SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 1
INTRODUCTION:
John was a Roman prisoner on the island of Patmos whom God had given him the revelation of Jesus Christ. He wrote Revelation to give hope and encouragement to those Christians suffering from sever persecution for the faith in Christ. The key name for Christ in this book is “Lamb”. In the entire Revelation, John described Jesus as Priest King, Judge of the Churchers, the creator, the redeemer, the Lord of History, the conqueror and the bridegroom. This book emphasized “throne”, “king”, “power” and “authority”. Christ is the Sovereign of the universe, ruling from the heavenly throne.
John used imagery and symbols to convey spiritual truths. God is in control and will judge the evil. One day, He will establish an everlasting kingdom with new heaven and new earth.
BIBLE VERSES:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud 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.” (Revelation 1:3)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”” (Revelation 1:8)
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18)
PROLUGUE (vs. 1-3)
God sent angels for John to see, to testify the Word of God and the testimony of Christ. Blessed are those who red and hear his words of prophesy and take it to hear.
GREETINGS AND DOXOLOGY (vs. 4-8)
John sent to the 7 churches in the province of Asia with this greetings. “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (v. 4-5). “The Lord God is the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was and who is to come” (v. 8).
ONE LIKE A SON OF MAN (vs. 9-20)
John heard a loud voice like a trumpet telling him to write on the scroll what he saw and sent it to the 7 churches – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
John saw 7 golden lampstands and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man”. His description was as follows: He was dressed in a robe with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white as snow and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. He held 7 stars in his right hand and his mouth came a sharp double edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (vs. 12-16).
He was frightened to death but the Lord told him not to be afraid for He is the first and the last, the living One who holds the keys of death and Hade. He told John to write down what he had seen. This is the mystery: 7 stars are the angels of the 7 churches. 7 lampstands are the 7 churches.
INTERPRETATION OF CHRIST’S DESCRIPTION:
- His garments are thorn of Priest king
- His white hair speaks of His wisdom and divine nature
- His eyes can see everything to judge all sins.
- His feet of brass speaks of judgment. Beneath he brazen altar was the place where sin was judged.
- His voice is the power of His Word and divine revelation.
- 7 stars in Hi right hand are messengers of the 7 churches
- His mouth is the power and force of his message with judgment as sharp as sword.
THOUGHTS:
- The word “Revelation” means literally “Unveiling”. The book of Revelation unveils Christ’s final victory over Satan and sin. It used signs and symbols to convey its message. There is a series of “seven” in this book. Seven is used to symbolize completion and perfection. Seven stands for the fullness of the Spirit. There are 7 churches, 7 trumpets, 7 vials, 7 lampstands and etc. There is also “Twelve” – 12 stars, 12 gates, 12 foundation and 144,000 ) multiple of 12)
- The Lord is the beginning and the end. He is the eternal Lord and ruler of the past event, future with all power and wisdom. Is the Lord your Lord and Savior and the reason for your living?
- The Christian churches were facing severe persecution. Now, we have the freedom to preach His gospel. Do you share your faith given this opportunity of easy times?
- As we read Revelation, let us deepen our faith in Him and strengthen our commitment to follow him no matter what the cost.