January 16, 2023
By Editorial Team
"Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings" Rev 10:10,11
As we begin the New year some of you may be wondering, has my career ended, or some maybe saying, Is this mess, all there is to my family? Or have I come to the dead-end or is there runway ahead.
Here Apostle John is in Patmos, a really old man, probably in his 80’s. He is in Prison for preaching the gospel, and wondering if this is how it is all going to end. That’s when Jesus visits John in Prison and tells him, See I have further ministry for you, take heart, I will release you, am bigger than the Emperor etc. Jesus visits him a few times, tells him to take notes and also gives him specific letters to send to 7 Churches.
The Lamb - Crucified Risen Jesus also tells him about How he will return, and how He will rule upon the earth for a Thousand years. And How He will judge all nations at the end. All this cheers up John. The apostle is at times taken to Heaven or has visions in the Spirit and sees the Glory of God. Jesus visits him a few times and shows him, entire world events, the tribulation for those left behind, blessing of rapture, and the Millennial rule of Christ. That’s how the Book of Revelation came about. Script Writer Jesus, Screenplay and visions: Holy Spirit, Director & Producer: Father God. John is just the typist here! If you haven’t read the book, please do, it’s one of the most exciting books of the Bible. In fact, a man of God told me, he reads Revelation once every month! Just read it in 3-4 hours one shot.
History tells us that Domitian who persecuted Christians across the Roman empire was assassinated by court officials in 96 A.D. The new emperor Nerva, who took over, released Christians and John too was released in that general amnesty. He then went about visiting the Churches and closing the Book of Revelation and ministered the course corrections suggested by Jesus to all the churches and died a happy old man, satisfied that Jesus fulfilled His words unto him. Here are a few takeaways relevant to us.
There are Next Steps: Immediately after this verse, John is asked to take a measuring rod and measure the temple. So Jesus has the next steps cut out for you. Just go about executing the same. They may be really small items at work or home renovation or completing some small pending tasks etc. Do it promptly. This will lead to the next and the next and soon you will be cruising. These are not my words, so test them out and if it rings a bell, start work. May Jesus be glorified in your life.
Finally, if you are an old man, your life isn’t finished yet. Like John if you are an old grand parent or a middle-aged man, remember Abraham, remember John in Patmos. God has yet use for you. He can prolong your years (Ps 61:6) and keep you going.
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