John the disciple of Christ is now an old man, being exiled in the island of Patmos. John the son of Zebedee, along with his brother James, and Peter are among one of the chosen inner circle, the closest Disciples of Christ. John was the only one among the 12 disciples who attended the Crucifixion and the first one to become aware of the Resurrection. John had been tortured and poisoned, but had survived the ordeal. It is recorded that John made a sign of the cross in the poisonous cup, and Satan flew away from it.
The Lord Jesus Christ has a purpose for John. John the beloved must write the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation gives hope and encouragement to the Christians around the world. Christians need to know that God is in control, whatever happens on earth. Christ is the Lord and ruler over everyone and everything.
Day 162
Revelation
Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:3 NIV)
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which he made known to his servant John, reveals what must soon take place. The last book of the bible is the one that many scholars have trouble comprehending, but many agree upon the first three chapters. The first three chapters of this book are about the seven churches and the seven angels. This alone tells us how important the church really is. There will be judgment on the churches and since we are the members of the church, it is very important that we get involved in the Church. As a member we have a voice, speak up, get involve, and elect the right people. We do not want to end up like the church of Laodicea, which Christ spit out of His mouth.
Many people do not want to go to church or get involve in church, these too are dangerous. That’s what I mean when I say, ‘Many get invited; only a few make it (Matthew 22:14 MSG). Salvation is offered to many, but only few choose to follow Christ, because they are so involved in their worldly life. But then there are those who goes to church for all the wrong reasons.
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ (Matthew 7:21-23 MSG)
Words for you today: Know and protect your church from the wolf on lambs clothing.
Question for you: In what ways can you get involved in your church, how do you protect your Church?