"... from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. 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 1:5-6 (ESV)
I don’t know why, everytime I read this book of Revelation, it always brings smile to my face. So much assurance, so much peace, so much joy.
Could it be because I love John’s writings? Or could it be that I like a happy ending story? Or could it be that I like something forward looking? I don’t know 🙂 But what I know, I would like to share here.
Here what I learnt this morning:
Who Jesus is?
- Faithful witness. In today’s world with so many fake news, I’ve to admit it’s so hard to know what is true anymore. Some news could look and sound so real, and appealing, but not true. Faithful or truthful witness means whatever He says is true, I don’t have to second guess or doubt the message. It means whatever follows next in this book that Jesus is telling John, all of it is 100% true. It’s very loud and clear. The assurance of truth is important for something to be a good news. A good news is not really a good news unless it is absolutely true.
- Firstborn of the dead, again this is so comforting. First because he raised from the dead. He is the first human being who rose from the grave and defeated death. That victory from death as the greatest enemy is so comforting. When someone broke a record, it brings hope for others so much so that people attempt to break those records and achieve more. Secondly, when the Bible mention firstborn, it implies there would be much fruits coming later. Hence our victory from death is certain and guarantee by His resurrection as the firstborn from the dead.
- Ruler of the kings of the earth. In this times when the whole world is in pain, suffering, and chaos, having someone above the whole mess is a good news. We see everywhere the imperfections and limitations of all world’s leaders. And hearing that Jesus rules all the kings of the earth just so good.
What Jesus did?
- He loves us. His ever-present-unchanging-undying love for us is something undeniably assuring. No matter how bad the situation is, Jesus’ love conquers them all. Knowing that I am loved by the King of the Universe, whom all kings of this world bow down is so great. “Jesus loves me this I know“, that truth is simple yet profoundly deep.
- What kind of love is this? The love that gave his own life to free us from sin. The only thing which we have no power, Jesus did it for us at the cost of his life. Again it’s very true and real and therefore such a good news. In this world that cries out for freedom. True freedom is only found in Jesus. For all those in chains of addictions, it’s so liberating to know the power of Jesus’ blood. For those bound in chain of guilt and shame, it is so liberating to know the forgiveness that comes from the blood of Jesus. It’s in present tense which means everyday his love for us never change. We can enter today with assurance of His love.
- And lastly the done deal that He made us kingdom of priests to God & His Father. What a beautiful transaction. He not only freed us, but made us as priests to God. There’s no greater honor than to be priest serving God the Eternal Almighty. And Jesus had done it. We are already priest in the eyes of God because the finished work of Jesus. What a reason to live and celebrate each day.
Therefore all glory and dominion rightly be unto Him forever and ever. Amen.
Lastly, about the God whom we serve as Jesus made us His priest. He is the Alpha & the Omega (v.4 & v.8). He is the reason (beginning) and the goal (ending) of our existence. Everything has beginning and ending. Beginning with this imperfect world and our imperfect humanities, and all in between will go away one day. But God is forever and He holds the beginning & the end. Everything starts with Him and will end in Him. He is in charge. If we are His, our end is as secure as He is. What a great assurance it is.
I missed on that great promise and blessed hope of Jesus’ coming back in verse 7 :). I will l leave it for another time.