Day 317 – Revelation – Introduction
“This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John,” Revelation 1:1 NLT
With tiny wrinkles and cries, he entered the world and, wrapped in strips of cloth, took his first nap on a bed of straw. Subject to time and to parents, he grew to manhood in Roman-occupied Judea, his gentle hands becoming strong and calloused working with his earthly father, Joseph, as a carpenter. As a man, he walked through the countryside and city, touching individuals, preaching to crowds, and training 12 men to carry on His work. At every step, he was hounded by those seeking to rid the world of His influence. Finally, falsely accused and unfairly tried, He was condemned to a disgraceful execution by foreign hands. And He died – spat upon, cursed, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride. Jesus, the God-man, gave His life completely so that all might live.
At God’s appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ will burst back onto the world scene. Everyone will know that He is the Lord of the universe. Those who love Him will rejoice, greeting their Savior with hearts overflowing with songs of praise. But His enemies will be filled with fear. Allied with Satan, the enemies of Jesus will marshal their legions against Him and His armies. Who can withstand the power of god and His coming judgment? Jesus will win the battle and reign victorious forever. Jesus, the humble Suffering Servant, is also the powerful conquering King and Judge.
From the very first verse, we are reminded that the book of Revelation is about the revelation of Jesus Christ. Not the antichrist, the beasts, or Armageddon, but Jesus and the work He will complete to eternally unite creation back with God without sin.
Prayer: Father, though we are sometimes to study Revelation, I pray that You will open our eyes to understand its deeper meaning and to read the victorious end of sin and evil. Thank You, that we as Your children will share in this victory with Jesus Christ. Amen.
