Revelation 1
As I sit down to reflect on my recent journey through the Book of Revelation, I find myself filled with a sense of awe and reverence. This book, often viewed as intimidating or confusing, has revealed to me a profound understanding of who Jesus is—both as my friend and as the glorified King.
I remember the first time I was introduced to the Book of Revelation. Like many, I was drawn in by the dramatic imagery and the promise of prophetic insights. However, I often felt overwhelmed by the complexity of its symbols and the various interpretations that seemed to swirl around it. But as I delved deeper, I began to see it not just as a book of predictions, but as the unveiling of Jesus Christ Himself.
One of the most striking aspects of my study was the realization that Revelation is not about charts, graphs, or deciphering cryptic messages about the end times. Instead, it is a revelation of Jesus—a beautiful unveiling of His glory and authority. I was reminded that no one knows the day or hour of His return, as stated in Matthew 24:36.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
What I do know is that each day brings us closer to that moment, and this knowledge should inspire us to live with a sense of urgency and expectation.
As I read through the prologue, I was captivated by the idea that this is the revelation "of" Jesus Christ. The Greek word for revelation, "apocalypse," has often been misconstrued to mean the end of all things. However, it actually signifies an unveiling. This perspective shifted my understanding entirely. The Book of Revelation is not merely about what is to come; it is about revealing who Jesus is in His fullness.
I was particularly moved by the imagery of Jesus as the glorified King. John, the author, describes Him in ways that highlight His majesty and authority. His hair is white like wool, symbolizing purity and holiness. His eyes are like blazing fire, piercing through the darkness and revealing the truth. His feet are like bronze, representing judgment and righteousness. This portrayal of Jesus is a stark contrast to the familiar image of the Man from Galilee that I had grown up with.
In my heart, I felt a deep sense of reverence. How often do I approach Jesus as my friend, forgetting that He is also the King of Kings? When John encounters the glorified Jesus, he falls at His feet as though dead. This reaction speaks volumes about the awe and respect we should have for Him. It is a reminder that while Jesus is compassionate and loving, He is also powerful and righteous.
As I continued my study, I was struck by the message to the seven churches. Each letter addressed specific challenges and encouragements, but they also serve as a message to the entire church today. The number seven signifies completion, and I realized that these messages are not just for those early believers but for all of us. They challenge us to examine our own faith and commitment to Christ.
In my personal encounters with God, I have often found that worship flows from a place of awe. The more I understand who Jesus is, the more I am compelled to worship Him wholeheartedly. This journey through Revelation has ignited a fire within me, pushing me to dive deeper into my relationship with Him. I want to be a radical worshipper, one who gazes upon Jesus and recognizes His glory.
As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of living with a sense of expectation. Jesus is coming again, and that reality should shape how I live each day. It should influence my interactions with others, my priorities, and my worship. I want to be someone who not only knows Jesus but also fears Him in the most reverent way possible.
Let’s approach the Book of Revelation not as a daunting task but as an opportunity to encounter the living God. May we seek to understand the fullness of who Jesus is—both as our friend and as our King. Together, let’s worship Him with awe and reverence, declaring His glory in our lives. All hail King Jesus!One of the most poignant moments in our recent gathering was when we honored Pastor Chris, who has been an integral part of our community. His transition from a staff role to an elder role is bittersweet, but I’m grateful he will continue to shepherd us. Chris has been a steadfast friend and support, especially during some of the most challenging times in my life. His impact on our church cannot be overstated, and I know I speak for many when I say he will be missed in his previous capacity. Yet, I’m excited for the new foundation he’s starting to provide scholarship opportunities for our pastors and missionaries’ children. It’s a beautiful testament to his heart for the next generation.
As we move forward, I’m thrilled to share that we may have found a new building for our church! This old church, which has been a place of worship since the 1950s, holds so much potential. It’s a significant step for us, but it also comes with its challenges. We’re in the midst of inspections and negotiations, and I can feel the weight of this transition. It’s a reminder that while we’re on the brink of something great, we need to remain grounded in prayer and trust in God’s provision and protection.
In the midst of these changes, I was inspired by a powerful testimony shared by Jonathan, a member of our community. His story of transformation resonated deeply with me. He spoke about the relentless love of God and how, despite years of living in shame and disappointment, he found redemption and restoration. His journey from feeling like an orphan to embracing his identity as a beloved son of God is a reminder that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.
As I listened to Jonathan, I was reminded of my own struggles with change. Change is hard, and it often feels daunting. We all have areas in our lives where we desire transformation, yet the reality of change can be overwhelming. I’ve experienced this firsthand, especially as we navigate the ups and downs of church life. There have been victories, but there have also been moments of doubt and fear. It’s easy to let past disappointments cloud our vision for the future.
But here’s the truth: God calls us to turn the page. He invites us to step into a new season of faith, hope, and possibility. Just like Abram, who received a promise from God at the age of 75, we too are called to believe in the impossible. Abram’s story reminds us that God’s promises often come when we least expect them, and they can feel far removed from our current reality. Yet, it’s in those moments of tension that our faith is truly tested.
As we look ahead to this new year, I’m filled with hope. I believe that 2025 will be a year of gifts rather than a grind. It’s a year where we can embrace the transformation God has in store for us, both individually and as a church community. We have the opportunity to be a part of something greater than ourselves, to share the love of Jesus with those around us, and to invite others into this journey of faith.
So, as we turn the page together, I encourage you to reflect on what that means for you. What are the limiting beliefs that have held you back? What lies have you believed that have kept you from stepping into the fullness of what God has for you? Let’s commit to lifting our eyes to the promises of God and believing that He is capable of doing immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
Together, let’s worship with abandon, trusting that God is moving in our midst. Let’s embrace the transformation that awaits us and step boldly into the future, knowing that we are not alone. God is with us, and He is writing a beautiful story through our lives and our church. Here’s to turning the page and stepping into all that God has for us in this new season!