Behind the Curtain of Revelation预览

Day One - Seeing Jesus in Reality

Opening the Book of Revelation is like paddling out on a big day. We want the thrill of the ride, but we are a bit nervous about what we may encounter along the way. In the same way we need to shake off the nerves and muster up our confidence to paddle out, we also need to be reassured that God has great things in store for us when we dive into this unmatched book! Pause for just a moment and ask yourself, “How confident am I that I will be able to understand and apply what I learn in Revelation?” And let me say that no matter what level of confidence you may have, you will experience the ride of your life. Don’t be afraid to jump into the Book of Revelation because God has some of the most wonderful truths you will ever learn and a special blessing for you in this often avoided book. After all, the book is called “Revelation,” and that means to pull back the curtain and see what’s behind it. And what we will see when looking behind the curtain of reality is that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Victorious One!

Two seminarians were debating about what the Book of Revelation was all about. They were in a heated argument as to whether it was describing things in the past, present or future. As they were vigorously going on and on, the janitor overheard them. Casually he remarked, “I know what the Book of Revelation is all about.” The two were shocked at the fact that a janitor thought he knew what Revelation was about, and so they asked, “What do you think it all means?” The janitor leaned on his mop, tipped back his cap, looked them in the eye and said, “Revelation is simple, Jesus wins!”

Haha, surely the janitor was right! But if we may take his point just a bit further, the news from Revelation is even better than that! It isn’t just simply that Jesus wins, rather it is that Jesus has already won! When we look behind the curtain of reality in this world, we see our Lord Jesus in complete and total supremacy.

What makes you a bit nervous right now? Is there anything threatening you or those you love? Would it help you if you were able to see Jesus victorious over it?

As we go behind the curtain of Revelation, we will see a picture of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that is so majestic, so encouraging, so victorious, that we can never be the same again! Right now, the reality is that Jesus Christ has already won, and He stands supreme over all things, including the things that concern you. This truth will certainly give us the confidence we need to catch God’s vision for our lives behind the curtain.

Reading Revelation chapter 1 is critical for understanding the book. Don’t miss that this revelation is both from and about Jesus Christ. The Book of Revelation is not only a message from Jesus, it is an important message about Him! It is a message of what isreally real, and truly true behind the curtain of all reality. Jesus stands victorious. As you read it, take a good look at Him, and fix it in your mind and heart. Our Lord is risen and established in majesty right now.

Reflection

Who is included in the blessing of verse 3?

Can you create the picture in your mind from the description of Jesus in verses 12-16? John was one of Jesus’s best friends and closest followers. Does John’s response surprise you?

What is most encouraging to you about Jesus’ self identity in verses 17-18? This is the reality of who and what Jesus is today! As you pray, use the phrases from these verses to talk to God.