.

The book of Revelation describes visions given to John by God that uncover details about the last days of the earth and destiny of the human race. In the first few chapters of Revelation, John declares that his writing be addressed to the seven churches in Asia Minor (1:4) where he had spent the last several years ministering. His writing was meant to be a challenge for them to stay faithful and look forward to the hope guaranteed to those who believe in Jesus Christ. During the first century, Christians were feeling the effects of persecution and had witnessed many people martyred for their faith. Those who were following Jesus needed to see the hope that awaited them. Although their future seemed uncertain, God was in control and Jesus Christ would eventually put an end to all evil and reward the faithful with a forever home in heaven.

As a guide for this journey through the book of Revelation, here are some main themes and events -

• John's Vision and Command to Write (Revelation 1)
• Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3)
• Worship in Heaven (Revelation 4-5)
• The Seven-Year Tribulation Period (Revelation 6-18)
• The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19)
• The 1,000 Year Reign of Christ - Millennium (Revelation 20:1-10)
• The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)
• The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

REVELATION 1
In the introduction to this book, John writes a few significant words that enable the reader to understand why God gave John the following revelations.

“This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:1-2, NLT)

John’s purpose for writing Revelation is to uncover Jesus Christ's future defeat of His enemies and the exaltation He deserved because He became the perfect sacrifice for sin. Those who believe in Jesus would be victoriously freed from the power and penalty of sin. God the Father also wanted His servants to have a glimpse into Jesus’ future kingdom on earth and the eternal home that awaited them. The visions given to John would help his readers understand these future happenings.

In the introduction of Revelation we discover that it is a unique book because it comes with a blessing to all those "…who read and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it...." (1:3) Moving from his introductory remarks to his greeting, John identifies the recipients of Revelation as the seven churches of Asia Minor (1:4). Although these churches are historical, they could also symbolize the characteristics of modern-day churches. This will be explored in more detail in Revelation 2-3. John then sends greetings to his readers from the Holy Spirit (1:4) and from Jesus Christ "…who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...." (1:5)

Following the introduction and greeting, John immediately speaks about the event which formed the things he was getting ready to write about. John was taken from the present world and caught up into a vision of things which would transpire in the future. This was not a natural dream, but a supernatural and literal vision that John experienced through the power of God. A voice said to John, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia" (1:11). John turned to see who was speaking and saw seven golden lampstands, as well as One who was walking in the midst of the lampstands (1:12-20). The seven golden lampstands are the seven churches (1:20) and Jesus Christ is the One walking among them (1:12, 18). These actions of Jesus represent His personal involvement with the churches.

When John caught a glimpse of Jesus, he fell at His feet as though he were dead. But Jesus laid His right hand on John and said, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore" (1:17-18). Jesus Christ then speaks to John about what He wants him to do with what he is about to experience.
"Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this." (Revelation 1:19)

Using the outline given by Jesus to John in Revelation 1:19, the journey through Revelation will be as follows:

• The things which you have seen represent what John is currently experiencing (Revelation 1)
• The things which are represent the current condition of the churches (Revelation 2-3)
• The things which will take place after this represent events at the end of earthly history (Revelation 4-22)

Dear God, thank You for giving these words to John so we can know the things which will take place in the future. Please bless me for reading, understanding, and obeying this book of Revelation.