The grand opening of the Book of Revelation point to the central character in it – Jesus Christ! John the Apostle was so taken aback by the vision of Christ that he fell before Him in fear; but Jesus said: “Don't be afraid! I am the first and the last. I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever…” (Rev.1:17-18). The Living Christ appeared to John in the vision revealing all that is to take place before His Second appearing and the future events on this earth. It is this commission that John enlists at the very beginning of the book. 

John sets out the purpose of the Book at the very beginning itself. And knowing his purpose to bring forth these messages, John faithfully discharges his duty. Knowing our purpose on earth motivates us to uphold the truth of God’s message and the reason for our living. God places His children who are willing to listen to His voice and be submissive to the task of His calling to convey His heart-felt message of love and forgiveness to humanity. We should always understand that we are not of the world but sent out to the world with His message (John 17:14). We are witnesses to heaven’s realities; this is what the wisdom of the world cannot understand. 

A good study of the Person of Jesus Christ as revealed in Revelation 1 will make us understand the One who commissioned John and has commissioned us:

 

• Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world. (Rev 1:5)
   

• He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God (Rev 1:5-6)
   

• He is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see him, including those who pierced him. (Rev 1:7)
   

• He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest; His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow; His eyes like flames of fire. (Rev 1:13-14) —point to His purity and righteousness
   

• His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves (Rev 1:15) —speak of His power
   

• He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth—the judging power of God’s Word. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance (Rev 1:16).
   

• He is the First and the Last, the living one—alive forever and ever! He holds the keys of death and the grave (Rev 1:17-18). These point to His eternal existence; His authority over death!

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Just as John fell faint before Him, as we read and understand who He is, we have nothing but great adoration for our Lord and Master!

Jesus Christ has made us faithful witnesses- commissioning us to be witnesses of the mysteries of the truth and godly realities. We represent our Lord and Master to proclaim the authority of His word and voice unto humanity. Amid all we do on earth, His word is the only thing that will last forever— heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will never!

The Great Commission of our Lord and Master to us is in Matt 28:18-20 —Go and make disciples in all the earth! And He promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. In as much as we carry out our secular activities, yet we are charged with divine responsibility to spread the message of the Creator of the whole world!

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*Ref: NKJV Study Bible Notes

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The Message:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

- Jesus Christ
Mark 1:15