A summary of “so far.”
Please Read the whole of Revelation Chapter 1.
Revelation’s introductory vision (Rev 1:12-18) centres on a glorious picture of Jesus. He is like the Son of Man (v13) the one who died and is alive forevermore (v18). Based on Dan 10:5,6 and several other Old Testament texts, this vision portrays the glory of Jesus otherwise seen only in the transfiguration during His earthly ministry. The characteristics of Jesus in the vision are repeated throughout the seven messages of chapter 2 and 3. The vision is like the stage backdrop for the rest of the play.
In the Psalms, we find the word ‘selah’ which is a musical direction to pause (and think). We have done 18 days on Revelation 1! I hope this has been a glorious revelation of Jesus Christ for you personally. We see Him walking amongst the churches providing guidance for our life today and hope for the future. Assuring us that despite the play and counterplay of human history God is in control. In this chapter, we have also noted how Jesus is present with His people through the good times and the difficult situations of life.
I hope you have seen that Jesus is the beginning, centre and end of the book. The focus of the whole book points to the end of all things and the return of Jesus. It is founded in His death, resurrection, and current work for us. The marvelous qualities of the heavenly Jesus are the backdrop for all that is to come.
We have looked at the keys for the code that help us follow the threads through the maze. We have noted the structure of the book. We noted the use of the word ‘signify’ and how every image, symbol, illusion, quote, reference, and typology all come from the Old Testament. UNderstanding this is the only correct way to interpret te book. Chapter 1 gave us 2 clear links to the book of Daniel. The importance of this is to know the important rule of allowing the Bible to be the only interpreter of Revelation. This is a safeguard against junk, newspaper theology. We also noted (especially in the ZOOM meeting) that understanding the Hebrew Sanctuary Service is a fundamental key to the book. The Sanctuary itself is all about Jesus!
The most amazing ‘revelation’ of Jesus comes as we see His divinity in a clear and powerful way. This was helped by the reflections on the titles attributed to Jesus in Chapter 1 and the way Old Testament terminology for Yahweh is now shifted to Jesus. He is clearly the “God-man” (and never did hyphen mean so much!).
Like Russian nesting dolls the book is multi-layered. It is the finale of the Biblical symphony that has traced the history of sin and rebellion. It draws all the Bible’s great themes together in a thrilling conclusion. (selah)
Because of who Jesus is revealed to be in the book, we also have a revelation of who we can become in Him. Elevated to the highest places in Christ! Chapter 1 closes with a picture of Jesus as the High Priest (with a sash of Gold signifying royalty – the king-priest!) He is walking among the lampstands ministering to the churches despite their various failings. God is being faithful to His covenant.
We closed chapter 1 by reflecting on the meaning of the lampstands. This showed us the intimate connection with the Christian churches Jewish heritage, as heirs of the promises made in the Old Testament.
While I did not intend to do these reflections, I eventually felt compelled by the Holy Spirit and am now humbled that well over 200 folks are following this revised series by SMS. We will be advertising for a new group to start soon, if you know of anyone who would benefit, then share the registration site with them revelationunlocked.org. For my preparation I have used sources such as: Drs Pauline, Stefanovic, Maxwell, Cox, Rosenberg, White & Ford, as well as my own marginal notes from unidentified sources gathered over 50 years of study in the book of Revelation, and public presentations. As I have prepared these readings I have compared the NKJV, RSV, NASB, NIV, and NLT. It has become a great devotional exercise for me.
Are you ready for the rest of the journey? If you wish to opt out, please type “stop.”
Hi Ross. I’m way behind but am continuing with pleasure. Do you intend to publish this work? I believe it’d be appreciated by many.
Publishing it would mean going back over it and referencing my sources – I don’t have space to do this in an SMS. I acknowledged my sources in the opening first few. I have developed this for SMS as a outreach to those wanting an in depth look at Daniel and revelation. Bro we are up to 118 so you are way behind!