Revelation 1:1-8

Today’s Passage: Revelation 1:1-8

As we approach a new book and especially with it being Revelation, I want to lay a foundation from the get-go that this book is not intended to be read in a spirit of fear or anxiousness. If anything, Revelation should strengthen faith and encourage hearts when we consider the content of its message. Let me show you that even in the first 8 verses, God is not-so-quietly encouraging you with this apocalyptic treasure-trove.
 
Why Can We Be Encouraged In The Reading of Revelation?
 
Because we know what is coming (soon). (v. 1)
John makes it clear this vision is a gift from God to show His servants what must (soon) take place. The fact that we will not be taken off guard at the end only bolsters our trust and lifts our countenance before God.
 
Those who read this prophecy, hear it, and obey it are blessed. (v. 3)
Blessed = happy. Not that the goal of the Christian life is happiness, but it certainly is a byproduct. Why should we fear when God said those who read this book are BLESSED? There is great fulfillment and joy in having the revelation as opposed to not. It all depends on our perspective.
 
John writes with grace and peace. (v. 4)
The best time to panic on a whitewater rafting trip is when your guide starts to panic. If he ain’t panicking, there isn’t a reason for us to either, right? John doesn’t write in a tone of anxiousness or discouragement, but one of grace and peace. To the child of God, these are accommodations given to us by the Spirit of God so that we might not be upended by what seems like troubling times.
 
The gospel is the thing that matters most (v. 5-8)
Jesus is the faithful witness and preeminent King from the dead, who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His sacrificial blood, making us a priesthood and children of God. What glorious news! He accomplished everything necessary through His death and resurrection and has promised He is coming again (v. 7).
 
Jesus is the first and the last (v. 8) and everything starts and stops with/in Him. THAT’S why we can rejoice in Revelation. I pray that you can read it with fresh, blessed eyes, and even as you dive into the mystery of it can rest in His peace that it’s already sorted out and will be for the good of those who love Him.

Written By: Drew Dukes

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