That's the opening verse in chapter 1.
What's in the book has been given to Christ to show to His servants.
The things in Revelation, are said to be "things which must shortly take place"
This apparently does not mean "right away" in John's day. For they have not taken place, it's been about 2000 years in round numbers since the writing of this book.
What it does seem to mean, is that once these events start taking place, they will take place rapidly, in a rapid succession, and come to an end quickly, in a short period of time..
Blessing is promised to those who would read this book, and those who would keep the things that are written in it. So, there is this beatitude if you will of blessing, for the readers and the keepers of this book.
We know what reading means, but, what does it mean to "keep the things which are written in it"?
The idea could well be, "those who keep themselves true to the things which are written, ( heeding them and laying them to heart ) Or being a doer if you will. This is the normal teaching and concept you find all through Scripture. God speaks to us, and teaches us, He instructs us, He enlightens our minds to the truth, and then calls us to follow Him, abide in His Word, stay in His will, respond in obedience to Him, order our lives according to His Word. There is always blessing in that.
The seven churches that are mentioned, were actual churches that existed at the time of this book being written. There is a message to each church. A distinct message. And, many Bible commentators believe that the 7 churches also represent 7 periods of church history. Starting with the first century church, leading right up to the last days church. Thus when you look through these 7 letters, one can see different situations that the church has faced and gone through down through the history of these last 2000 years.
Additionally, the message to each church, and the circumstances that are described in each church, can also very easily, be applied to the experiences of individual christians in their walk with the Lord.
In other words, if you take for example the first message in chapter 2, to the church of Ephesus, one can see how a christian can also be in the position of losing their first love, just like the church was. So, more about these matters in the next two chapters in the days to come.
Jesus is described or revealed, or unveiled for us in the next few verses, 1:4-8 in tremendous detail.
1. He along with the Father and Holy Spirit give grace, and peace to His servants.
2. He is the faithful witness.
3. He is the firstborn from the dead.
4. He is the ruler over the kings of the earth.
5. He is the one who "loved us" and does love us today, at this moment.
6. He has washed us from our sins in His own blood.
7. He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father.
8. He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.
9. He will be mourned by all the tribes of the earth.
10. He is the Alpha and Omega.
11. He is the Beginning and the End.
12. He is the one who "Was and who is to come"
13. He is the Almighty.
A few applicational thoughts to consider.
God has His servants in mind. He wants them to know what His plans are for them, and for this world.
God has given us this look into the future, through His Word. He sent it, He signified it by His angel to His servant John. Angel here could refer to an angel, or to Christ Himself. Either way, the point is, that God has communicated with us in this book.
As with most any part of the Bible, it has two parts to it. The first part is our receiving it , or hearing it, or reading it, understanding it. Part two, is our response to what we have just received, understood, etc. The two go together, and bring about blessing in our lives.
We are needy people. And the messages in the 7 letters are so fitting at various times in our lives. God knows what our needs and situations are, and these letters are so helpful.
Jesus is greater then we know. Even though you can count 13 things said about Him, that cannot be said about anyone else. But, these things are just a fraction of what He is. In fact, there is really no way to measure or describe God in some true final form. He is greater then all of our words and understanding.
One last but, supremely great truth, is that Jesus is coming again. We may be alive to see Him return to the earth. It could very well happen to us. That we are taken up to be with Him. We do know for certain, that we will be with Him in heaven, and we will return back with Him when He comes to rule on the earth.
Well, blessings to you, and look forward in the next few months to going through this book with you section by section, and chapter by chapter.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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