Revelation - Week 1

Day 1

Disclosed

READ

Revelation 1:1-2

1 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Notice the flow of information in these verses: It came from God the Father, to Jesus Christ, to an angel, to John. Written in Greek, the word “revelation” comes from the word apokalupsis, which means to “uncover” or “disclose.” John was an eyewitness to what was revealed to him: the word of God and “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Many prophecies in the book will be revealed.

REFLECT

Rather than thinking of it as a “Revelation of John,” as the first verse indicates it is really a “revelation of Jesus Christ” to John through an angel.

RESPOND

You need to have someone with whom you can share what you learn about the book of Revelation. It is a book that focuses on a triumphant Christ and should be encouraging to any believer in Jesus. Ask a friend to join you in this journey through the book.

Day 2

A Prophecy for All

READ

Revelation 1:3

3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

The common remark heard about the book of Revelation is, “I can’t understand it.” Yet, it must be remembered that it was written by a fisherman for common people. It was not intended that only those with a graduate degree in theology would be enabled to understand the book. Plus, it promises a blessing to the one who reads it to others and to any who “listen to its message and obey what it says.”

REFLECT

The reference to the “one who reads” indicates that someone read it to a local assembly. Now there are many copies of the letter so it is not as necessary to have a reader for others.

RESPOND

With a friend, look at verse 3 and determine that the more you learn about the future the more you will be motivated to live a life glorifying to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 3

The Sevenfold Spirit

READ

Revelation 1:4-5

4 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.

The “sevenfold Spirit” seems to refer to the sevenfold character, or perfection, of the Holy Spirit. John was directing the letter to the seven churches in Asia Minor, now western Turkey. He pronounces peace from the eternal God, the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ. John refers to Jesus as a faithful witness, the resurrected Christ and the ultimate ruler of the kings of the world. He then breaks into a doxology of praise for the Lord Jesus for what He has done by shedding His blood on Calvary.

REFLECT

Think of how grateful you can be that Jesus died for you to free you from your sins by shedding His blood on Calvary. As the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3, “all praise to God.”

RESPOND

Consider that Jesus is the ultimate ruler of world leaders by reading Psalm 2:1-12 and Proverbs 21:1. With your friend, focus on the fact that you serve a holy and sovereign God who is in control.

Day 4

Jesus Will Return

READ

Revelation 1:6-7

6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 7 Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world     will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!

These verses refer to the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Previously the apostle Paul had written in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 about Church-age believers being caught up to meet Jesus in the air. He did not come to the earth at that time, but He will in the future and everyone will see Him. The reason all nations will mourn is that He comes as Judge and King. They dread His coming but believers welcome it.

REFLECT

Think of the difference for believers and unbelievers as they think about the Lord’s return. It will be an occasion of blessing for believers but a time of judgment for unbelievers.

RESPOND

Talk with your disciple about the need to be ready to meet Jesus when He returns in the air. Later, after the seven-year Tribulation Jesus talked about in Matthew 24 and 25, those believers saved during the Tribulation will rejoice to see Him. Most of them, however, will die for their faith.

Day 5

Alpha and Omega

READ

Revelation 1:8

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”

Alpha and Omega refer to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It assumes Jesus is also everything in between. The verse also reveals the eternality of Jesus, He is, always was, and still to come. He is the “Almighty one.” This name first appears in Genesis 17:1-2 when God revealed Himself to Abraham as El-Shaddai—God Almighty. He has power over all.

REFLECT

Think of what a powerful God you serve. He has created the universe and yet can live in your heart when you trust Him as Savior.

RESPOND

Read John 14:16-17 and 17:22-23. These verses reveal that the godhead—although everywhere present—indwells believers. May the characteristics of the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son be seen in your life.