Declaring the LORD

Read Revelation 1-3
 
Revelation 1:1-3 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
 
WE have read the gospels and epistles, which declare the divine traits of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. With Jesus’ teachings, miracles, death, resurrection and ascension, the gospel is a revelation – a disclosure and declaration – of Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man. Without doubt, by this point in the New Testament, we know Jesus is alive.
    Then God gave John a different task. Instead of looking back on Jesus’ saving work, he was to reveal Jesus’ future work. This work includes issuing warnings to the churches, speaking judgment against all evil and promising eternal reward for all believers.
    John precisely tells us an angel – a messenger – has come to John to declare this is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Does this alert you? Are you ready to regard God’s message to you through John as trustworthy and true? Are you prepared for correction, judgment and victory?
    If so, God will bless you as you receive and respond to his Word. Yes, God blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says.
    When you heed the warnings, you will be at peace in God’s promises. You will know that those who do not hear and take to heart these words will be cursed.
    One reason many of us avoid this epistle, this letter to the church, is that it contains some very difficult imagery. We do not understand all that is written. Another reason we avoid the message is to not think of God’s wrath on the sinner. Perhaps we feel unworthy of God’s majesty as we are reminded of God’s power, beauty, truth and justice.
    But rejoice! In Jesus, we are alive in the Savior’s eternal blessings. By Jesus’ blood, we are made safe in the blessing of new life. Yes, we must heed the hard words. Know our work is to live in Jesus’ authority. Receive the privilege of the work in Jesus’ name.