1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw — that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
— Revelation 1:1-3

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, opens with a sentence that is quoted by believers and non-believers alike—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Unknowingly, believers and non-believers have been repeating the first sentence of the last book of the Bible as well—“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” I realize that this line in Revelation doesn’t sound as familiar as the one in Genesis. That’s because many have condensed Revelation 1:1 into one word—“apocalypse.” Now, that’s a word most are used to hearing.

To be fair, we get our word “apocalypse” from the title of the book and the opening phrase, “The revelation of Jesus Christ....” The Greek word for “revelation” is “apokalupsis.” Thus you see where we get our word “apocalypse.” However, when we use the word “apocalypse” it projects chilling images of plagues, wars and evil. Though those are some of the images the “apocalypse” reveals, that’s not what the word means. The Greek word apokalupsis means “revelation.” It refers to an unveiling, and the book of Revelation unveils so much more than the horrors of the end times. In fact, Revelation 1 unveils answers to questions that have been asked for thousands of years.

Think for a moment of what such a gift from Jesus can mean. Imagine Jesus walking you into a room surrounded by many walls. Each wall is covered by a large curtain, and above each curtain is a question. Eagerly, Jesus turns to you and says, “If you want to know the answer to any of these questions, just let me know. I’ll pull back the curtain and show you the answer.” When you read Revelation 1, it’s as though Jesus has put His hand on the curtains of four historic questions. One at a time He pulls them back to unveil the answer.

CURTAIN #1
Is the Bible God’s Word?

Above the first curtain could be the question, “Is the Bible God’s Word?” A reading of Revelation 1:1-2 and verses 9-11 reveals that it is.

Verse 1 identifies God as the primary source of the Bible. It reads, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which GOD GAVE HIM….” Verse 1 also explains the inspirational process behind writing the Bible. It states, “He (Jesus Christ) made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.” That was God’s process for writing the book of Revelation, and it’s similar to God’s process for writing the entire Bible. 2 Peter 1:21 explains, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Though different individuals may have held the pen, it was God that inspired them to write.

The fact that God wrote the Bible is impressive—even for a first grader. Susan Write was sitting with her first grade daughter in church and noticed she was staring at her mom’s open Bible. In a low whisper she asked her mom, “Did God really write that?” When Susan answered, “Yes, He did,” her daughter’s eyes widened as she said, “Wow! He really has neat handwriting.”¹

Though the pens may have been in the hands of others, God inspired each of them to write. The Bible is the result of God’s handwriting. What is also impressive about the Book of Revelation was the one God chose to hold the pen.

Verses 1-2 identify the Apostle John as the individual inspired by God to write the Book of Revelation. When you read some of his story in verses 9-11, you get a feel for why this book is so special.

9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

John identifies himself as a “companion in the suffering.” By the time God inspires him to write Revelation, he is the last of the original twelve apostles. All the others have been martyred. Like the others, he was arrested for preaching Jesus. Tradition says they tried to execute him by placing him in a pot of boiling oil, but he did not die. Therefore, they exiled him on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, southwest of Ephesus. Now an old man, the apostle John, whom Jesus often called “beloved”, is asked to write what he sees. He’s asked to write what is “unveiled” before him.

What is unveiled by God in the book of Revelation ties together everything else God has said in the Bible. God did that with the first book of the New Testament. Matthew has 92 Old Testament references. Furthermore, the book of Hebrews has 102. Yet the book of Revelation has over 550 Old Testament references.² This seems only right when you consider the history of the Bible. The Bible begins when God inspired Moses to pen Genesis while in a wilderness. Around 1500 years and 40 authors later God completes His work by inspiring John to write what he sees while in exile on the Island of Patmos.

If you have any questions whether or not the Bible is God’s word, consider this. Around 40 authors of various cultures, countries, and languages writing over the span of 1500 years has produced a work that has…

Outlived those who wanted to kill it Outlasted those who called it outdated Produced peace by promises kept	Changed lives that once challenged it Defied the odds by prophesies fulfilled Reformed lives who once rejected it
Delivered one message understood by all

Only God could have written the Bible. Therefore, when you read Revelation or any other book of the Bible, God is saying, “I wrote this. You can trust me.”

CURTAIN #2
Is Jesus the Ultimate Authority?

As you move through Revelation 1, imagine Jesus moving to a second wall with a curtain. Above the curtain you read, “Is Jesus the Messiah?” Reaching for the curtain, He turns to you and asks, “Would you like to see the answer?” For you, the answer is unveiled in verses 12-16. John writes,

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

Verse 11 explains that John is writing all this with seven churches in mind. The seven golden lampstands in verses 12-13 represent those churches. But the lampstands are probably not what’s most important to John at this moment. It’s turning and seeing who was behind him, talking to him. It was Jesus.

I remember reading of a woman who noticed that actor Paul Newman was standing in line behind her at an ice cream store. She thought to herself, “I’ll not bother him. I’ll just get my ice cream and leave.” She stepped outside the store, took a breath and then wondered, “Now, where did I put my ice cream?” Suddenly Paul Newman walked up to her and said, “Lady, if you’re looking for your ice cream, you put it in your purse.”

John wasn’t looking at a celebrity. He turned to see Jesus adorned majestically. He was dressed in a robe that reached the floor, and a gold sash lay across his chest. In both the Hebrew and Greek versions of the Old Testament, full length robes were worn by prophets, priests, and kings. Particularly, the sash was worn by priests. Seeing white hair on a white head is what Daniel saw in his vision in Daniel 7:9. It was his vision of God, and Daniel describes Him as “The Ancient of Days.”

If that was where John’s description ended we would have a picture of Jesus as God, who lived among us as a prophet—proclaiming God’s truth, as a priest—reconciling people with God, and as a king in full authority.

Yet it was hard for many in Jesus’ day to see His divine authority. He was the carpenter’s son. Even many in our day can’t see His divine authority. For them, He is just a good man, a moral teacher, or a prophet in the line of prophets. Yet, John’s further description of Jesus unveils His authority—authority that most don’t want to acknowledge.

In Jesus, John saw His eyes of fire and feet of bronze. Both qualities point to His authority to judge. The thrones of kings were elevated so that people approached at the level of the king’s feet, thus distinguishing His authority to judge. That fact that Jesus’ eyes were a fire indicates His ability to judge perfectly. As Hebrews 4:13 states, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Thus, every lie burns away at His gaze.

His voice, like the sounds of rushing waters, befits His authoritative power. Each word thunders like Niagra Falls. As verse 20 explains, His right hand holding the seven stars reveals His authority over angels. From His mouth comes a double-edged sword as He wields the authority of truth (Hebrews 4:12). Just as His eyes burn away every lie, every word from His mouth is truth. His face shining like the sun is a reference to the glory of God upon Him (2 Corinthians 4:6). It answers the skeptic’s question, “Who gave Jesus His authority and ability to judge?” God did!

In this unforgettable moment, I’d like to think that John was able to link together other unforgettable moments in his life. In Matthew 17:1-9, He saw Jesus transfigured. He was given a small glimpse of Jesus’ heavenly greatness. Then in Matthew 27, he saw Jesus crucified. Yet in Matthew 28, He saw a risen Jesus ascend to heaven, but just before He did, John heard Jesus say, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18) Now, John fully sees what Jesus had said. He knows there’s no authority greater than Jesus.

In a day when people view personal rights as more important than personal responsibility, and in a time when people think they’re entitled to everything and accountable to nothing, John’s image of Jesus stands out as a stark reminder. Jesus is the ultimate authority. When you live your life thinking what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, think again. Nothing escapes the eyes and authority of Jesus Christ. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself the question posed by pastor and author H. Dale Burke.

Whose voice is most important when everyone has a different opinion?³

For me, the answer is clear. I want to hear and obey the voice of Jesus Christ. He alone is the ultimate authority.

CURTAIN #3
Is full surrender to Jesus worth it?

This experience for John is even more telling when you place it in the context of his life. John is an old man. All the other apostles have been martyred. His brother James was among the first and was beheaded. John himself had been tormented and now was living in exile for his faith. Needless to say, being fully surrendered to Jesus had not been easy. That’s why I’d like to picture Jesus stepping toward a third wall, where above the curtain John reads “Is full surrender to Jesus worth it?” What’s unveiled in Revelation 1:17-20 provides a compelling answer.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

If you remember, John was the only one of the twelve who followed Jesus all the way to the cross. It was there Jesus asked him to take care of Mary, His mother (John 19:27). Jesus’ face beaten beyond recognition, His body mauled, bloodied, and crucified, John saw Jesus take His last breath. What an indelible picture of how the people regarded Jesus and His message.

Though John is old, that image hadn’t changed. He wasn’t at the death of the other apostles, but I’m sure John wept each time he heard how they died. Then, in verse 20, Jesus asks John to “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” “The now” had been painful for John as well.

There has been some discussion over when John wrote Revelation. Some have said it was during the reign of Nero. Nero’s sadistically creative execution of Christians is well documented. Yet the early church fathers, theologians of the first five centuries of the church, wrote that John penned Revelation around 94-96 A.D. during the reign of Domitian. This was actually worse for Christians. Though Nero was creative in his executions, Domitian’s efforts were extensive.

Anyone who has had a series of losses in their life over a short period of time knows how that will affect one’s view of life. Your portrait of life once painted by bright colors now carries the brush strokes of dark shadows.

I wonder if John, surrounded by the deaths of so many who had surrendered to Jesus, had come to the point to say, “Is it worth it?” If so, can you imagine the dramatic swing of emotions when John sees Jesus in all His majestic glory in verses 12 -16. Furthermore, it would be impossible to describe his experience in verses 17-18 as he feels Jesus place His hand upon him and say, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” In short, Jesus was saying, “John! I won!”

Bernard Travaieille writes that while in seminary, he and others would get together to play basketball at a nearby school. The janitor was an old black man with white hair who waited patiently till they finished playing. While waiting, he often read his Bible, so one day Travaieille asked him, “What are you reading?”

“The Book of Revelation,” he answered.
Surprised, Travaieille pressed, “The Book of Revelation? Do you understand it?”
“Oh, yes,” he replied.
“You understand the Book of Revelation?” Travaieille continued. “What does it mean?”
Very quietly the old janitor answered, “It means that Jesus is gonna win.”⁴

To the surprise of many, the book of Revelation is God’s message of hope to believers who now suffer because of your surrender to Christ. Your parents have disowned you. Your children want little to do with you. Your friends now avoid you because of your surrender to Christ. You lose our chance for promotion or you lose your job all because of your surrender to Christ. There are actually more believers being martyred today than in the day of John because of their surrender to Christ.

Yet no matter how you may suffer because of your surrender, Revelation reminds you Jesus has already won. In NASCAR, the drivers speed around the track with the hope of winning the race. When a driver wins, he drives his car to the winner’s circle. There his pit team, crew chief, sponsors, and all who have been in the race with him wait for him to step out of the car and take a drink of milk so the celebration can begin.

The message of Revelation is that Jesus has won the race. When He won, we His followers won. We just haven’t joined Him in the winner’s circle yet for the celebration to begin. Until we do, Revelation reminds us of the celebration to come and that, yes, surrendering your life to Jesus is worth it.

CURTAIN #4
Is time really short?

John was an old man, but even old men can grow weary with suffering. You may be at the prime or your life, or young and strong, and yet when you suffer for Jesus, you, too, want to know, “When will Jesus come? When will the celebration in heaven begin?”

It seems that ever since the time of the apostles, believers have been saying, “Time is short. Jesus is coming soon.” According to some of the statements found in Revelation 1, it appears that Jesus has placed His hand on the curtain that answers the question, “Is time really short?”

The book of Revelation records the events leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. The book opens in chapter 1, verse 1, stating, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” An alert reader might ask, “How soon?” Verse 3 gives a quick answer saying, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Yet skeptics would interject that ever since Jesus’ resurrection, His followers have said, “Time is short.” And, they would be right. The Apostle Paul told believers in Rome that the day of the Lord was near (Romans 13:12). James wrote, “…be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8) Peter preached, “The end of all things is near.” (1 Peter 4:7)

The apostles, however, were not seeing Jesus’ return as a date on the calendar but as a change in seasons. In verse 3, when John writes that “time is near” he uses the Greek word kairos for time instead of chronos. If he had used chronos, he would have been referring to a measurement of time. But by using kairos, he was talking about epochs of time. And epochs of history act much like seasons in a year. You know a change is coming because the signs are evident. However, it’s not until it’s over that you can accurately date it.

Believers today, like the apostles then, should understand that we are in the season right before the change. This is the season in which we are to take the message of Jesus to the world. This is the season right before Jesus comes. We have no idea when the seasons will change and Jesus will return. Only God knows (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7). However, the signs of a change in seasons grow stronger with time—and so should our urgency to endure and share Christ.

Author C. S. Lewis had a way of making complex theology clear, and I like what he said about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of the Second Coming teaches us that we do not and cannot know when the world drama will end. The curtain may be rung down at any moment. . . . This seems to some people intolerably frustrating. . . . We do not know the play. . . . The Author knows. The audience, if there is an audience (if angels and archangels and all the company of heaven fill the pit and the stalls) may have an inkling. . . . When it is over, we may be told. We are led to expect that the Author will have something to say to each of us on the part that each of us has played. The playing it well is what matters infinitely.⁵

Lewis is right. God, the author, decides when the play ends. As believers, we are not responsible for how and when God ends the play. We are responsible to fulfill our part in the play each day till Jesus comes. As someone wisely said, “Live as though every day were your last—and someday you will be right.”⁶ Time is short.

YOUR CURTAIN
Do You Trust Jesus?

In your imaginary room of walls, there are so many more walls with curtains and questions. In fact, besides questions regarding the end times, the book of Revelation answers questions such as “How is Jesus Seen in Heaven?”, “How Important is Holiness to God?”, “What is Worship like in Heaven?” and “What Do Angels Do?”

Yet the real question to ask is “Why?—Why would God see it as important to write the book of Revelation? Why would He take the time to unveil the answers to these questions?” For me, the answer is clear. God has done all this to assure you that you can trust Him. Think about the curtains and questions of Revelation chapter 1 alone.

Is the Bible God’s Word? Revelation 1 affirms it.
Jesus says, “You can trust what I’ve said!”

Is Jesus the ultimate authority? Revelation 1 confirms it.
Jesus says, “You can trust who I am!”

Is full surrender to Jesus worth it? Revelation 1 reinforces it.
Jesus says, “You can trust that I’ve won!”

Is time short? Revelation 1 emphasizes the urgency of it.
Jesus says, “Trust me. Time is short!”

Going back to the imaginary room of walls, let’s picture Jesus taking you to one more curtain. Above it you read the question, “Do You Trust Me?” Here, Jesus looks at you and explains,

“All the other curtains answered questions you could have of me. This is my question for you. Do you trust me? This time when I unveil this curtain, it will unveil your life. Your life will reveal if you trust what I’ve said. Your life will show if you know and fully surrender to who I am. Your life will show if you trust me when I have said time is short. Before I pull back the curtain and show you what I have seen, why don’t we sit down and talk. Let’s talk about living as though you really do trust me.”