TO HIM WHO LOVED US
REVELATION 1:5-6
REVELATION 1:5-6 NKJ
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
This is a deep book. The revelation focuses primarily on prophetic events. The title means unveiling or disclosure. The unveiling about Christ and from Christ. And although there are many things in Revelation that I don't understand, verse three says if we read or hear this prophecy, we are blessed.
Revelation was written by the apostle John when he was banished to the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel. He had a vision of the Lord Jesus and of events that would take place in the last days.
But as John starts his letter, he says some things about Jesus that are worth noting. He calls Jesus the faithful witness. Jesus had carried out God's plans and instruction to the letter. No one was more faithful than He. And faithfulness is a character trait highly valued by God.
The firstborn from the dead. Not the first raised from the dead, but the firstborn from the dead. And being the first indicates that others have followed. We also have been born again to a newness of life.
Ruler over the kings of the earth. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and one day the kingdoms of this world will come under His rule and authority.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. This is saying a lot. His love for us enabled Him to make the sacrifice of His own life and His own blood. That blood was the price paid for us to be free from sins and free from the authority of Satan. And He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father. Many translations read a kingdom of priests. I like king better, but anyway we look at it, He has done a good work for us and in us.
Unto Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. We really have no idea what it will be like to serve in a kingdom with One who is totally good. And in a kingdom that He will rule over forever and ever. So our eternal future looks brighter and brighter.
APPLICATION:
One of our favorite speakers, Dr. Mark Rutland, has a favorite way of ending his prayers. In the name of Jesus, The Strong Son of God. Most people do not normally pray that way, but it's certainly appropriate. The book of Revelation reveals a Jesus who is strong, glorious, a mighty warrior, and eternal king. And He loves us! That's big.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord. You loved us and washed us and rule over us, and we can trust You. You are The Strong Son of God.