Monday - Revelation 1 - Jesus and His Church

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AUL wrote, "Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25). Without debating the exact point of the commencement of the church age, Christ's church is evidently comprised of believers from the first coming of Jesus until His second coming. John calls the members of the church "Christ's servants" (Revelation 1:1). And obviously the universal church is comprised of many local churches (Revelation 1:11). This great book of prophecy is addressed to all who are the servants of Jesus Christ; to the members of His church. It is a product of God's desire to share His plans with His people (Genesis 18:17 & Revelation 1:1 & 19).

 

Fittingly, this revelation of God's plans is spearheaded with a wonderful description of Christ Himself. Obviously, the apostle knew Jesus firsthand from the 3.5 years that he had been Jesus' personal disciple. Many years had passed since Jesus' ascension. But when Jesus showed up on Patmos, John certainly recognized Him. John had been exiled there to keep him silent, but it didn't work (Revelation 1:9). His greatest and most impactful ministry resulted from this exiling. Glorious descriptions of our glorious Lord came from the pen of this old man who was living alone, waiting to die.

 

This book is both important and applicable now. We have the promise of God that it has the potential to bring great blessings upon those who humbly seek for Him in these pages (Revelation 22:7). Although it is full of war and havoc, the peace of God is obtainable through this book (to those who are willing to take its message to heart - Revelation 1:4).