“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it.
“John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
“’I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’
“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Revelation 1:1-9
The Lord inspired John the exile’s visions and message, and his opening words set the scene and atmosphere for his unique and sometimes alarming communication. It’s all about the supreme, eternal Jesus Christ, and is intended for revelation and blessing. He loves His churches and has freed them from sin and judgment for a marvelous end. The book will resolve in great and glorious hope in God’s everlasting dominion. John himself was simply one of His children, and side-by-side with his fellow believers, turns their faces upward and ahead in confidence.
We both receive and have to transmit unique and difficult messages throughout our days. It is important for both the accepting and the conveying that messages are established in truth and intended for good. To understand the reasons behind and the goal at end are key to clear, welcome communication.
When have I been in receipt of difficult, convicting, or enlightening news? How clear was the message-bearer’s intended purpose? What difference did the delivery make in my reception of those messages? What could have made them more palatable?
When I am prompted by the Spirit to speak specifically to someone, how carefully do I think through my delivery? How readily do I allow Him to purify my motives and set my heart’s direction? Do the words I speak convey a high view of God? If not, how can I exalt Him in my attitude, demeanor, and tone of voice, as well as in what I actually communicate about the King? Do my messages portray Jesus as the Source and end of truth, hope, love, and everything? (Revelation 1:12-18)
“Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.” ~ Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)
Lord, may every message You prompt me to speak convey hope and exalt You.
As the rain and snow 