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Today in God’s Word

January 11, Revelation 1

It had been decades, but the memories were still clear. Old John remembered seeing Jesus, walking beside the lake at the beginning, and later, on the lake with the same ease. John had seen food multiplied, storms calmed, diseases healed and demons dispatched by Jesus’ words. He was there on more than one occasion when death gave back one already taken into its

grip. He heard Jesus teach. John walked beside Jesus, saw him transfigured, watched him die and looked with wonder into an empty tomb. He had seen the risen Lord and gazed as Jesus ascended into heaven. But nothing John had seen or heard could compare with what happened that day on Patmos, when he heard the voice and turned around to see who had spoken to him.

John saw a man in a long robe with a golden sash, standing among seven lampstands. Can you picture him—the flaming eyes, the snow-white hair, a double-edged sword coming from his mouth, his voice roaring like mighty waters and his face shining like the sun? John collapsed under the strain of the magnificent vision. But then a familiar hand was on him and the voice that had roused him from fitful sleep in

Gethsemane so long ago told him, “Fear not.”

It was Jesus, whom he had served and about whom he had testified for so many years. Now exiled for his testimony, John was privileged to see and hear his Master say he was alive forever, the first and the last, with all authority over Death and Hades. Jesus told John to write it all down, explaining that he was among his churches and he held their messengers in his hand.

From John’s opening lines, we know this book is like no other in the New Testament. Through symbols and images, John wrote to the seven churches in Asia to encourage them in tribulation and to certify their victory in Christ. He showed them a great, big, victorious God and assured them everything was under his control. Instead of terrifying or mystifying the churches, John’s purpose was to tell them things that would sustain and fortify them in persecution.

As we read the Revelation, it’s good to remember all God has done for us, all Jesus has endured and overcome and all the promises God’s Spirit has spoken through his word. Let’s read with awe, but not terror. Let’s savor the mystery without losing our confidence. That’s why we have a book like Revelation.


From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for

Your Journey Through the New Testament,

Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by

permission. All rights reserved.

Today in God's Word—January 2024

East Tallassee Church of Christ

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