Year of the Bible: Part Twelve of TwelveSample

Prepare for What is Coming

The letters to the churches are written through a revelation to John from Jesus. Angels were involved, and John took notes on all he saw and heard. The writing style can seem haggard since John was likely overwhelmed by all the visual, emotional, and audible elements.

The churches addressed were in an area where east and west met. The church in Pergamum was in the city widely believed to be Satan’s dwelling place in those days. Interestingly, the intensity of issues in the churches was almost directly related to their proximity to Pergamum.

John makes it clear that these letters are from Jesus. In his greeting, John expressed Jesus’s grace and favor and reaffirmed that Jesus has solidified Himself as a trustworthy source through His work on the cross and reliability in keeping His promises.

While receiving the revelation, John saw Jesus in a way he had never seen Him before! The ascended and glorified Lord made a very different impression from the Jesus who walked the earth as John’s friend. In each letter, Jesus reveals new aspects of His character.

The greeting at the beginning of Revelation sets the right tone: God is for them and wants the churches to be ready for what is to come. What a kindness to prepare His people in advance so that they will be equipped to succeed.

Question: Have you ever received a warning before something significant happened? How did that warning/preparation help you handle what came after?

Prayer: Take some time to address your fears regarding the content of Revelation. What are your preconceived ideas about this book? Ask God to give you His perspective as you read His word and study these often-misunderstood passages.