Revelation 1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His bond-servants... " This book is a gift to us.. from our heavenly Father ..  uncovering.. revealing Jesus to us, that we might know Him more.. to see His glory.. to hear His testimony.. 

John addresses the churches in this first chapter.. this book is for them.. for us, the ones that He has chosen for His kingdom.. the ones He has made "priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever."   

John sets the theme of this revelation.. "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so . Amen".  This revelation is coming from the Lord God.. "I am the Alpha and the Omega.. who is and who was and who is to come." 

The revelation starts with John's vision of Jesus.  As he was worshiping, John heard a "loud voice".  It was no ordinary voice.... like a trumpet.. and it makes clear that this message was meant for the churches.  But before anything else is written, John describes this amazing vision of Jesus Christ.  The last time John had seen Him, Jesus was ascending up into the heavens.... years had passed.. John was exiled onto the island of Patmos. Life was not easy there...  What a marvelous blessing to turn around and see His dear Savior.. but what a shock to behold Him in such glory!

Jesus stood among golden lampstands.. He held seven stars in His right hand. His feet were glowing like burnished bronze, His hair was white, His eyes like fire, and His face shone like the sun.. and "out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword;"   John's reaction was to fall flat on his face "as a dead man"...we can imagine how we would do the same!

Jesus reached down and "laid His right hand upon" John. "Do not be afraid.. " He said. These words would comfort John and assure him that this was the same Jesus who loved him, who had died for him, and who had risen from the dead to save him.  What comfort John must have known as His Lord spoke once again... "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 of Hades." 

Oh for the day, when we will see Him in His glory and at His feet we fall!

Father in heaven, may we hear Your voice and draw near to You with our whole hearts.. to really hear Your message for us, the church, the bride of Christ Jesus our Lord.  We hunger and thirst for You, Lord. Oh that we might behold Your glory and live fully for You. Teach us Your ways.  Lay Your gracious hands upon us.. that we will know You more. Amen.