A Note from Jesus

“And from Jesus Christ—Loyal Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of all earthly kings. Glory and strength to Christ, who loves us, who blood-washed our sins from our lives.” Revelation 1:5 (The Message)

It must have meant the world to the Apostle John, nearly 90 years old and exiled on the island of Patmos, to receive a personal vision and visitation from Jesus. Many have spent their lifetime trying to unravel the times and seasons of which the Book of Revelation speaks. One thing is for certain, as with all other Scripture, it is primarily supposed to make us better acquainted with Jesus Himself.

Before any statements about end-times and Jesus’ second coming, the book of Revelation is “The Revelation of (that is, “about”) Jesus Christ.” And, packed into this single verse, Jesus is described as the Faithful One who has risen from the dead and rules over all earthly kings. These descriptions certainly brought comfort to John.

He lived when the world was seemingly unfaithful. He was isolated and alone because he had personally witnessed for the Lord. Jesus wants him to know that He, also, is The Faithful Witness. He reminds John that, as he has confessed Christ before men, so Christ would confess him before His Heavenly Father. John was not alone, and Jesus was faithful.

And, he is reminded that Jesus is alive. He is the Firstborn of the Dead. In essence, He says to John, “You remember that I rose from the dead. You saw me, handled me, and experienced me alive after I was clearly dead. I am still living, John. And, I am the firstborn. You, too, will experience new life in Me. My resurrection is the guarantee of your own eternal life.” Separated from all other human contact, John is reminded that his life is wrapped up in the certain life of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the “Ruler of all earthly kings” as well. This vision of the nature of Jesus must have buoyed John’s heart to no end. Rome, the most powerful nation in the world, had extended their reach to harm those who believed in Jesus. John was on this island alone because of the edict from Rome. But, powerful as Rome was, Jesus is Ruler over that nation, and all others. Jesus is not introduced as the One who “will” be Ruler. No, He now, and always, is Ruler over all earthly kings.

That great Savior, Faithful, Risen from the Dead and Powerful above all; He is the One who loves us. Oh to slow our hearts down enough to read that, think it, believe it and rejoice in it. He loves us! Not merely “saved” us out of some legal obligation; He loves us. He does not say, “I have done all these things, therefore you better love Me.” No…He Love Us!

What power lies deep in the heart of one who truly realizes this. Knowing that Jesus loves us, remembering He showed it by shedding His blood, suffering, dying for us, embracing the truth He has done it all from compassion, not legal obligation; oh what comfort and certainty we would have.

Life is no less stressful today than it was in John’s time. For many it is even more precarious. As advanced as we are there is still human suffering all over our globe. Poverty forces many to face horrible pangs of hunger. Racial prejudice still fuels murder, skirmishes and wars. Sickness strikes without warning, jobs are scarce, and many begin to lose their way in a world that can be overwhelming to the most devoted souls.

Today, Jesus is Faithful, Alive and Ruler over all. And, amazingly, He loves us! Whatever the other meanings of the Book of Revelation, this truth must never escape us. We are being shown once again the great love of Jesus for His own! Even when we feel as lonesome and isolated as John was on the island, Jesus knows where we are. He loves us, and knows exactly where we are.