Declaring the Lord

Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 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.
 
WE have just completed a portion of John’s gospel. The Holy Spirit gave John the task to 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 of Nazareth. When John concludes, we know with great certainty Jesus is alive, and he has commissioned Peter to begin the church. Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of Man.
    Then John was given another task. Instead of looking back on Jesus’ saving work, he is to reveal Jesus’ future saving work. This work includes issuing warnings to the churches, speaking judgment against all evil and promising eternal reward unto a New Heaven and earth for all believers. In essence, it is no different than the gospel message. It is delivered in a different form.
    John tells us his message to the church is a message from God. An angel – which means “messenger” – has come to John to declare the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Does this alert you? Are you ready to regard God’s message 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, “blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.”  When you hear the Word, you will 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. Those who do will be blessed.
    One reason many of us avoid Revelation is its very difficult language and imagery. We do not understand all that is written, so we avoid the study required. Perhaps we also want to avoid considering God’s wrath on the sinner. We can easily feel unworthy and overwhelmed of God’s majesty as Revelation describes 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.
    This is the great revelation of all history. Receive the privilege of knowing God.