Revelation 1 -- What To Remember And Expect

My commentary had a lot to say about how we as Christians are to approach this book – “as wonderers and worshippers, not as academic students”.  We need to firm up in our hearts and minds that “today, Jesus Christ is a Priest-King … and we are seated with Him on His throne … exercising spiritual authority and serving God in this world.”

It had likely been sixty years since John had last heard Jesus speak audibly.  What a wonderful surprise that would have been to hear that voice again!  His voice was described as the sound of many waters.  My commentary says, “Christ gathers together all the streams of revelation and is the Father’s last Word to man.”

“This vision of Christ was totally different in appearance from the Savior that John knew in the flesh when He was ministering on Earth.  He was not the gentle Jewish carpenter … He is the risen, glorified, exalted Son of God, the Priest-King who has the authority to judge all men …”

It said this is the apostle who’d leaned on Jesus’ chest, now falling at His feet as though he were dead!  That’s what a vision of the exalted Christ does to us!  “We need this attitude of respect today when so many believers speak and act with undue familiarity toward God … What the church needs today is a new awareness of Christ and His glory.  We need to see Him high and lifted up.  There is a dangerous absence of awe and worship in our assemblies today.”

Father, as I begin reading this book again, keep me in awe of You and Your Son – of the majesty and honor that is always due You.  Remind me that You gave us the awesome privilege of glimpsing the end so that we’d have no fear, trusting in Your mighty power to conquer Satan.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford