Following the Lamb Wherever He Goes (5)
Revelation 1:1-8: Introduction One Sunday in the mid-90’s a.d. the Holy Spirit visited the prophet John on the island of Patmos where he was exiled because of Jesus and the witness John bore to him. God had a message to give to him, a message he delivered through Jesus about Jesus (“revelation of Jesus Messiah,” 1:1) through an angel. Intended for seven churches in Asia Minor (1:11), John (not the author of the gospel though they share some similarities) penned this mysterious and controversial message. Not so much to its recipients, perhaps, but throughout history its fortunes have varied wildly (see introduction). This message comes with a blessing (seven actually, see introduction) on those who read, hear, and heed it (1:3). Head, heart, and hands are all necessary for a faithful response to this message – not any one or two of them alone. The message concerns Jesus Messiah – his true identity and significance for both his people and the world. Something on the near hor...