Revelation 1:1-3 (CSB)
The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.
These three verses are the prologue of the book of Revelation in the Bible. God gave Jesus Christ the revelation to show to his servants. He sent His angel to his servant the Apostle John, to give him the revelation. John was exiled and sent to the Greek island of Patmos by the Roman Emperor, for preaching the Gospel. John received the visions and the prophecy while on Patmos and wrote them down. After the Emperor’s death, the political exiles on Patmos were freed and John returned to Ephesus to lead the Christian community there.
In Biblical terms, the word revelation means; an unveiling of hidden truths and future events. God wanted us to know about future events, to be aware of what will happen and to build up our faith and trust in God so that we can endure what must take place before the return of Jesus Christ to the Earth. To those who are willing to study Revelation, much can be learnt of future events. Revelation lets us know that God will sort out all the evil in the world. We also understand more of our eternal future with God.
Dear God,
We pray for understanding, as we read Revelation. We thank you for showing us what must take place. Thank you that Jesus is returning to Earth to deal with all the evil in the world. We look forward to His return. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
