A Message From the KingdomSample

A Message From the Kingdom

THE GREATNESS OF JESUS GLORIFIED

MAIN IDEAS

• John conveys to the Church this message coming from Jesus, the One who calls Himself Alpha and Omega – the beginning, but also the end of God’s work.

• Exiled on Patmos island and persecuted for his faith in Jesus, John was not resigned or sad, but connected to the Heavenly Kingdom in the Spirit.

• Jesus’ appearance and position show His authority and greatness after ascending to heaven. Jesus’ presence had a strong effect on John.

• His most beloved disciple, one of the three closest to Jesus, has no doubts regarding Jesus’ identity.

The apostle John receives a message for the Church of JESUS, which had already gained ground on earth, through the direct involvement of the Holy Spirit, sent by JESUS after His ascent to heaven. This message matches all the principles He preached when He was on earth. JESUS tells His followers that He will come for them and advises them on how to live to ensure that they keep their faith in Him. He introduces Himself as Alpha and the Omega, meaning the beginning and the origin of the entire Creation but also the One who will fulfill God's entire work of restoring and establishing the KINGDOM OF GOD. That means that the entire course of history, on its way toward the end, is under His control.

Besides the entire course of the history of the Universe, His Church is also under His control, as He is the one walking among the seven golden lampstands and holds the seven stars in His hand. JESUS also presents Himself as having a direct connection to the redemption plan for man, as He is the One who was dead and is now alive for eternity. He has the keys, that is, full authority over Death and Sheol. What an encouraging presentation for any Christian, disciple, or follower of JESUS!

John’s reaction and description show us the greatness and authority of JESUS. John has no doubts about His identity, although He looks different than the last time He had seen Him – a few decades before, on the day of His ascent.