December 1, 2023 - Revelation 1

Wow, I’m into Revelation! John begins, “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” (1:1). It appears that the Father gave this revelation to his Son, which seems consistent with Jesus’ response to his disciples in Matthew: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matt 24:36). Now, the Father shows the Son what will take place. There’s a bit of mystery here, it seems to me. I mean, I’ve always wondered about this matter of the Son not knowing; after all, he is one with the Father. Nevertheless, the Father has now shown the Son , and us (“and to his servants” 1:1), what will happen. And he has done so for our own comfort and encouragement. Just some thoughts about this opening verse.

And then, another mystery. John tells us that those who read these words are blessed to read them because “the time is near” (1:3). Really? It’s been almost 2,000 years. And every generation has been persuaded that its time is THE time. Maybe that’s the point, i.e., that each generation should live with that expectation, which serves as a motivation to live as we should because Jesus’ return might be close. And, on that day, we will be able to sing:

“Welcome, happy morning!”

age to age shall say:

“Hell today is vanquished;

Heav’n is won today!”

Lo, the dead is living,

God forevermore!

Him, their true Creator,

all his works adore.

“Welcome, happy morning!”

age to age shall say:

“Hell today is vanquished;

Heav’n is won today!” -- Venantius Honorius Clementianus Fortunatus (6th century)