Year 3, Day 347: Revelation 1

Theological Commentary: Click Here 

Discipleship Focus:

• Identity: Who we are.  This is defined by God.  It comes from God.  It comes to us through God’s love for us.
• Authority: Our calling.  This comes from God as king.  Because He calls us as His representatives, He gives us authority to go and do His will.

This passage speaks of Christ and His awareness of His identity.  He is the faithful witness.  He is the first-born out of the dead.  He freed us from sin.  He made us priests to serve God.  Jesus knew who He was because His identity came from the Father.  Each of these attributes of Jesus are true not because Jesus desired them to be true but rather because God the Father desired Christ to be each of these things.  Jesus’ identity originated with the Father.

This passage also screams authority.  The King sends out His Messiah.  Jesus comes clothed like a king with a sash around his chest.  His eyes were like flames.  His voice is like a lion.  From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword full of power.  Here we see the conquering Messiah.  He knows His calling.  God has equipped Him and given Him authority.  Here we see Jesus coming in power to accomplish God’s will.

Revelation 1 gives us a balanced perspective.  Jesus knows His identity comes from God and is obedient to it.  He knows His authority comes from the King and He goes forth in power.

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