[What the Spirit Says] Letter to EphesusSample

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

The central message of Revelation is God’s sovereignty over human history. In John’s vision, we see disaster come to the world. Through Jesus, the glorious Lamb that was slain, Satan and evil are conquered, and God’s people are delivered to dwell with Him in a new heaven and a new earth for all eternity. The overall message of Revelation is just two words: God wins.

Our context is the first century, as late as 95 A.D. The Roman emperor was Titus Flavius Domitianus, also called Domitian. He demanded worship; refusal to obey his edict led to severe persecution. Tradition says that it was Domitian who exiled John to the isle of Patmos, a Roman penal colony off the coast of Asia Minor. It is there that John wrote his vision.

John began by speaking blessing, grace, and peace to the church. He declared God’s majesty. The seven angels—or the sevenfold Spirit—symbolize perfection, the Holy Spirit. John speaks of Jesus, the faithful one, the resurrected one, the Ruler of everything, the one who loves us and forgave us. He released us from our sin through the power of His blood, willingly shed on our behalf. He made us into a royal priesthood and a holy nation. He gave us access to the Father.

John promises Jesus is coming with the clouds. Christ is returning, and when He comes, it will not be in secret. Every eye will see Him. When is He coming back? Two thousand years have passed since Revelation was given, but our God is timeless. We may try to constrict God to our times and seasons, borders and boundaries, wishes and wants. But God is not bound by our calendars. All of the events in this prophecy are imminent. They are already in motion. We have a choice: We can ignore this prophecy, say it is all crazy, and just move on with life, or choose to live as though Christ will come in the very next moment. The promise of Jesus’ return should be our motivation for obedience and consecration. John was so overwhelmed by his encounter that all he could do was fall at the feet of Jesus in worship.

Jesus, I am in awe of all You have done for us. You are worthy of all praise and glory. Help me to live for You and to look forward to Your return.