Chapter 1 (Part 1)

A VISION WITH A COMMISSION

Verses 1-2

The book of Revelation is often attributed to John, but in the opening verses it declares that the things written therein are the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Humans have a fascination with the future and the unknown. That's why works such as Nostradamus and The Bible Code generated great interests and huge followings—even among Christians. We need to realize that only God and God alone sees the end from the beginning, and declares what can and will happen (Isaiah 46:9-10). We cannot divorce Revelation from the Revealer, for Jesus Christ alone holds the key to unlocking the mysteries and messages contained within its pages. We are given light and understanding only when we yield and submit to the rightful Owner of the book.

John might have already witnessed the whole revelation when he started writing about the things that 'must shortly come to pass.' Some understood the word 'shortly' to mean the period immediately after John wrote it. This is speaking from a human perspective. God, however, regards both time and space rather differently (Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8).

The first advent of Christ which resulted in the birth of the Church is said to usher in the last days (Acts 2:16-21) and set the prophetic clock ticking after 400 years of silence since Malachi. From the time of the Olivet Discourse, once the signs spoken of by Christ began to manifest, all that is recorded in Revelation will certainly come to pass in quick succession.

Verse 3

God promises a blessing to those who not only read and hear the words of this prophecy or book, but endeavor to keep them diligently in view of the times they live in. And surely it is even more needful for Christians to sit up and take heed to its words in this generation, as we see the turmoil and trying situations that are now affecting the world in general, and challenging the Church in particular.