A Hopeful Word for a Hopeless World – Revelation chapter 1 verses 4 to 8
Who is in control, when everything seems out of control?
it’s all about Jesus. A real word to real believers in real churches, of the 1st century and today. We can be confused often by much speculation, yet it’s overall meaning is clear. To bring sure hope. The world seems out of control, but God has not lost control.
Our triune God Who rules over history.
John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
Revelation 1:4-5a
Greetings from the Father, from the 7 spirits before his throne (the 7 fold Holy Spirit) and from Jesus Christ. The first risen and never to die again and he reigns over the kings of the Earth. This means for us that He is over all world leaders, and they will answer to Him. No tears or pain need rob us of Hope.
Our God Who loves and redeems us
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:5b-6
Who loves us now. Today. Past, present and future. 5 of the 7 churches had big problems, yet still He loves them, He will love you to the end. His love endures forever. He set his love on us, the unlovely.
Our God Who is returning in glory.
‘Look, he is coming with the clouds,’
and ‘every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him’;
and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him.’
So shall it be! Amen.8 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’
Revelation 1:7-8
Jesus’ return: every eye will see Him. Visible, bodily, universal. Shame and disgrace for those who reject Him, but what blessing and hope for those who trust in Him! Why not trust Him?
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33.”
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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