The Revelation of Jesus
Today’s passage: Revelation 1:1–3
Focus verse: The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. (Revelation 1:1)
We think of the book of Revelation as John’s revelation, but, in fact, it is Jesus’s. John is only the recipient. This revelation comes from Jesus. Father God gave it to him.
Jesus shares this revelation with John through a supernatural vision as the apostle communes with God in the spiritual realm (Revelation 1:10).
An angel shows up in John’s vision to reveal Jesus’s revelation. The intent of the vision—that is, the revelation—is to show John what will soon take place.
As we comprehend time, we can easily conclude that soon has already occurred, since we are now 2,000 years distant from John’s recording of these words.
Yet we must acknowledge that God views time differently than we do. A thousand years to us are but a day to him and a day to us may be a thousand years to him (Psalm 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8).
So when we read John’s words that the time is near, this shouldn’t perplex us. If we literally equate 2,000 years of our time to two days for God, then we are but two days removed from this revelation.
In this respect, we can accept that the time is, indeed, quite near.
Yet a literal application of Scripture’s statement about God’s view of time may be an overreach. The principle to grasp, however, is that we comprehend time much differently than God.
Given this, we can accept that these events will soon take place because the time is near, even though those words took place two millennia ago. Time isn’t a problem for God, only for us.
John confirms that his vision is a prophecy. In a delightful simplicity, we’ll receive God’s blessing by merely reading it, hearing it, and taking it to heart (Revelation 1:3). Don’t miss this point.
John doesn’t say we need to understand what it says. Just like the rest of Scripture, we can now only know in part. Rather, we should read it and be amazed. That’s the intent. And God will bless us when we do.
Beyond that we find another hint at the purpose of John’s vision much later in Revelation. The aim of Revelation may be simply to worship God and celebrate Jesus (Revelation 19:10).
Questions:
- Does God still give his children visions today?
- What does the phrase “soon take place” mean?
- Does our understanding of time limit our understanding of God?
- Should we be content to read Revelation for the blessing we will receive?
- How can Revelation enhance our worship of God?
[Discover what else John says about Jesus and how it relates to our view of time in John 1:1–5.]
Tips: Check out our tips to use this online Bible study for your church, small group, Sunday school class, or family discussion. It’s also ideal for personal study. Come back each Monday for a new lesson.
Read more in Peter’s devotional Bible study, A New Heaven and a New Earth: 40 Practical Insights from John’s Book of Revelation.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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