Revelation 1 DEVO: What WAS, What IS, What IS TO COME

Introduction:
We live in a culture that is fascinated with the future: horoscopes, palm readers, the occult, psychic hotlines (they knew you’d call), etc… The future fascinates us because we’re all a bit intrigued with what lies ahead. If only there were a book that would tell us what that is!~ Well, God gave us one – the Bible – and within that book, the sub-book called Revelation. The word translates “Apocalypse” which means “to uncover or unveil.” Revelation doesn’t hide the truth but reveals it! It is John’s last writing and God is revealing to him what WILL literally (no figuratively) happen in the future. He wrote it in approximately 92-94 AD while exiled on the island of Patmos and was written to the 7 churches in Asia (and all believers). It has a very clear structure seen in vs. 19 that is repeated throughout (1:4, 1:8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5):
What Was: “what you have seen” = The vision John had just seen (Ch 1)
What Is: “what is now” = the letters to the churches (Ch 2-3)
What Is To Come: “what will take place later” (Ch 4-22)
It’s a book chucked full of prophecy. 278 of the 404 verses (yeah, too much free time) allude to OT prophecies! It’s a book of praise – There are tons of hymns & songs written from these chapters.
It’s also a book of both hope (for the believer) and warning (for unbelievers). And although many of the very specific details are unknown, what God intends to have occur at the end of time is clear. So – wanna’ know how this life on earth thing ends? Do you want the ultimate action thriller? Then read Revelation with me because, “blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Chapter 1:
“The revelation from Jesus Christ” – God is revealing to John what will occur at Jesus’ second coming (His first coming was “Christmas” when He became a man). This book reveals Jesus – “who is, who was and who is to come.” Another reference to Jesus being God because these words can only be true of “the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
So, we pick up the story as John is out chillin’ in the Spirit and hears “a loud voice like a trumpet” that tells him to “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches.” John turns around to see who is speaking to him and attempts describe the indescribable Lord – nice try! And, like all in the Bible who come into the very presence of God, John falls face down in fear! The immense holiness and awesomeness of God will always cause unholiness to shudder. Jesus taps him, says it’s ok (whew) and identifies Himself: “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” This is Jesus! And He is in charge of eternity for every soul!
Jesus tells John to grab a pen & paper (ok, maybe ink & papyrus) and write down what He’s gonna’ tell him, “what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” So John played secretary to Jesus and wrote Revelation – the very words of God! How Awesome is that!!!
SO WHAT?!
*The Gospels reveal Jesus’ first coming as one of humiliation, offering grace. Revelation reveals Jesus second coming as one of exaltation, judgment to those who don’t believe. The urgency for our friends to believe has never been so high. Christmas time is an easy time to turn conversations to Jesus. Lord give us opportunities TODAY to share your love!
*So, are you ready for some wild, end-of-all-things stuff?! You are if you know Jesus as your Savior! You’re not ready yet if you haven’t trusted in Christ – but why not today? If you do, I guarantee you will be blessed (vs 3). Don’t put it off, the end is nea…….