22nd November 2024

For many people the book of Revelation is a puzzle to be solved, a conundrum that is perplexing, or a riddle that is mystifying. John, however, in writing this book intended it to be a blessing to ‘those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it…’ (v.3). But in what way is it to be a blessing?

John was writing to persecuted first-century believers to bring them assurance and hope. The church was small and beleaguered, while the Roman Empire was growing in strength and importance. Persecution was becoming more and more intense, and understandably the fledgling church would have felt battered, abandoned, and even deceived. They needed the ascended Jesus Christ to come and give them his perspective so that they would not become totally overwhelmed. They needed to understand that in the midst of their troubles, Jesus is their triumphant Lord and King of kings.

When John tells us at the beginning of his book that Jesus is ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth’ he is not saying that he will ultimately be the ruler of the kings of the earth, but rather he is already their ruler. At the end of Matthew’s gospel as the ‘Great Commission’ is introduced Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’ (Matthew 28:18). Jesus is presented as already ruling, now. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. When the early Christians were facing persecution from the Roman Empire, it was important for them to remember that above the power and authority of Rome is one all-powerful and supreme throne, and the one who sits on that throne is Jesus. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. 

It is a remarkable fact that in the history of the church, the book of Revelation has often been studied, cherished, and loved at times of deep persecution, whether it has been fully understood or not. This is because this book gives all kinds of comfort and strength and basic theological reminders to Christians who are really going through it. One of those reminders is that Christ is now and forever the ultimate ruler. Moreover, he’s not a callous or unconcerned ruler: this is the one ‘…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.’ (Revelation 1:5-6). 

We have been freed from our sins and brought into the kingdom of God, under the rule of Christ, to be his priests offering a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15-16). This is what Jesus has done for his people now by his love, mediated by his work on the cross.

In a world that continues to oppress God’s people, the book of Revelation is exactly what the church today needs. While many Christians face persecution and Christian beliefs are increasingly under attack, John’s message reminds us that Jesus is in charge. It is a great blessing to know that whatever swirls around us, Jesus is King of kings. Let us rest in this assurance: Jesus died, Jesus rose, Jesus ascended, and Jesus reigns.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church