REVELATION!!!
Today’s Reading: Revelation 1
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Greek Island of Patmos is located in the Aegean Sea. Its u-shaped geography creates a perfect harbour. This is where the Apostle John was exiled by the Roman government and where he received The Revelation. “I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Revelation 1:8, 17-19
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
…And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”
The full title given to this book comes from the first five words in today’s reading. This is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is written in the Greek language, and Jesus is described by the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; He is “The ALPHA and the OMEGA!” Jesus is called by the Apostle John in the fourth book in the New Testament, “The WORD!” “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD” (John 1:1)! Read John 1:1-18 along with Revelation chapter one for a full understanding of John’s sure knowledge as to the Person of Jesus. John wrote his Gospel to set the record straight, because false cults were seeking to diminish Jesus to the status of angels or a secondary god. Approximately 70 years before the writing of “Revelation”, John, along with his brother James, had been recruited by Jesus (Matthew 4:21-22 and Mark 1:19-20). Jesus had nicknamed these brothers, “Sons of Thunder”! (Mark 3:17). Just imagine their personalities and the boldness of John. No wonder that, as an old man of at least 90, he was considered a threat to the political and religious authorities, hence his exile to the Island of Patmos.
John had spent over three years in the company of Jesus. He knew Him very well as “The Son of Man.” He was a witness to the teaching, preaching, and healing-the-sick ministry of Jesus. He helped distribute the bread and fish to feed 5,000. He watched from the boat as Jesus walked on the water. He was the first of the Apostles at the empty tomb. He saw Jesus in His glorified, resurrected Body, again and again, over a 40-day period. He saw Jesus ascend into Heaven, and now John sees a glimpse of Jesus as the Eternal Son of God, One with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It was necessary for Jesus to say to John, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and BEHOLD I AM ALIVE FOREVERMORE. AMEN!!!” (1:17).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
O, Lord Jesus, like John, I feel as if I should fall at Your feet as dead. I pray that while I read through the Book of Revelation, You will reveal Yourself to me over this next month as I bow in Your presence, meditating on Your Person, preparing to share this blog with as many of Your loved ones who will read it. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
John and his brother James had earned their nickname, “Sons of Thunder,” I’m sure. No doubt there was serious rivalry in the fish catching and selling business between them and the other two brothers from a different family who became apostles, Peter and Andrew. I can almost hear these competing brothers bragging about their catches. True to form, John and James believed they were the best to occupy the places next to Jesus soon, when, as they believed, He would establish His earthly kingdom. What a disappointment for them when Jesus announced immediately after this request to Jesus that He was going to the Cross. These “thunder” brothers did not want to hear that! Perhaps when the women announced the empty tomb and that Jesus was resurrected, John thought there was still hope for those positions. John bragged that he had arrived first at the mouth of the tomb. He was still in competition with Peter and possibly he still hoped for an earthly kingdom then and there! It seems important to me to establish that these people, to whom Jesus gave leadership of the Church, were so very human. But then the power of the Holy Spirit came on them at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21)! From then on it was, as my daughter-in-love Ann has often said on the Full Circle telecast, “Keep your eyes on Jesus; it’s all about Him!!!” I’m so glad that Jesus calls very ordinary people, like me, into His service!
Yours because it’s all about Jesus!!!
David
P.S. There are two other brothers I know very well. One is my oldest son David Reynold, (missionary in Uganda) who has visited the cities where all seven of the churches of Revelation were located, and whose photographs will, God willing, be featured over the seven days when we visit the Words of Jesus to each of those churches. My other son, Ronald Wesley (President of Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Institute) has led Crossroads tour groups to the Island of Patmos where John was incarcerated. Today I’m featuring two of Ron’s photos. The first one seen above is a view of the harbour at Patmos, and the one below was taken by the cave where it is believed John saw the visions recorded in Revelation and where he wrote it all down. It’s amazing what God can do with brothers, James & John, Peter & Andrew in the first century, and Reynold & Ron in the 21st century. Zebedee, father of James and John, and David, father of Reynold and Ron are 2,000 years apart, but both of us (I think I can speak for Zebedee) are proud of our sons!!!
On the Island of Patmos, this mosaic is above the entrance to the “Monastery of Saint John the Theologian” (which is written in Greek letters). This monastery is built over the cave believed to be where John received his Revelation.
thank you David for each morning I get a great start to my day with your great words of encouragement and wisdom about the day scripture. I am so blessed – enjoy your blog.
Sadden to hear John Hull will be leaving- praying for his replacement.
Powerful revelation from John! Thank you for your prayer and message, this morning, David. Blessings fellow saints.
“‘…My people will be filled with My bounty,’ declares the LORD.”
(Jeremiah 31:14, NIV)
Matt Redman, Mercy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z98MK1aqyg
Had to share this from Streams in the Desert, May 3rd:
And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered (Joel 2:32).
“My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver.”
–C. H. Spurgeon
Amen!
Lord Jesus reveal yourself to all of us in the Book of Revelation. Good to see you again on 100 Huntley St. David and looking well. Sorry to hear you are leaving Dr. John Hull but understand the responsibility you feel toward your family and God has an unique place for you. It’s a blessing to read the Book of Revelation as its Word says.
“Thank-you” David for your visit yesterday to Amalia…as you know she is now being cared for in palliative care awaiting Heaven…having been in her earthly body for more than 95 years…I am greatful to her and her family for being there as I began my spiritual walk almost 37 years ago…Praise HIM!!!
“I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies; The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock and let the God of my salvation be exalted”.
Always inspired and encouraged by your prayer and words of wisdom, Pastor David. I can appreciate you being proud of your two sons and their ministry and accomplishments. I have three sons who have blessed me with their walk and life.
Good to see you on Huntley Street yesterday, David! It was so nice to see the good relationship between you and John Hull and for John to be leaving in order to be closer to his family. Makes total sense. God has someone else to fit this important role. Praying that Huntley Street will become an even more powerful beacon of light in the months and years to come.
Amen!
Such wonderful teaching and blessings every day on our blog. Through your faithfulness to Huntley St. , our blog and your family it is no surprise God would use your sons to further His Kingdom.
We are blessed.
So sorry to lose John Hull from Huntley street, but praying God’s blessing on his new endeavor.
Thank you Beverlee, Eleanor M, and Ger for your prayers for my nephew Bob; Praise the Lord, Bob is awake, and talking coherently. He is to be moved out of intensive care unit tomorrow. I’m believing for complete healing in Jesus Mighty Name!!! Amen. Thank you to everyone who prayed for Bob.
Irene I am so glad to here your nephew is doing so well. What a mighty God we serve. I wil pray for Bob”s complete recovery.
I was very touched when I listen to John Hull and you Pastor David. He is absolutely doing the right thing . We just don’t know what is going on in other people’s lives. He is carrying a heavy burden but we know The Lord can and will share that burden with him. I wish him the Lord’s blessing as he start his new position.
Thank you Pastor David for today’s blog always inspiring. Eleanor M.
Praise God for Bob’s present and on-going recovery, Irene–will keep praying!
Watched your interview with Dr. John Hull, yesterday. I pray for the upcoming CEO, who will come in; one who will carry on the ministry suitably well, and above the call, lead of the Holy Spirit of God.
I pray for a seamless transition for Dr. John Hull, blessed of the Lord as he enjoys being close to home and family, ministering unto the Lord.
Good to hear the good news about your nephew Bob, Irene.
Blessings to you David and your family! Yes, you should be, just like Zebedee, very proud on the faith and commitment of your sons. When it is all said and done, and we look back at the road we have travelled, we an see the difference our input has made for so many people. We are often not even aware of the people we have saved. The Lord does knows of course. It does not matter how loud we speak, it is more important that we speak the truth and introduce as many people as possible with the “Good news and truth of the Gospel”!
David, keep up the good work! There was a very good reason you received extra years; the Lord had a work laid out for you to accomplish!
God bless your soul and a continued good health!
Amen and Amen!!