Revelation 1 — John’s Vision of the Church
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
“The revelation from Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1)…the last book in the Bible provides the important background for us to consider as we begin: this is from Jesus through an angel for us. Written during a time of great difficulty for the Christian church, John was given this vision to help believers, to give us hope for the future. The Roman authorities were promoting worship of Caesar, the temple was recently destroyed, Christian leaders had been martyred, the hope that Christ brings was being tested. Having the privilege of looking back over centuries, we can see that the spark ignited by Christ has spread across the world, but the early readers of this book had no such advantage. For all they knew, they would be killed or exiled, their families taken, possessions destroyed. The Romans had such authority and were not afraid to inflict it wherever and whenever they felt it necessary.
So we begin with anticipation: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud 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” (1:3). Funny, I don’t think I’ve ever sat and listened to someone read Revelation. Lord may I hear your words clearly over these next few days as I read aloud your words.
God the Father has made it known that “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him” (1:7). The time will come at last when all will know Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God. “So shall it be!”
John sees Jesus and tries to explain the glorious scene using words of great imagery, attempting to express the fantastic vision. Interesting to note the reference to the “right hand” in verses 16, 17 and 20. In his right hand, Jesus holds the seven stars, the “angels of the seven churches” (1:20) (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea). With his right hand he comforts John by placing his hand on John’s shoulder, “Do not be afraid” (1:17).
We have the great opportunity to look into the seven churches, perhaps to see ourselves, in the vision of Revelation. Praise God for allowing us this privilege. Lord help us to understand what we are to learn from this feast.