Vision Changes Everything

Daily Reading: Revelation 1

Scripture Focus: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him… (Revelation 1.1)

Devotional Thought: The title of the book of Revelation is translated from the Greek word "apokálypsis" which is the first word of the book.  It means basically a revealing or a vision.  And, as we see, vision changes everything:

·       I was on the Island called Patmos (v. 9).  Patmos was a prison island off the coast of Greece. John was imprisoned “on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”  Jesus, not allowing his beloved disciple to go through this alone, appeared to him and said, “Fear not.”  When we go through the trials of life, we are not alone.  What is your Patmos?  Hear Jesus say to you: “Fear not!”

·       I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day (v. 10). John did not allow his surroundings or his lack of companions to deter his worship.  Christians observed (and still do observe) their day of worship on the Lord's Day (Sunday) because that is the day that Jesus rose from the dead.  John saw the vision of God and heard the voice of grace in part because he was worshipping.  Do we fail to have a vision of God because we do not take time to worship on the Lord’s Day?

·       I heard. I turned. I fell (vv. 10, 12, 17).  What was John’s reaction to this vision?  First, he was able to hear the voice of God.  Hearing, he turned to focus on Jesus.  Then John fell at the feet of Jesus, recognizing him as Lord.  A vision of Jesus serves to remind us that our circumstances do not determine our ultimate fate.  Jesus does!

On the next Lord’s Day, may you have a vision of God which changes everything!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that I don't have to wait until Sunday to worship you, for you are with me always.  But, I also recognize that "The Lord's Day" is a special opportunity to catch a vision of you, a vision which changes everything.  So help me "see" you this Sunday.  Amen!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 100.1-5

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.