Revelation 1:1-8
I'm excited today because it's day one of "Journey through Revelation" on Back to the Bible and P4. For the next 8 weeks, Dr. Kroll on BttB and us here on P4, will be taking an in-depth look at the book of Revelation. Now I like all of our radio series, but "Journey through Revelation" is definitely one you won't want to miss. So join us. From start to finish there will be 40 amazing lessons on Revelation.
Enough introduction--let's get started. The very first words of Revelation are key to understanding this book. Verse 1 says "The revelation of Jesus Christ..." That lets us know right up front that the Book of Revelation is coming from Jesus and it's all about Jesus.
So with that in mind and to get us started, what did these first 8 verses of Revelation show you about Jesus? Tami W.
I am really excited about this opportunity to dive into Revelation. I'm thankful for the choice and will really look forward to the online dialogue.
Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." I think this is a great summary of what is revealed about Jesus in Revelation 1:1-8. John wants us to know right away that Jesus is divine. He wants us to know that Jesus the only true God.
He affirms this again in Revelation 1:7. This verse has an allusion to Zachariah 12:10. If you take a close look at Zacharian 12 you discover that it is Jehovah that is speaking. What is fascinating about this is the "me" in the middle of verse 10 [i.e. "They will look on me"]. John is saying that it is Jesus that is being seen as the pierced one but Zachariah said it would be Jehovah. So which is it?
It is both! The affirmation of Jesus divinity through these two verses is beautiful. God the Father and God the Son are One.
In addition to this staggering revelation of Jesus divinity John also describes Jesus as the "faithful witness," "the firstborn from the dead," and "the ruler of the kings of the earth" in verse 5 of Revelation 1.
Jesus as a "faithful witness" is such an important thing to John's writing. A witness was a very important person in establishing the truth in the Jewish faith. John is saying that Jesus is not only a witness but a faithful one. He is the Truth
Jesus also conquered the grave. This is what John is refering to when he says that He is the "firstborn from the dead." No one has conquered the grave on His own. Only almight power could accomplish such a task.
Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Jesus is the King of Kings. This is going to be an important theme throughout Revelation as John tackles the problems of persecution and its impact on Christians. Is Jesus really divine? Is my suffering meaningful in any way? It is Jesus' kingship that responds with a resounding yes.
Wow, this is amazing. What a Lord we serve. Majestic. Glorious. Holy.
I like how right up front John tells us where this revelation comes from, and by whose authority; he wants us to know this is no idle, pie-in-the-sky dreaming - this is from God, given to Jesus to show his servants (us), what must *soon take place*. Wow - directly from God! And in this way, by delivering this revelation, Jesus is indeed a faithful witness to God.
Wooweee! Praise God for His Revelation. Lord help me to overcome the self convictions I will get in this study!
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom of priests to his God and Father....
All Glory to God in the Highest!
Omnipotence in the flesh and spirit worlds. Look up "Almighty" in the dictionary and you will find Jesus.
Jesus Christ is Lord of the nations and the Alpha and Omege, the beginning and end. He is Lord of all. Praise His holy name. This is a healthy perspective to begin each day.
Did you notice that "Who was and is and is to come" is followed a little bit later by letting us know that Jesus will be returning to us with the clouds! Okay, I do realize that that phrase refers to the ever - existence of God.
I have to say I am happy to covering this book as well, as I have a very hard time deciphering the rich symbolism. It is very easy to get derailed and make erroneous conclusions. May God grant me wisdom through the Holy Spirit to understand His revelation!
The LORD started it, He's in it with us and He's going to complete it . that which He has planned for all His children . His kingdom . what a great love this is which freed us from our sin . the time has always been near . there should always be urgency to reach the lost and expectation of the Lord to do awesome things through you and i .
verse 8 really stuck out to me, I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” It speaks to His lordship, authority, and constant presence. I'm joyfully reminded that He was always there, is always there, and will always be there...that's very comforting in this ever changing world.
That Jesus is the beginning and the end. He is strong - the Lamb of God. He is all powerfull and trustworthy. Surely if He is all these things (and more) I can trust Him with my life. I'm very excited about this study. We can learn so much about the character of Jesus. My pastor did a study on Revelation some time ago, and He also pointed out the importance of looking for who Jesus is as we study Revelation.
Thank you, Alexis and Carol. You point out that the Lord is the Alpha and Omega. What a great thought - the constancy of Jesus - he will always be there for us. It is indeed comforting, even more than that, how can we err trusting in the never-changing, ever-constant Holiness that pervades our lives?
What I take away from this passage is that in Jesus there is total victory in life. We may not escape the bad things that can, and often do, happen to us in this world but we can depend on Jesus to deliver us from them all. He is not just my hope for the future but also for today.