August 22, 2021
Prayer: To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5b-6 ESV
Observation: John begins his revelation by establishing his identity and mission: a dutiful servant of Christ (verse 1) called to bear testimony to his Lord (verse 2). Similarly, but supremely, John declares that Jesus is the faithful servant (Mark 10:45) who, through his resurrection, has become the “firstborn of the dead” and “ruler of all the kings on earth” (verse 5a). Next, in the above verses, John transitions to the mission and work of Christ: he freed us from sin and made us a kingdom of priests for his Father. But “priests” here refers collectively to the Church and its calling to testify Jesus to the nations (the spiritually lost) on the Father’s behalf (see also Exodus 19:6). Why? Two reasons: his Father sent him into our world to save us (John 3:16), and he and the Father love us (verse 5 and John 3:16). How? By his blood (verse 6), by sacrificing his life to pay the penalty for our sins.
Takeaway: Like John, we are servants of the Son, set free to be the Father’s holy priesthood, beloved and set apart to bear witness to the nations that Jesus is the “firstborn of the dead.” And when we do, we will bring him glory (verse 6).
Prayer: Father God, please help us live out our calling as your holy priesthood that the world might see your glory and know that your kingdom has come. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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