Five Keys
John, to the seven churches which 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. Revelation 1:4
As we begin our journey through the book of Revelation, there are 5 keys to keep in mind:
- The central theme is the revealing of Jesus Christ – What is next for the church. It is not the revealing of the Antichrist, and it is not the revelation of the apostle John. It is what God showed Jesus to let the church in on as His body here in the world.
- Jesus’ servants are to understand this revelation – it is a mystery to the outside world but to His own, He gives supernatural insight and wisdom. An encrypted message to stand the test of time.
- The stories and the events in heaven and on earth during the Tribulation period are woven around the central theme of Jesus as God’s redemptive plan. – It is still His-Story
- The informational chapters provide more details about the accounts of heaven and earth – some things seem out of order, but they are background and historic details to give context.
- The events in Revelation occurred in the past, present and future. When reading it today remember that it was written almost 2000 years ago.
In today’s reading, the apostle John starts out this letter with a greeting to the churches. Since Jesus gave him messages for the churches John starts out with the same kind of greeting as the other epistles of the New Testament. He sent God’s grace and peace from the Lord Jesus. The One Who was, is and always will be. He continued his encouragement to the churches by reminding them that even though the world is full of turmoil and uncertainty, hope still remains in the unshakable foundation that we have in our relationship with God our heavenly Father through our salvation in the blood of Jesus.
Then John took time to talk about how great our God and Father was, is and is going to be. He reminded the churches that He reigns over all creation. He is the beginning and the end. Despite the challenges and trials, they were facing at that time in history, John encouraged them to take comfort in knowing that God holds all of time and eternity in His hands. He is the One certainty in our ever-changing world.
We can take this greeting and hold on to it still today. In the uncertainties of this life, God is our refuge and our fortress! He is the same today as He was back when John wrote to the churches. We can also share God’s grace and peace with others today just as John did in this letter. Remind other about God’s love and that His plan is at work in the world even still today. Pray God’s empowering grace and peace for others as they are the light each day in this dark world and walk in His grace and peace as you complete each assignment you have been given.
Today I want to encourage you while reading the book of revelation to see each passage as a source of encouragement and strength as you navigate this life with faith and perseverance. Join me in holding on to the eternal hope and assurance that the book of Revelation offers. In the midst of life’s storms, we can have His peace and grace as our guide and take joy in His promise of eternity with Him. This does not mean that we will never be uncomfortable or experience struggles. But it does mean that we have the empowering grace of God on our side to make it through every trial and test that we face.
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8
4 John, to the seven churches which 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,
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
The Daily Dose 