Page 5 - Living Light 91

Wednesday November 26 - Grace and peace
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... Revelation 1:4
If you are like me, you much prefer to receive a personal message than a mass mailshot or an AI-generated letter. Revelation is addressed to seven Christian communities in what is now modern-day Turkey. In the Bible, the number seven often symbolises completeness or perfection, here indicating that the letter is intended for the church throughout the ages. Its contemporary message is addressed to you and me!
John begins with ‘Grace and peace to you’ – a Christian greeting, conferring both ‘charis’ (God’s unmerited favour) and ‘shalom’ (God’s wholeness and well-being) on the readers. Grace and peace are at the heart of the message of Revelation; in fact grace and peace is the blessing you are promised when you take the message to heart (see v 3). Time and time again we shall see heaven revealed as the centre of intense high praise because of the reconciliation (grace) and restoration (peace) that Jesus, the Lamb of God, has secured for penitent sinners.
John writes with the authority of God. Revelation is not merely a collection of thoughts pieced together from Scripture. It is God’s definitive word from he ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come’ (Revelation 1:8); the one who reigns sovereignly over time, who is unchanging and self-existent. Dear friend, whatever your circumstance, take comfort today – this is your God!
Father, I pray for those I know who need to experience the reality of your grace and peace in their lives. May I bear your holy presence, wherever you lead me. Amen.
Thursday November 27 - A letter from Jesus
...from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:5
Can’t we just get on with the letter? No, because these opening verses are all- important. The letter is a revelation from God, brought by Jesus, given to John to share with the church; it opens the window of eternity. This is no ordinary message; how fitting that it brings the Bible to its triumphant conclusion.
Its authenticity is endorsed by its messenger; the Lord Jesus Christ is announced as ‘the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler of the kings of earth.’ These unique credentials should grab our attention; no other person, living or dead, can warrant such plaudits, but Jesus alone.
Let’s take a moment to reflect, Jesus is not just a faithful witness; he is the definitive witness because he is truth personified, devoid of deceit. His words bring life; they set the captive free. Jesus was the first to rise from the dead in a glorified, eternal body; his resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all faithful believers. He is uniquely ‘the firstborn from among the dead’ (Colossians 1:18). If that were not enough encouragement for us to pay attention and take the message to heart, we are reminded that Jesus will return to earth to reign over every nation and ruler. At that time ‘every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth’ (Philippians 2:10).
Lord Jesus, I do not want to wait until your return – I willingly choose to bow my knee today and confess your rightful kingship over my life! Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY