Revelation 1 - 6.9.26
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1:1-3
“The revelation from 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 everything he saw - that is, the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
OBSERVATION: John was in exile on the island of Patmos, sent there by the Romans for his witness of Jesus. John was nearing the end of his life when he received a vision from Jesus regarding the seven churches in Asia. In this letter, John commended the churches for their strengths and warned them about their flaws. God allowed John to see certain future events that were indescribable, but John used the signs and symbols God had given him to encourage the believers by describing what he had seen in this vision. As gloomy as the world appeared, John reminded the believers that God is in control of the future, and that He is the ultimate victor to all who take hope in Him.
In this chapter, John addresses the seven churches and the seven spirits. The “seven spirits” is another name for the Holy Spirit. The number seven is used throughout Revelation to symbolize completeness and perfection.
APPLICATION: This letter from John was written to the seven churches in Asia back then, but it is also a message to the Church today, reminding God’s people to be faithful, devoted followers of Christ. Though Satan’s power may increase in these last days, it will only be temporary! God is faithful, and He will bring all true Christ-followers to our eternal home where there will be no more sorrow, sadness or suffering. He will give us strength and endurance with unwavering dedication as we keep our eyes on Jesus.
PRAYER: Thank You God for this Book of hope! Everywhere we turn today, we hear about all the evil deeds that are taking place on earth. But, I thank You that in the midst of all the crisis, calamity and chaos, You are in control, and will return to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. What you have promised, will come true! As we wait for Jesus to return, I pray we will be fully devoted followers, and that You will use us to give warning about hope without Christ, as well as hope with Christ. Thank You for the promise You have given to us about this Book of Revelation; that if we listen to it, and do what it says, we will BLESSED!
- Robin Orefice
