Revelation 1-3 Reflections...

December 26th, Revelation 1-3

       And so it begins. The last book in a year full of God's word. Revelation is a book that stirs up a lot of thought. It makes people try to figure out, things that are not for us to know in any sense of fullness. As we walk through this book for the next couple of days, I really want to address what we do know and rest in a God who has already written the story.
       John's in prison and the invitation is to write down what he sees. Needless to say John witnesses a pretty awe inspiring vision. Usually when we write things we try to understand what we're trying to write. I imagine John just speaking into a tape recorder, not trying to figure it all out, but be dutiful to communicate what you see. strange, but better than other jail activities I assume.
       In these first three chapters there is a vision of Jesus with a description and a bit about seven of numerous things. The next two chapters start off with a message for each of the seven churches this letter is written to.
       Churches are much like our individual lives. Things true about us that are positive, things true about us that need some attention so we can move to a better place of honoring our God. Some tend to read through this narrative and only pick out the positive. Some read through this narrative and only pick out the negative. You and I need to learn to pick out both. To spend some time with the Lord and discover what's going well in our walk of faith and what needs to change. The end of the year and beginning of the next, seems to be a great time for reflection.
       Maybe reading through the things that Jesus had to say about the highs and lows of these churches would prompt something in your heart about a new thing God wants to stir in you for the coming year.
       I thank God for the work He has already accomplished in you and for the things yet to be done. By God's grace may we press into knowing the presence of Christ in our life in a more full way, and enjoy Him more thoroughly each and every year!!