“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” Revelation 1:9.
“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” Revelation 1:9.
Pastor Matt has been leading us in the messages to the seven churches of Asia in the book of Revelation – the estimation by Jesus of the health and direction of these churches. This prophecy came through the apostle John in a profound Encounter that entices, baffles and encourages us to the present day. Just a few thoughts about this prophecy through John as it pertains to the Lord encountering us as well:
THE PLACE DOESN’T MATTER. John was raised in the fishing town of Bethsaida by the sea of Galilee, but in later times he lived in the Greco Roman city of Ephesus. But now he was on Patmos.
Emperor Domitian (son of Vespasian and brother of Titus who together destroyed Israel and the temple) was an autocrat who killed or banished dissenters, including religious dissenters like John who refused to worship the emperor. Patmos was a lonely island for banishment. After Domitian was assassinated, John was able to return home to Ephesus.
God was no further from John on Patmos than He was in Ephesus – or Bethsaida for that matter. The same for you and me – He is powerful and near to us no matter where we are.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES DON’T MATTER. John identified with the churches undergoing persecution for their spiritual stand (faithful Antipas was martyred in Pergamum (2:13). He was suffering for doing right. But did he grouch at God for his miserable estate? No – he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. He continued to show up and to trust.
You may be rejoicing or groaning – God can speak to you in power whatever circumstance you find yourself. Listen for Him.
YOUR AGE DOESN’T MATTER. It is speculated that John was in his late 80s or early 90s when this prophecy was given. But a heavenly messenger chose to give him a heavenly message – a prophecy of things to come! We still read it with fascination today!
Don’t worry about your age – God called Samuel when he was a little boy. David slew Goliath as a very young man. The Saviour was born through the teenaged Mary. Aged Simeon was promised a meeting with the Messiah. God is always relevant – His message is relevant. Don’t worry about your age!
THE MESSENGER DOESN’T MATTER AS MUCH AS THE MESSAGE DOES! Look at all of the power in the book of Revelation – John could never have thought of these things in a million years! Pictures of Jesus Christ – the rider on a white horse; the binding and ending of Satan; the cataclysm to be experienced; the angel’s roles in protecting the children of God – and on and on. You and I are in the long line of faithful messengers looking for the ‘well done good and faithful servant!’
Live ready for unlikely encounters!
Pastor Leon Throness
Set aside Sunday evening September 21 at 7pm for an update on our proposed trip to follow the early church through Turkey and Greece in May of next year. One of the places we will see is the island of Patmos! This is a rare opportunity – I hope you will give it careful consideration.
