The word revelation has an important meaning: the manifestation or unveiling of something that has been hidden. In other words, the book of Revelation is the unveiling of God's plan for the future.
God revealed this plan to John when he was in his 90s, exiled to the island of Patmos. Through John's exile, God gifted John and His people with the most powerful heavenly vision for all of eternity: the Revelation of Jesus Christ. This vision completes the Gospel, giving hope to, sternly warning, and deeply comforting all those who trust in Jesus. As you read it, remember these three purposes of Revelation:
The same Jesus born as a helpless babe in Bethlehem is coming back to sit on the judge's bench.
Revelation completes our understanding of God's purpose for history and for our future. Revelation assures us that, while the world may look out of control, it's not out of the control of God; He holds His children in His loving hand. From Genesis to Revelation, God has a plan, and Jesus is at the center of it all.
Revelation shows us the danger of compromise and the ultimate destruction of Satan and those who reject Christ. In Revelation we see that God has secured the victory, and judgment will come at the end times. Therefore we must not compromise, but stand firm against the spirit of this age, who says we can have salvation without the Savior, power without prayer, spirituality without the Holy Spirit, and morality without the Bible.
Revelation gives us an awe-inspiring portrait of the glorified, soon-coming King Jesus. John's vision completes the Gospel of salvation—past, present, and future. For in Revelation we see Jesus no longer hanging on a cross, but glorified in white and gold, with hair white as wool, with eyes that blaze with fire, with a voice like rushing waters (see Revelation 1:13-15). We see Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (see 22:13).
The same Jesus born as a helpless babe in Bethlehem is coming back to sit on the judge's bench. If He were to return today, would you be thrilled or afraid? Would you be unprepared or ready to face the King? Examine your life. Look through the lens of eternity. Ask the Lord how He wants you to prepare for that glorious day when you see Him face to face.
Prayer: God, thank You for the hope I have in You. May it fill me with joy and overflow in love for others as I share the Truth of Your Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"I have become [the gospel's] servantby the commission God gave meto present to you the word of Godin its fullness . . . this mystery, which is Christ in you,the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:25, 27).
*Devotional adapted from End Times and the Secret of the Mahdi by Michael Youssef © 2016. Published by Worthy Books, Franklin, TN. Used by permission.
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Revelation for Today, Part 1: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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