Day 239, Revelation 1
Today we begin the completion of our journey, into the final book of the Bible. This is a book which has been misunderstood more than any other, and so we must bear in mind a number of foundational principles as we read. For the sake of space, I will highlight these over the next few days.
Firstly, this book is written to surprise, excite, and awaken dulled senses. It is a poetic book, not a historical one. We must read it as it is written if we are to avoid being led astray by misunderstanding.
It’s somewhat akin to a movie made from a series of beloved books: the drama and visual imagery adding to the written word. Yet it is also similar to reading a well-written book which exceeds the value of the movie because it sparks the imagination.
John writes for us to be inspired by imagination again. Just as poetry creates something from mere words and topics, so Revelation unveils Jesus for us in fresh excitement and expectation.
Second, the first few words tell us everything we need to know to understand this book rightly: “This is the unveiling of Jesus Christ.” This poetic work unveils Jesus, through the witness of a man Jesus loved deeply, and who loves Him deeply in return. We must see Jesus in every chapter if this “final word” is to lead us to the place God intended: certainty in the face of uncertainty, hope in the face of despair, good news amidst universally bad news. We must find Jesus, and read through His lens, just as with all scripture (Luke 24:27).
So let’s begin!
The poem opens with an introduction setting the source, the focus, and the purpose of this writing. Notice that the blessing (v3) rests upon the one who reads aloud and those who hear. This is a multi-sensory revelation: read, speak, hear, see. God reveals Jesus afresh to seven churches in western Turkey (Asia Minor) through this unveiling to John, the apostle who pastored those churches but is now imprisoned on the island of Patmos by the pagan Roman government.
The angel who comes to John first reveals the rulership of Jesus over every earthly government. What a comfort when an ungodly superpower has exiled and imprisoned you! And this Jesus is coming (or appearing) right now. Like the opening scenes of a movie, the angel shows John Jesus in the midst of appearing to everyone on earth. The rest of the book will reveal final truths that confirm and complete scripture with their powerful stimulus to the imagination.
From verse 12, the second half of this chapter fleshes out the vision of Jesus.
The seven lampstands are revealed to be the seven churches, and the seven stars are the messengers (or leaders) of the churches. As the footnote to verse 20 confirms, there are multiple applications of the seven letters: to the specific churches at that time, to every church, a prophetic unveiling of seven phases of church history, and personal application to every believer who is ready to hear and see (v3).
I recommend Eugene Peterson’s meditation on Revelation “Reversed Thunder.” In his reflection on the second half of this chapter, he observes that John describes Jesus with seven specifics. There is significance to their symmetry and order. The first and last are most important: the white head and shining face represent forgiveness and blessing. The second and sixth, eyes and mouth, represent relationship. Our sight and sound communication shows God in relationship with us. Third and fifth items: feet and right hand demonstrate God’s activity and capability. The right hand shows executive action, the feet add mobility and stability. And central to all these aspects is the fourth specific: the voice thunders with life and power. Remember this whole book is a poetic record of what John saw and heard. The voice of God still speaks! Jesus is appearing.
Have a great day!
Mark.