Read Revelation Chapter 1...Three Times...Yes Three Times

As we begin a study of the churches in revelation I would like for us to take a close look at chapter one of revelation before we begin our study. Here we examine John's vision of seeing Jesus Christ in all of His glory. Let us remember that John was trying to explain things that were far more beautiful and powerful than He had ever seen. He could only use mere earthly examples to explain the majesty of what his eyes were seeing. I would encourage you right now just pause, pray and read Revelation chapter 1. Do not go any further in this study until you can read chapter 1. 

Revelation is a book of prophecy. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Please understand that John may have authored the book, but the book opens with a very clear announcement that it is the revelation of Jesus Christ. It was given to Him from the Father and given to His apostle John through His angel. John then recorded all that He witnessed for us as we study and learn what Jesus has for us. It is a prophetic book. It absolutely tells of future events, but it does far more than that, it reveals Jesus Christ and all His glory. We see in verse one that it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, 1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. The Greek word here for revelation is apokalypsis it is where we get the word apocalypse. We so often think of it as the end of time because this book does speak of the end of time; however, it actually means a complete uncovering or unveiling. So basically Revelation is a complete unveiling of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation is a prophetic book, but it is also a picture book.  John is writing to us and describing what he saw. He paints a picture of the overwhelming things that he saw in heaven. Finally, it is a book that is very beneficial for us to read. The Word of God is very clear in verse 3, Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Blessed are those who read, hear and keep the words written in Revelation. Jesus says you are blessed if you read, hear and do. Please be careful when you say you will not read this book because it is scary or it is hard to understand or difficult to grasp. The Word of God says blessed is he who reads it, so read it, blessed is he who hears it, so read it out loud, listen to it on Blue Letter Bible, finally blessed is he who adheres to what he reads, so do what it says.

John addresses the seven churches beginning in verse 4 with a greeting of grace and peace from Him who was, who is and who is coming, this would be God the Father. Grace and peace from the seven Spirits who are before the throne, and from Jesus Christ. Basically John says here, grace and peace from the trinity. Read Chapter one of Revelation three times today and tonight. We will finish Chapter one tomorrow.

Reaching for Him,

Brother Big Daddy

---