Revelation 1:1-3 – A brief preamble to the book of Revelation

As we begin our contemplation in the book of Revelation, let’s be familiar with some fundamental facts to help us come to grips with the message of the book. Many have link the author of this book to John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, the same one who wrote John’s Gospel and the three epistles linked to his name. This book contains prophecy revealing God’s purpose. It was sent as a circular letter to the seven churches in the Roman Empire spread around the Mediterranean. Bear in mind that it was not seven letters but one that went around the seven churches.

The basis of Revelation is that in Jesus Christ, heaven and earth had met. As the early Christians dwelt on the thoughts of Jesus of Nazareth, especially His death and resurrection, they believed that they could see right into God’s purpose. At that time, they were also facing persecution, and in the midst of their hardship, must have wondered if it was worthwhile to follow a crucified Jesus. Where was the church headed ultimately? Revelation was written to address these issues.

There are things we need to take note at the onset. Firstly, at the core of this book is a fresh revelation of Jesus, the Messiah. On one occasion while John was in prayer, he found the curtain drawn back and he came face to face with Jesus Himself. Verse 1 clearly tells us that the message he had for the church was a four-stage revelation: God - Jesus - angel (messenger) - John - churches.

Verse 2 tells us that John could vouch for it and would stand up for its truth. He made clear that he did not invent anything. What he was recording in this book were not things out of his own imagination. The visions recorded were all about the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. He did not add anything to it, and neither did he keep back any part of God’s counsels. He merely told them as He saw it. In verse 3, we are promised blessing. In order to be blessed we must not only read it but also to listen and obey what’s in it.

The message of Revelation will help us to take a fresh look at our crucified and resurrected Lord. As we have professed our love for Him, we must seek also to know Him better. Let’s appropriate the promise of verse 3, as we engage our minds, and prayerfully seek to know and experience more of Him. We must read this book, listen to it and more importantly OBEY what the Spirit of Christ will reveal to us through our journey.