“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for
what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” – Revelation 22:12-13
There, on a rocky 2 mile island, the Apostle John, aged in years, with the scars of being
boiled alive sat imprisoned for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps his
thoughts now were focused on Italy meeting His Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter and
many of the other Apostles had made their entrance into the Celestial Kingdom and John
waited his time now to be with His Lord. However, the Lord had different plans for John
as he would be the one whom the Lord would visit and give the message of Revelation
too. It was a dark time for the church as persecution spread at the hands of the Roman
emperor, Domitian (51 A.D – 96 A.D).
The Roman emperor declared himself deity and made it law that he be worshipped.
Those that opposed were executed or exiled, like that of the Apostle John. Churches were
also being infiltrated by false teachers, losing their love for Christ and facing persecution
by the Roman government. All must of felt lost as darkness swept through the provinces
and lands. All seemed lost perhaps to those in the church and perhaps even John himself
worried, but that worry would be changed into joy and gladness. His Master, the Lord
Jesus Christ would bring to John the Revelation (The Apocalypse) of what was to take
place, and what was to come.
Yes, the book of Revelation is a book of Eschatology and there are many views on that,
but more than that it is book of encouragement as it focuses on the Supremacy of Jesus
Christ. All of history is culminating to a moment when the Lord Jesus Christ will pierce
through the clouds and gather His elect, bring judgment to the wicked and establish a new
heavens and a new earth. It is there at the time as scripture states, that all tears will be no
more (Rev. 21:4). This letter that was needed then, it is much needed now in our time.
Our gaze has been fixed horizontally, rather than heaven ward. Like many throughout
church history, we have become focused on the here, rather than after. Anxiety,
depression and worry have become the companions of most. It is easy to do so as we are
but fallible and fragile creatures. We are so easily drawn the world and it’s promises. We
are drawn to believe that we can handle things on our own, yet we fall and crumble to the
ground like a house built on sand. We look to the promise of men, rather than God. The
promise of men are like the kingdoms of old, they fall and are more. They are empty and
deceitful. No, we must not reside in the hope of the hopeless world.
The book of Revelation is a book of encouragement and promise. It is a book of
encouragement to the church that no matter what persecution, what dangers may lie
ahead, Christ has not left her alone to suffer. He is present with her, never to leave her. It
is a book encouragement because it tells us the end and where this course of history is
headed. The Lord Jesus Christ will one day pierce through the clouds and every eye will
see Him (Rev. 1:7). The King will come forward with all the host of heaven behind Him
(Rev. 19:11-21). It will be in that twinkling of an eye that all the suffering, the
persecution, sin, and death will be no more. It will be that the tears of the former life will
be forever wiped away.
Perhaps for you who do not know Christ, there will be no second chances when He
appears. For eternity for you will be one of darkness and torment, in the presence of His
wrath. It is now, the King offers pardon to those that come to Him. He waves His hand to
men and bids them to come to Salvation. He bids you to come to Him. He bids you to
come to everlasting life, the Spring of Life. When the King comes, the invitation will no
longer be given, but judgment then will be rendered. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
His promises are true and faithful.
Will you come and make terms with the King?
Dear Believer, hold fast, for the King is coming.
Let us rest in His faithful promise.
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also
he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (ESV)
-Revelation 21:5
Soli Deo Gloria my Friends.
Stephen J.M.
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