New Devotion Series – The Revelation of Jesus

A little preface to this post: I am aiming, keyword aiming, to start blogging thoughts on verses in the Book of Revelation. I have had it in my mind for some time now to write a devotional from the Book of Revelation. I don’t see a point to writing a book until the Father says to do it, so for now, no letters to the publishing house. However, there is this blog, and it was a though the other day to start reading the book again and blog about it. I think that thought was more than just mine, so you will probably be seeing a good amount of posts on verses in the Book of Revelation.

 

What follows is my first note from my Bible Journal…

 

 

The title of this book is, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It was not titled, “The End Times,” “Left Behind,” “The Prophecy of the Next 2,000 Years,” or “What Happens Before the Romans Destroy the Jewish Temple.” The way this book is discussed in church nowadays however could suggest any of these titles. Why complicate things? I could give a list of names who throughout the centuries have used this book to predict when Jesus will come back, or they use it to support why the Catholic Church is the embodiment of the Anti-Christ.

 

 

 

But sometimes we hear things like that, and usually if we do, it’s a little less drastic and actually somewhat believable, or not… Now, don’t hear me wrong, it’s important to not ignore the first verse in the book (quoted above) “to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” This book is about events–things that are soon to take place. Unless I am reading that wrong, it seems pretty clear. There is not much interpretation needed.

 

While it is important to see and read this prophecy as a foretelling of events, what is at the root of that importance is found in the title. It’s called, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The reason why events in the future, current events, and historical events are valuable, is because they declare the nature of God.

 

In this book particularly, we see the leadership of Jesus. We see His passion for justice, for people. We see His patience. We see the things He loves, by seeing what He hates, we see what He hates, by seeing what He loves. We His work in the people who are called His church. We see His commitment to His own word, His faithfulness, and truthfulness.

 

We have shied away from this book because people have abused it for their own purposes. In saying that I still find it wise to interpret these future events, and treat this book for what it is. But the difference is found when we see the events and plans of God for His name’s sake and His exaltation rather than finding a way to reduce Him for the sake of our understanding. We were made to see history, current event, prophetic declarations a like as a mode in which here and now we can see Jesus, Holy Spirit and The Father for who He is, beautiful and full of glory, never ceasing to leave us in wonder.

 

I am going to ask you to just stop right there, ask The Father what He meant when He titled this book, “The Revelation of Jesus.” The Father gave this message to man named John and declared it to be the revelation of His son, Jesus.