Revelation 1
October 24, 2022
“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 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.” (v5-6)
John is only a few verses into his letter, and he breaks into a doxology (praise). And his praise centers on the gospel: Christ’s love for us, demonstrated by “freeing us from our sins by His blood” (v5). Even in this final book of the Bible, which is full of confusing and complex apocalyptic imagery, the gospel (which is simple and clear) is still front and center.
Father, I praise You for the gift of this particular book of the Bible, which tells us how the Story will end. As our church family reads it, I know there are parts of it that are complex, confusing - and even debated (by believers) as to their meaning. In the midst of our reading it, though, may we not lose sight of what you make clear at its outset: the gospel, through which we’ve been “freed from our sins by the blood of Jesus” (v5), so that we might “serve You” (v6) in a way that brings You glory!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
