Day 358

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Hear What the Spirit is Saying

Revelation Introduction

John, while exiled on the island of Patmos (1:9), receives the visions contained in the book of Revelation. As this book states, Jesus Christ is revealing to John—and to all subsequent readers—"what you have just seen, and what will soon be shown to you" (1:19). Through a dramatic series of pictures, signs and symbols, John depicts cataclysmic judgment upon the earth, the final conquest of satanic forces, and the beginning a new heaven and new earth.

The Apostle John wrote about the message of life in three different kinds of Scripture: the gospel of John (biography), which speaks of eternal life; the epistles of John (letter), which speak of the Christian life; and the prophecies of Revelation (visions), which speaks of victorious life now and for eternity.

Scripture

December 23—Revelation 1-3: Seven Letters for Seven Churches

Observation

After greeting the seven churches in Asia Minor, John describes how he received his orders to write. Each church needs a particular message, and John is commanded to tailor his exhortation to fit each spiritual need. Each message begins with the expression, "I know" or "I am fully aware"; each contains a promise "to every one who is victorious", each concludes with the warning, "let everyone who can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches." In short, John sends words of reproof and reassurance from Alpha and Omega to each church.

Application

Which book of the New Testament do you find the most challenging to understand? Now find a dictionary and look up the word "revelation." Can you discover two synonyms?

It is ironic that Revelation (which literally means "disclosing" or unveiling") is viewed by many Christians as the one indecipherable book of the New Testament! What makes Revelation so challenging is the more than three hundred symbols contained in its pages. Just as the deaf have a sign language in which each gesture is filled with meaning, so the writer John has a purpose and meaning behind each symbol he employs. Our challenge: to interpret those symbols the way John (and the Holy Spirit) intended!

Searching online (how to study the book of Revelation) is an excellent place to find commentaries or study guides on the book of Revelation. There are also many YouTube videos that you might want to consider viewing for understanding and clarity. There's a blessing in store for you during the next few days. And that's a promise from God (1:3)!

Prayer

Lord God, we need your help with our studying of the Book of Revelation which remains a mystery to many. If Satan cannot prevent a great movement for your purpose, his craftiest trick is to try to ruin the movement. Only our mighty prayers will save the movement and keep the spirit of the movement strong and alive. Money and machinery carries no power to break down heathen walls and win heathen hearts to Christ. Prayer alone can accomplish this and we are determine to take heed of your warnings from the Apostle John and listen to what the Spirit is saying; and pray for understanding and wisdom. Our success lies in our prayers rising up to you. Guide us and strengthen us to keep on praying even when words fail us. In Jesus' name! Amen! 






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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