Dec 9 Zechariah 9, Zechariah 10, Zechariah 11 Revelation 1 Psalm 140:1-5
Rev 1:1-3
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
And so we start the book of Revelation… in the run up to Christmas! But actually, this is more appropriate than you’d first think.
What is the book of revelation? Well, it’s about the end times, yes. But really, as the title suggests is about the revelation of Jesus in all His glory and the the kingdom He has established becoming revealed.
Even the Greek name for this book apokálypsis mean to reveal. We often think of the word apocalypse to mean destruction, as we’ve taken it that way for many years, but what it’s really about is revealing. And it’s about revealing Jesus as the victor and king of kings.
As we are in the time of advent, it’s an appropriate focus. Advent means “coming”. At Christmas the season of advent is the build up to the first coming. Revelation is an exploration of the second. It’s an advent for the second coming.
Some of the things in this book are scary. Some confusing. Some are both.
But don’t get distracted by that. They key is this: Jesus is returning and He is coming victorious. Evil will be defeated – the Kingdom will be established. Earth and Heaven will be united.
Is there challenge on the way? Absolutely. But it’s worth it. This book is here to warn us of what’s coming, but also tho give us hope and encouragement during that.
This book does not need to be scary, if we remember how it ends. IN fact, if we listen to what John says here, blessed is the one who reads this prophecy out loud. Blessed are those who hear it. And blessed are those who keep to what it says. The time is near. And today, it’s nearer than yesterday.
So let’s leave this thought with a quote from Revelation 1:7
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.”
Rev 1:17-18
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
John had known the man, he’d even seen the risen Christ. But when he sees Jesus in glory, he sees Jesus as he’s never seen him before. He was familiar with the meekness, but here he sees the majesty.
John knew Jesus well. He refers to himself as “the disciple Jesus loved”. At the last supper he rested on his chest. Close.
He is so overcome, that he falls down as if dead. And what does Jesus say? Fear not.
Majesty is not something to fear. Majesty is something to be in awe of.
We must never forget, whilst we can call Jesus our closest friend, John did after all, He is also our king. he is the glorious king of the universe. He is God almighty not God almatey.
He is the eternal living one who holds the keys to death and hades. He is greater than you can imagine. I’m humbled by John’s response and I long for the day I too, shall see Jesus face to face, with His glory unveiled.
