Daily Bible Reading—December 2024, God’s Guiding Word: JoySample

Introduction

Revelation 1:1–20: The Revelation to John was written at a time when Christians were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. The writer’s main concern was to give his readers hope and encouragement and to urge them to remain faithful during times of suffering. Revelation is one of the most famous examples of a kind of writing called apocalyptic, and it has many connections with the visions of Daniel. These writings use symbolic language to reveal the secrets of heaven and describe how human history will end. In today’s reading, the writer tells how he received a message from an angel sent by Christ, and he describes his vision of the risen Christ.

Today’s Key Verse: Revelation 1:8

“I am the first and the last,” says the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come.

Reflect

John, the author of Revelation, wrote from the island of Patmos, about 60 miles southwest of the mainland of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). John begins by stating that what he writes is “the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed” (verse 1). He was instructed to write to the churches in seven cities. Reread verses 4–8. What does John say about Jesus? In verses 4 and 8, God is referred to as the one “who is, who was, and who is to come.” What does this tell you about God? How does John describe his vision of Christ (verses 12–16)? The number seven appears frequently throughout Revelation. It is a number that represents completeness or perfection. How many times does the number seven appear in today’s reading?

Pray

Lord God Almighty, you are the first and the last. You are the God who is, who was, and who is to come. Glory be to you, O Lord, forever and forever. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Revelation 2:1–29: John records the messages from Jesus to four churches in Asia Minor.