“John, to the seven churches, which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come…” Revelation 1:4
The book of the Revelation is a most remarkable book, given to the Apostle John, in a very unusual setting at a particular and very significant time. The time of the writing of the book was a good many years after the crucifixion of Christ, His resurrection and ascension, and the day of Pentecost, which would change the then known world. Since the church, the body of believing members of Christ’s body, was born the day of Pentecost a short time after the ascension of Christ into heaven, the testimony and witness of Christ in and through His living church has spread throughout the entire world. During the history of the church the power of God by the Spirit has been revealed, not only by the preaching of the truth of the Gospel, but by the manifestation of Christ’s Life revealed by the Spirit. So, why does the Spirit of God, choose this moment, when John is exiled on the isle of Patmos, worshiping on the Lord’s day, to give to him the revelation of the glorified Christ in His sovereign power and majesty? And why is this message, so clear, precise, powerful, and moving, directed to Christ’s servants, specifically seven churches located in Asia Minor?
The time had come, after a relatively brief period of “church” history and its witness in an unbelieving world, to renew and expand the vision of the living, exalted, glorious and eternal Christ, so that the truth of the vision would serve as a basis for faith in the power of God in the latter days of the church on earth. On the day of Pentecost, mankind entered into a period where the revelation of God would not be limited to a specific nation, as had been somewhat the case with Israel. The birth of the church, the living body of Christ on earth, and every born again member of it, would not only usher in a new age, a distinct period of time when not only the revelation of Christ would be enlarged, magnified, and amplified, but the power of the living Christ would be revealed in the church by the Spirit. The witness would go forth in response to Christ’s command, with the promise of His presence and power. The renewed and amplified vision of the exalted, sovereign Christ would be essential if faith in Christ would rise to the height of becoming victorious and overcoming. The strength of faith would be determined by the vision of Christ’s power.
God, through His servant John, would begin the revelation by speaking of His eternal presence and power in the context of His grace and peace. He would preface this revelation by stating clearly who it was who was giving it, the one “…who IS and who WAS and IS TO COME…” (1:4) The attention moves from the Father to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, when He speaks of Him being the One who is the “faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over kings of the earth.” (1:5) Coupled with the revelation of Christ’s glory is the unveiling of His compassion revealed to men, sinners saved by the grace of God. John writes: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in HIs blood and has made us kings and priests unto His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (2:5,6 ) The stage has been set, and the Father and the Son have taken their specific places, in order for faith to lay hold upon God. Then there is the call to look heavenward, for the message is that Christ IS coming “…with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62) To all and everyone who is willing to SEE Him in truth, comes Christ’s words: “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, who IS and who WAS and who IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY.” (1:8)
Dear Father, Show us Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.