Our teachings have taken us from the beginning (Genises), then the Middle (easter) so for today’s teaching I am going to the last book of the bible and cover Revelations 1-20 (the return of Jesus)
In doing research for today it has been a journey filled with awe at the power of God but also the tenderness of God. It also enlightened me on something I really hadn’t thought of before. We hear in scripture that God is the Alfa and Omega the beginning and the end and that is true but after reading Revelations I have conclude that God is also the Omega and Alfa the end and beginning as God will take away everything as we know it and make all new. Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, “Write”, for these words are true and faithful.
The Book of Revelation is sometimes approached with fear, confusion, or hesitation. Many talk about the end times and focus on dates, symbols, beasts, and speculation. But the opening words of this book (Revelation 1:1). tell us what it is truly about: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” This means that the central purpose of this book is not to confuse us, but to reveal Christ, to lift our gaze from the temporary, the troubled, the broken, and the chaotic, and fix our eyes on the One who reigns above all.
This teaching seeks to reorient the heart to worship. It is not meant to provoke anxiety, but awe. Not fear of the future, but faith in the One who holds the future. Revelations is a call to lift our heads, to see Christ glorified, reigning, holy, merciful, and victorious. It is a reminder to every weary believer that the story is already written, and the ending is already secure. The Lamb wins. The Kingdom stands. Christ reigns forever. So let us walk through Revelation chapters 1 through 20 with a heart of worship beholding Jesus as He truly is.
John, the apostle who once leaned on Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper, is now old, exiled on Patmos, separated from the churches he loved. His earthly ministry seems to have been cut off. His voice seems silent. But God is never finished with His servants. On the Lord’s Day, a voice like a trumpet calls out. John turns and sees Jesus in His glory. Not the humble rabbi. Not the suffering Savior. Not the one crowned with thorns.
He sees: Eyes like flames of fire, He sees truth without distortion. Feet like burnished brass, He stands in purity and justice. A voice like many waters, Majestic, commanding, irresistible. A face shining like the sun, Bright with divine power. John falls at His feet as though dead. And Jesus touches him. “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
This is our King. Not a distant ruler. Not a memory. Not a symbol. The Living One. Christ does not comfort from afar He lays His hand upon His servants. The first message of Revelation is not terror. It is reassurance. The King lives, and He holds all authority.
Before unveiling the future, Jesus speaks to His Church the lampstands, He is present with His people. He sees not just what we do, but why we do it.
To Ef·e·sus, the church that works tirelessly, He says: You have lost your first love. Come back to Me.
To smur-nuh, suffering and poor He says: Be faithful. You are rich in Me.
To Per·ga·mum and Thai-uh-TAI-ruh, compromised by culture, He says: Stand firm. Truth matters.
To Sahr-dihs, spiritually asleep He says: Wake up. Strengthen what remains.
To Philadelphia, small yet faithful, He says: I have placed an open door before you. No one can shut it.
To lay-o-dih-SEE-uh, lukewarm and comfortable He says: I stand at the door and knock. Let Me in.
Christ’s message to the church then is Christ’s message now: I see you. I know you. I am with you. Return to Me. Walk with Me. Worship Me alone. The exalted Jesus is not only King over eternity. He is the Shepherd of today.
John is then taken up into the throne room of heaven. The very center of reality, it is not war, or government, or earthly authority. It is a throne. No one panics in heaven. No one debates outcomes. No one doubts the King. And the One seated there holds a scroll. The plan and destiny of creation.
Then comes the question: Who is worthy to open the scroll? No one steps forward. John weeps because if no one is worthy, history has no hope. But then, A voice: Do not weep. The Lion of Judah has prevailed. John turns and sees not a lion, but a Lamb standing as though slain. The Lion conquers as the Lamb. Heaven erupts in worship, not forced worship, not fearful worship, but joyful, thunderous, triumphant praise. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing!”
The greatest truth in heaven is this: Christ reigns because Christ is redeemed. The seal’s break. The earth shakes. History unfolds. The judgments are not random. They reveal the emptiness of human power, the collapse of kingdoms built on pride, and the futility of rebellion against God. But amid the turmoil John sees the redeemed: A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language They worship the Lamb. They stand in victory. They belong to Christ. And heaven declares: “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
THIS IS NOT A FUTURE HOPE IT IS A GUARANTEED DESTINY. Behind nations, wars, movements, cultures, and ideologies lies a deeper conflict: The struggle between the kingdom of God and the rebellion of Satan. The dragon rages because he knows his time is short. But the saints overcome: “By the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Our weapons are not earthly. Our victory is not earned through force. Our strength is Christ Himself. God’s judgment is not impulsive. It is holy, patient, measured, and just. The world has been given every chance to turn, and yet darkness persists. Babylon falls. The Beast Falls. The False Prophets Fall. Satan is defeated.
Then comes the Great White Throne. Every life stands before God. No reputation matters. No excuses remain. But for those in Christ, there is no fear. Their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They belong to Him. Forever. Revelation does not end with destruction. It ends with a wedding. The Lamb and His Bride. It ends with a home. A new heaven. A new earth. A world where God dwells with His people. No death. No sorrow. No pain. No sin.
“BEHOLD I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW”. This is not wishful thinking. It is the promise of the King who conquered death. The message of Revelation is not simply to be learned. It is to be responded to. Not with fear. Not with speculation. But with worship. Lift your eyes. Lift your voice. Lift your heart. Christ reigns. Christ is worthy. Christ will return. Come, Lord Jesus.
Friends, the message of Revelation is not only a vision of what shall come it is a call to the heart now. The Lamb who reigns is the Lamb who was slain for you. His hands bear the marks of love. His invitation is not distant. It is here. It is now.
If today, as you have heard the Word, your heart has stirred. If you sense the Holy Spirit drawing you. If you desire to return, to recommit, or to surrender for the first time, then hear the voice of the Savior: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.”
This is your moment of grace. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today. If you are ready to commit or recommit or just feel the need. Then say, “Jesus, I give You my life,”
I Now pray this for you: Lord Jesus, we come to You. We believe you are the Son of God. We believe you died for our sins and rose again. We turn from our old lives, and we surrender our hearts to You. Be our Savior, be our Lord, and be our King. We belong to You now and forever.
Praise be to the King! If you have ever prayed that prayer, heaven rejoices and your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life forever. So be it, Amen, Amen.