When the apostle John was around 95 years old, he was exiled by the Roman Emperor Domitian for his Christian beliefs. It was there at a penal colony on the island of Patmos, that an angel came to John, delivering to him God’s visions of things that are, things that will be, and most wonderful of all, the glorious revealing of Jesus Christ. Told to, “write In a book what you see”, John did just that; writing a letter to the seven local churches in Asia Minor. A letter that is known today as the book of Revelation.
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (vs. 1:3) Revelation both begins and ends with promises of blessings when we hear and obey the messages it contains. God revealed to John amazing things. Wonderful things. Things John had never seen before. Because of this, John struggled with putting into words all that he saw. As a result, Revelation is filled not only with prophecies, but metaphors and apocalyptic imagery. To many, this makes the book intimidating or difficult to understand. But John warns that Jesus is coming again very soon, so we need to be ready. And part of getting ready means reading and learning about all God has to say; from beginning to end.
John begins by saying that he was, “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet”. (vs. 1:10) This voice instructed John to get a book, write down everything he saw, and send it to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. When John turned around to see who was speaking he, “saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man.” (vs. 1:12-13) And so begins John’s glorious description of Jesus Christ.
The Lamb has now been replaced with the Lion. For Christ is clothed in a robe with a golden sash. His head and hair are as white as snow, and His eyes are aflame. His face shines as bright as the sun, his feet are as glowing bronze, and His voice sounds like rushing water. In His hands He holds seven stars, and from His mouth comes forth a two edged sword. (vs. 13-14) Is it any wonder when beholding Jesus in all of His majesty, John fell at the feet of the Lord as if dead? Yet in the most loving response, the great Lion of the tribe of Judah, places His right hand on John and says, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” (vs. 1:17-18)
Jesus then goes on to explain to John all He was witnessing. The lampstands represent the seven churches, (vs. 1:20) and the son of man is the glorified Jesus who, while holding seven stars, (the angels of the seven churches), walks among the churches as Savior, Comforter, and Mediator to all who believe in Him.
The letters of warning Jesus gave to John not only apply to the seven churches, but to us as well. “He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen” (vs. 1:7) At any moment Christ could return. There is no prophecy that has to be fulfilled, no event that has to happen for the Rapture to occur. Knowing this should motivate us to walk in obedience, do all things for His glory, love our neighbors, practice good works, and share the gospel with the world.
