When I began to think about going through Revelation, I admit I felt rather intimidated! Revelation is apocalyptic ("apocalyptic" used in the sense of opening up or revealing) literature and as such is filled with lots of symbols. As we go through this book, we will try to keep the big picture in mind and not become too bogged down in the details.
OK--so fasten your seat belts and here we go!
The Apostle John is the author as we see early on in vv. 2 and 4. This is the same John who was one of the twelve apostles who walked with Jesus. He wrote the Gospel of John and the letters 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John.
The Holy Spirit inspired John to write this book during a time when the church was facing severe persecution from the Romans, probably about 95 AD. The Roman Emperor had demanded that people worship him, and of course Christian could not do that. John, at the time of this writing, was himself a prisoner exiled to the Isle of Patmos, a prison colony.
v. 1 tells us that this is the revelation of Jesus Christ. "Revelation" means an unveiling of the glorified Christ who now resides in heaven. And so as we go through Revelation, we will try to get to know our Savior better. v. 1 also tells us that we will learn things about Christ that are still in the future.
v. 2 assures us that God Himself sent the message to John and that he (John) faithfully recorded it for the generations that would come after, including our own.
v. 3 gives us a special promise. "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." And so we will read it, hear it, and take it to heart the best we can.
Try to read Chapter 1 in the next couple of days and see what jumps out at you!
Psalm 32
This psalm is considered one of the penitential psalms and applies to believers. David was a believer, and we as believers can identify with his experience when he tried to hide his sin. Sometimes unfortunately we are rebellious and disobedient "children."
David begins by expressing the pure joy he felt after his transgressions were forgiven, his sins covered never to be counted against him. vv. 1-2
Then he remembers the misery and emotional and physical pain he felt when he refused to acknowledge his sin. vv. 3-4 We have to wonder how many ailments are the result of guilt and unconfessed sin. Then he (David) confessed his sin agreeing with God about it, and God "forgave the guilt of my sin." v. 5
We must keep our sins regularly confessed and forsaken. And then we are to pray and stay close to God through all kinds of circumstances including deep waters, vv.6-7, or when we need direction and counsel, vv. 8-9.
Here are some words for meditation, "...the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!" vv. 10-11
Think about the word "surrounds," The Lord's unfailing love SURROUNDS the person who trusts in him. Praise the Lord!
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