“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, for the time is near” (1:1-3).
These observations: 1) Ultimately, the words of this book are not John’s but those of Jesus Christ. In these chapters, Jesus himself speaks. 2) The primary focus is on events that are yet to take place, but soon. 3) Jesus employs a messenger to make these things known to John. 4) Those who read these words and obey them are blessed. I would add that they are wise (like the bridesmaids trimming their lamps; Matthew 25) to do so knowing that their fulfillment is near.
These are the words of Jesus, whose voice is loud like a trumpet, who is like a son of man clothed with a long robe and a golden sash around his neck, whose hair is white like wool, whose eyes are like flames of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze and his voice like the roar of many waters. He held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the full sun. He is the first and the last. Though dying he now lives forever. He hs the keys of Death and Hades. With those sorts of credentials, the one who speaks clearly does so with authority. We are wise to listen to him.
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy one is here
Come bow before him now
In reverence and fear . . .
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shinning all around
He burns with Holy fire
With splendor He is crowned
How awesome is the sight
Our radiant King of light. -- David Evans (1986)
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