To Show - Revelation 1:1

Revelation 1:1 ESV 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. It is a message of hope and affirmation. It is the blessing it promises.

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. 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. The unspeakable wondrous God cannot fully be contained and grasped in the language of man. That is part of why Jesus came to deliver the word, even as He is the word. He is the perfect image of the Father and the radiance of His glory. He came that we would understand and shed light on the world.

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. It is when we begin to see through the aid and power of the Holy Spirit, we perceive the open door before us. As we enter the kingdom of God and begin walking with The Lord, we enter the mind of God, for we have been sealed with and in His Spirit.

He is in our midst and the Spirit guides us into truth, just like the vision of the seven lampstands shows us. 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 and on a day we do not expect, a day just around the corner.