Revelation 1  Verse 1 tells us that God gave this revelation to Jesus "to show His bond-servants the things which must shortly take place..." 

John's vision and faithful witness of this Revelation is at once powerful, awe-inspiring, and a bit daunting!  As I finish this final book of the Word, I want to once again focus on listening.. listening to the voice of My Shepherd.. Jesus Christ.

To read these words, to really hear what Jesus is revealing to us.. and to heed His voice.. He tells us, is to be "blessed"!  But it is also vital, because ".. the time is near".

John addresses this book to the churches..  He writes under the Name and authority of "Him who is and who was and who is to come;" - The Father ; and from the Spirit - whom He mysteriously calls the "seven Spirits who are before His throne"; and from "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth."   The same One "who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood".   The coming One...

John's vision of Jesus, standing behind him as he was worshipping on the Lord's day.. was so terrifying that he fell on his face.. "as a dead man".    But, Jesus, the One who loved John dearly, touched him and reintroduced Himself...  Those familiar words.. " Do not be afraid..."  came from a different voice.. one that had the "sound of many waters", but must have been just as comforting..   His face was like the sun.  His hair was white like wool.  His eyes were like fire and His mouth produced a sword!   Jesus reminded His friend John that He was the same One who loved him and knew him.. " I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades." 

Jesus had a message for John to write.. and John needed to know Who he was speaking with..

Imagine what it will be like when we first set our eyes on Jesus.. if John, who knew Him so well
(in the flesh).. was struck down.. won't we also? That time is coming.. it is near.. and we need to hear what Jesus has to say in this difficult book..

Lord, God of all creation, help us to really hear, and to heed Your Words.  May we know more fully the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May we behold His glory and the glory of our Father in heaven.  Draw me closer I pray... and give me grace to receive all You have for me to hear I pray. Amen.