Scripture: I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
Revelation 1:9-11 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, John follows his introduction with a greeting to “the seven churches that are in Asia.” Then, extending a Trinitarian shalom blessing of grace and peace, John declares that Christ loves us, as evidenced by sacrificing his life to bring us forgiveness of sins and collectively making us one body as his kingdom of priests. Thus, to Jesus, “be glory and dominion forever” (v.6b), for our King is coming on the clouds where all nations will see him in his glory. But the unrepentant will wail in anticipation of judgment—particularly those who crucified Christ. John then concludes his doxology, declaring the Lord God proclaims his eternal power and might and affirms John’s words are trustworthy and will come to pass.
Today’s reading covers John’s third introduction, referring to his vision of the Son of Man. Having greeted the seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) of Roman Asia (modern Turkey), John identifies himself with his audiences. Together with Jesus, he and the church are partners in the:
- tribulation,
- kingdom, and
- patient (faithful) endurance.
John concludes his introduction with a brief backstory. He was exiled to the island of Patmos because he testified to the word of God and Jesus. On one particular Sabbath, John heard a loud voice like a trumpet while communing with the Holy Spirit. The voice (Christ’s) commanded John to write what he saw in a book and send it to the seven churches.
Historical note: Patmos (one of the Sporades Islands) lies in the Icarian Sea, about thirty-seven miles southwest of Miletus. It consists mainly of volcanic hills and rocky ground and is about ten miles long and six miles wide at its north end. Rome used Patmos as a penal colony. Eusebius records that Emperor Domitian banished John to the island in 95 BCE, but Nerva released John eighteen months later (Ecclesiastical History 3.20. 8–9) when he likely wrote this letter.
Takeaway: John’s introduction reveals the cause and connection of his letter. As cited above, due to testifying to Christ and the word of God, John partners with the churches in the tribulation, kingdom, and patient (i.e., faithful) endurance. Still, John’s suffering is not merely the outcome but the means for God to expand his kingdom. That said, without exercising patience and faithful endurance, suffering will not benefit God’s kingdom or us.
Our takeaway? Suffering is not a virtue. We must not pursue suffering, for if we do, we may not like the outcome. Instead, suppose we focus on obedience to God in testifying to Christ. In that case, we can count on the Holy Spirit to orchestrate the inevitable tribulations of our fallen world to spark the growth of his fruit of patience and faithfulness in us (Galatians 5:22). When we do, our testimonies to Christ will carry the most significant impact on others.
Our part? Like John, we focus on what is in our control despite the limitations of our present circumstances. How? By observing Sabbath rhythms in communion with our Triune God. In these restful moments where we quiet our troubled minds and remain still before God, we become keenly aware of his presence and greatness (see Psalm 46:10). If we persevere, eventually, his Spirit will reveal to us how God has used our trials and tribulations to mature us in faithful endurance and sharpen our testimonies of Christ to grow his kingdom.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who perfectly exercised faithful endurance to his last breath on his cross. And we thank you for your Holy Spirit, who matures us in the fruit of patience and faithfulness so that we might persevere in ways that benefit us and your kingdom. So would you please help us learn how to be still before you and know that you are our sovereign God so that we might mature in our faith and our testimony to your Son? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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