John

You’d think most 90-year-olds would envision a pleasant and secure life in a retirement community, doing a little gardening, talking with friends, reading some favorite books, and enjoying visits from the grandchildren. What does not sound like fun is being forced to live in exile on an island from which you cannot escape.

When God needed a witness to a series of visions of what lay ahead for the believers, he selected one of his super seniors, the aged, 90+-year-old apostle John.  “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). Numerous times John was given looks into the future. What he saw was terrifying—assaults on the believers by Satan and his demons from hell, assisted by willing human helpers on earth. He saw terrible suffering and God’s angry judgments and punishments.

But he saw also the triumphant Christ, the Lamb of God who had taken away the sin of the world. He saw also the hosts of angels who protect the saints. And he was able to see the endgame—all the believers of all ages gathered around the throne of God in worship. All was serenity, beauty, and perfect peace.

John’s gift to you is the record of his revelations. Why don’t you have a look and see what’s in there?