Revelation is one of my favorite books of the Bible to read. Granted it’s a little confusing at times. And a lot to take in. But it’s an intriguing read. It talks of prophecies and the return of Christ, the tribulation and the 1000 year reign, heaven and the obliteration of evil, with detailed descriptions of how the end of the world will unfurl. It’s captivating. Raw. Intense. Vivid. It’s full of imagery that points to events yet to come. We have access to this book because of John. A disciple of Jesus and the same guy who wrote the gospel of John, he experienced this revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos. Much like the other disciples, John faced lot of persecution from the Romans for preaching the gospel. But he never relented. Because of his perseverance, we have a record of his experience of what the Lord revealed to him about the last days. And as we read this Holy-Spirit inspired book of Revelation, we get the privilege of glimpsing into eternity. Learning about what the resurrected Christ looks like. Reading about the second coming. Reading about heaven. In studying the book of Revelation, we get to know Jesus for who He is eternally. Holy. Perfect. Glorious. The Alpha and the Omega.

Summary: Revelation 1

In Revelation 1, John gives an introduction to the book, saying that God revealed it to him so that others might know what will soon take place; John talks about being on the island of Patmos; John says that he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day when he experienced the revelation; John lists the 7 churches that will be addressed later in the book; John describes seeing Jesus and his own response to what he saw; Jesus speaks to John; and Jesus explains the significance of the 7 stars and 7 gold lampstands.

You can also read Revelation chapter 1 here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1&version=ESV

Jesus in Revelation 1

Jesus is the faithful witness (v. 5)

Jesus is the firstborn of all who will be raised from the dead (v. 5)

Jesus is the ruler of the kings on the earth (v. 5)

Jesus loves (v. 5)

Jesus sets us free from our sin (v. 5)

Jesus makes us into a kingdom (v. 6)

Jesus is worthy of glory (v. 6)

Jesus has dominion forever (v. 6)

Jesus is coming soon (v. 7)

Jesus will be seen by all people (v. 7)

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (v. 8)

Jesus was, is, and is to come (v. 8)

Jesus’ hair is shining white as snow (v. 14)

Jesus’ eyes burn like a fiery flame (v. 14)

Jesus’ feet are like burning bronze (v. 15)

Jesus’ voice sounds like rushing waters (v. 15)

Jesus mouth protrudes a two-edged sword (v. 16)

Jesus’ face shines like the sun (v. 16)

Jesus causes us to fall at His feet in awe (v. 17)

Jesus calms us (v. 17)

Jesus doesn’t want us to be afraid (v. 17)

Jesus is the First and the Last (v. 17)

Jesus is the Living One (v. 18)

Jesus is eternal (v. 18)

Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades (v. 18)

 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me, and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look – I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” 

-Revelation 1:17-18-

Questions for Today:

• How is Jesus different in Revelation than He is in other books, like the gospels?
• How does Revelation help me to see Jesus more clearly?
• What can I do to give Jesus more reverence in my life?
• What next step can I take in my relationship with Jesus Christ?