Daily Bible Reading: November 2021, God’s Word of Praise and ThanksgivingSample

November 1

Introduction

The Revelation to John begins with a statement that it is “the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed.” The author, named John, is writing from the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, about 30 miles west of the province of Asia, a place where the Romans sometimes sent people who criticized the emperor. John is writing at a time when Christians are being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. He seeks to offer hope and encouragement to Christians during this time of suffering and persecution and urges them to be faithful. He is told to write to the seven churches in Asia Minor, and he describes his vision of the risen Lord.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Revelation 1:1-20

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

How does John describe his vision of Christ (verses 12-16)? [You may wish to compare this vision with Daniel’s vision described in Daniel 10:5-6.] The number 7 appears frequently throughout the book of Revelation; it is a number that signifies completion and perfection. How many times does it appear in today’s reading? In verse 8, some translations use the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha and Omega) when describing the Lord as the “first and the last” or the “beginning and the end” (see also Isaiah 41:4). In what way do these descriptions express God’s sovereignty?

Pray

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

Prayer Concern

Churches experiencing persecution

Tomorrow’s Reading

Revelation 4:1-11: John describes a vision of worship in heaven.

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