Echoes of the Word
Revelation
An Encounter With The Spirit
Using the
NIV Translation
Revelation 1:1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
Jesus revealed God’s word through His incarnation. Now God reveals Jesus. Jesus no longer walks on the earth as one of us. He is present with God in heaven’s throne-room as the head of a new creation, the new man made possible by the victory and power of God. Using symbols from the Old Testament, we are presented with the message that God is in control and faith in Him will be rewarded.
The revelation spans that distance between heaven and earth, between the divine and fallen, and between now and the last day. The images are interpretations of what John received, perceived, and his attempt to put into words this marvelous and awesome series of visions and experiences on this Lord’s day. He uses the language, history, and prior revelations of his day to express the reality of these visions of tomorrow. This book contains a blessing for all who seek after a word from God. The sovereignty and majesty of God is in full view. The exact meaning of a given passage may be unclear and debatable at this time, but there is no denying that the overarching understanding is that God is in control and His word will prevail.
The Greek word here translated as “made it known” reminds us of the importance of imagery in the communication of this message. How else can a glimpse of God and heaven, of the mystery of our Creator’s will and purpose be given to finite creatures? Just as Jesus emptied Himself to take on the form of man, the word of God is spoken in the language and concepts that will allow man to apprehend and hear that very word.
σημαίνω * sēmainō * say-mah'ee-no * From σῆμα sēma (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate: - signify. -NASB Strong’s Dictionary
Jesus told His disciples in the gospel of Luke that He would fulfill the Scriptures and opened their minds to receive the words. Revelation comes to us through the same Spirit that breathes life into the words of this book and the others contained in the Bible. The words themselves are meaningless and of no value to a heart not touched by the hand of God. He is in our midst and the Spirit guides us into truth. It is this presence that lends us the peace of God and opens us to the good news of Christ.
Luke 24:44 Now He said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:36 While they were telling these things, “He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
The message is intended for all believers, for all those who serve the Lord, who have believed in His gospel, who willingly follow after Him and look forward to His return. It will happen soon, not with the idea of tomorrow or the next day, but the next thing in these last days. The very last day has yet to come, but come it will.
John 6:40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day
John 12:48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day
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