The Revelation of Jesus Christ | Revelation 1

Welcome to Real Life. I think I know someone. Then something happens - a crisis or joyful event - and I see that person in a whole new way. The Apostle John knew Jesus. He spent years at Jesus’ side. Then one day on the island of Patmos, John saw him in a whole new light. 

John on Patmos

John was one of twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He was also one of Jesus’ closest friends on earth. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, John became a leader in the early church. He wrote five books of the New Testament: the Gospel of John; a trio of letters titled 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John; and the book of Revelation.

The Gospel of John is his narrative of Jesus’ life. In it, we learn that Jesus is more than a prophet. He is God himself, the Creator of the world and everything in it, who put on flesh and came to earth to save us.[1] John wrote in order that we may believe Jesus is the Christ and by believing have eternal life.[2] In 1st John, we discover that “God is love” and that perfect love drives out fear. Love is the heart of Christianity.

Revelation speaks of God’s love as well, but from a completely different angle. One who loves deeply is angry when the one they love is hurt or wronged. True love seeks justice. God is angry over sin and how it has damaged us and our world. In Revelation, his wrath is unleashed and the blood of his beloved children is avenged.

Through faith in Christ I have become a child of God.[3] As his daughter, I am the object of his love, not the object of his wrath. Therefore, I don’t need to fear it. His perfect love drives out my fear.

Much of Revelation is prophetic and speaks of the Great Tribulation - the final seven years of earth’s existence as we know it. It’s pretty scary. These years are filled with plagues, earthquakes, wars, death and destruction. These terrifying images are followed by the glorious coming of the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem of God. There is no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.[4]

However, before he reveals to John these prophetic events, Jesus reveals himself. John is exiled on the island of Patmos because of his stand for Christ.[5] It’s Sunday. He’s worshiping God. He hears a loud voice like a trumpet. He turns to see Jesus as he’s never seen him before:

He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest.
His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow.
And his eyes were like flames of fire.
His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace,
and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.
He held seven stars in his right hand,
and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth.
And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

This is not the gentle teacher who turned the other cheek. Nor is it the suffering servant who died for us on the cross. This is the triumphant Lamb of God, the only one worthy to open the sealed scrolls of God’s judgment. This is the Conquering King of Kings who defeats Satan and establishes his holy kingdom on earth. John is completely overcome.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead.
But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid!
I am the First and the Last. I am the living one.
I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

“Write down what you have seen—
both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.

John sees a new revelation of Jesus Christ. How do you see Jesus? Do you see him as Savior? Lord? Friend? What about Conquering King? Do you have ears to hear his message to the churches? (Stay tuned for a series of blogs on the book of Revelation.)

Lord Jesus, I want to see you and know you more completely. Open my eyes and ears to your truth.
Taking it further …

• Read Revelation Chapter 1. Verse three promises that God will bless all who read the words of this prophecy.

[1] John 1
[2] John 20:31
[3] John 1:12
[4] Revelation 21:4
[5] Revelation 1:9

Image of John from:  http://thefullbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/John_on_Patmos.jpg