This Fall we are using the book of Revelation to guide us on Wednesday Nights. The sessions have been very beneficial thus far. John writes, “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.” (Rev. 1:3)
Most of the studies I have done in Revelation have been on the Second Coming of Jesus … and what is going to happen “then,” and to those left behind. As you follow the scripture, there are lots of things that “happen” in Revelation. I could follow the same course, but I have the belief that God’s Word has something to say to me today… here and now. As I read through Revelation, I could not help but notice the songs sung and the poetry in the book. This book is also about Prayer and Worship and following God (and Him only!) This is where I have found a blessing. So I have followed that approach in my study and prayer.
As I read Revelation 1, the first thing that jumped out at me were the names and descriptions of Jesus. Most of them are in triplets, and some of them even amplify each other. Like for instance: In verse 5 Jesus is called 1) the Faithful Witness; 2) Firstborn from the Dead; 3) Ruler of Kings. Then the Bible says in that verse and the next: 1) He loves us; 2) He freed us from our sins; and 3) Made us to be a Kingdom and Priests. It is great how this ties together. Jesus was the Faithful Witness … because He loves us. 2) Because Jesus died on the cross and was firstborn of the dead, He freed us from our sins. 3) And as the Ruler of Kings He has the authority to make us a Kingdom of Priests.
Jesus is 1) Coming on the clouds; where 2) every eye will see Him (even those who pierced him); and 3) All people of earth will mourn because of Him. (Daniel 7:13-14; Mt. 24:30). He is the 1) Alpha and Omega; 2) the One who is, who was, and who is to come (the “I AM”); 3) the Almighty.
We come to an awesome Savior. One who is worthy of our worship. He is God incarnate who came to save us and give us life.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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