John’s Vision of Christ

Backstory:
Revelation was likely the last New Testament book written by the apostle John. Christians were coming under increasing persecution by the Roman authorities. John had been exiled to the island of Patmos for his activities as a Christian missionary. He wrote to encourage the faithful to resist the demands of emperor worship. John informed his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan was imminent. He warned that Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will be vindicated when Christ returns, the wicked are destroyed and God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.

God’s Story:
My church is under attack, struggling to remain a lamp lit in a world of darkness. But my people know that Christ, not Caesar, is Lord. My vision for a glorious future and kingdom will encourage them to persevere and assure them that in the end, I will be victorious. When chaos swirls around them, I will be in the middle of it all, sitting on my throne.

Read Revelation 1:1-20

Your Story:
When chaos surrounds you and the devil appears to be winning, take heart, things are not what they seem to be. As the Romans focused on tormenting Christians and John perhaps wondered whether or not the church was strong enough to endure, Jesus appeared, reassuring the aged apostle of God’s power and control. Christ is the one who has conquered sin, death and the evil one. He is the one who knows your name, knows your pain and stands right in the middle of it all protecting you. He is still in control and the victory belongs to him.