December 19 - Revelation 1-5
The final book of the Bible is very special. It promises a blessing to those who read it. (1:3) However, some people miss the next part of that verse. It promises a blessing to those who "hear and keep" those things which are written in it, too. The picture here is of a church that only has one copy of the book, so that one person reads it aloud to the rest. Then, they are all blessed if they "keep" it. I don't think most people see the book of Revelation as a book that contains things to keep, but it is. It is not just future prophecies to figure out. There are many spiritual principles and commands that are to be kept by us as believers. I urge you to look for these things as you read it. Then, make plans to "keep" them.
The vision of Jesus in chapter 1 is remarkable, because it is a revelation of the Glorified Christ, in contrast with final images of Him in the Gospels and in Acts 1. What a powerful presence and a glory to behold. John is overwhelmed by His appearance, and John was the disciple who was closest to Jesus, while He was on earth. Now, He is afraid and in awe of His Lord. I believe there is the need to have both the awe and the intimate fellowship with Jesus. We must never forget who He is and how powerful He is. What is your view of Jesus today? Does it line up with what John saw? If it doesn't, you need to revise your image of the Glorified Christ, who sits at the right hand of the Father.
Chapters 2 and 3 contain numerous principles to be "kept." They are written to the seven churches in Asia Minor, but all churches and all Christians can learn from them. How is the state of your love for Jesus? (2:4) How is your courage and perseverance? (2:10) Do you have trouble with sexual immorality or false teaching? (2:14, 20) All of these things are addressed very clearly. Then, he ends up with the letter to Laodicea. Are you hot or cold? Are you serving a purpose and bearing fruit for the Lord, or are you lukewarm? If you are lukewarm, there is the need for immediate repentance.
Chapters 4 and 5 can serve as a barometer of our worship. What do you learn from these chapters about the worship around God's throne in heaven? Do you think He wants us to worship Him here with the same type of enthusiasm? I believe He does. We can humbly pray and cast our crowns before His feet in recognition that we did not create this world, and we did not redeem ourselves, so we owe all of the worship and thanks to Him. Let these scenes sink in to your soul, and determine to lift the level of your worship. It will bless you and the Lord in the process.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Revelation 6-10.
The vision of Jesus in chapter 1 is remarkable, because it is a revelation of the Glorified Christ, in contrast with final images of Him in the Gospels and in Acts 1. What a powerful presence and a glory to behold. John is overwhelmed by His appearance, and John was the disciple who was closest to Jesus, while He was on earth. Now, He is afraid and in awe of His Lord. I believe there is the need to have both the awe and the intimate fellowship with Jesus. We must never forget who He is and how powerful He is. What is your view of Jesus today? Does it line up with what John saw? If it doesn't, you need to revise your image of the Glorified Christ, who sits at the right hand of the Father.
Chapters 2 and 3 contain numerous principles to be "kept." They are written to the seven churches in Asia Minor, but all churches and all Christians can learn from them. How is the state of your love for Jesus? (2:4) How is your courage and perseverance? (2:10) Do you have trouble with sexual immorality or false teaching? (2:14, 20) All of these things are addressed very clearly. Then, he ends up with the letter to Laodicea. Are you hot or cold? Are you serving a purpose and bearing fruit for the Lord, or are you lukewarm? If you are lukewarm, there is the need for immediate repentance.
Chapters 4 and 5 can serve as a barometer of our worship. What do you learn from these chapters about the worship around God's throne in heaven? Do you think He wants us to worship Him here with the same type of enthusiasm? I believe He does. We can humbly pray and cast our crowns before His feet in recognition that we did not create this world, and we did not redeem ourselves, so we owe all of the worship and thanks to Him. Let these scenes sink in to your soul, and determine to lift the level of your worship. It will bless you and the Lord in the process.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Revelation 6-10.