A scroll with seven seals is opened by the “Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, [He] hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Revelation 5:5 KJV). Messiah “shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10). The upcoming judgments of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks (Daniel 9:24) are the forewarned response from the angry Messiah (Psalm 2:12), whom neither the Jews nor Gentiles have fully embraced. LORD, may we fear You as the lion of the Tribe of Judah rather than that roaring lion who seeks to devour us. Grant us the courage to stand before our enemies, knowing You have got our back. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Book of Revelation 1:19
Thou Art Worthy (Revelation 4:11)
Humanism at its zenith is a fascination with self — falling in love with the picture in the mirror. No worse punishment can be pronounced for the humanist than taking the emphasis upon self and gazing upon the Almighty. John shows us a picture of eternity with a scene around the throne of God. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11 KJV). His glory is His pleasure; and, our purpose for existence is for the pleasure of God. For this reason, how could we not be more delighted than to find the attention He lavishes upon us? “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1Corinthians 2:9). How could Heaven be more attractive? LORD, You are worthy of the praise, honor, and glory given You. Satisfy our soul in giving You this worship. Teach us our poverty of Spirit, when we restrain our praise of You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Come Up Hither (Revelation 4:1)
Did Laodicea open the door in repentance to Christ’s invitation (Revelation 3:20)? There must have been repentance, for immediately after the invitation, we witness the Tribulation Week from a heavenly perspective (4:1). This perspective includes the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10), to which Christ previously alluded — “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). Twice in the Book of Revelation the expression “Come up hither” (Revelation 4:1; 11:12) occurs. The Laodicean Church was invited to open a Pre-Tribulational Rapture door to a royal throne scene (3:20-21); likewise, the two witnesses (11:3, 12) are resurrected to a Pre-Wrath Rapture before the vial judgments (16:1-21). Though both raptures are escapes for God’s people, they are a miracle and wonder to magnify Almighty God in full view of an unbelieving world. LORD, help us not to give up on the Backslidden Church, since You did not give up on Lukewarm Laodicea. May we trust, as You do, that if a “good work” (Philippians 1:6) was truly begun, that “You will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Perform this miraculous work of restoration on the Prodigal Church that the Pre-Tribulational Come Up Hither [Rapture] would justify Your trouble in continuing to seek to restore her. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Jesus Christ the Almighty (Revelation 1:8)
Even Satan will allow Jesus to be another god, but never the Almighty. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8 KJV). The “revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1) teaches us that Jesus is “the Almighty” (1:8). He reserves that designation for Himself. Blasphemy! Jesus reminded Philip, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). Gulp! You are in the Father, and the Father is in You? Yes, Philip, “or else believe Me for the very works’ sake” (John 14:11). LORD, open our eyes to whom You are. Make us to see Jesus the way You promised Your Spirit would reveal Him. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Happiness Promised From Revelation (Revelation 1:3)
Happiness is promised to those who read, hear, and obey the Book of Revelation, because its timing is now, at any moment. It must be understandable to be obeyed. “Blessed [Greek, makarios, blessed, happy] is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3 KJV). It cannot be simply historical, or it would have little, but allegorical value at best. Take Jesus at His word, and expect happiness to result from reading, hearing, and keeping the Book of Revelation. LORD, You are the source of our happiness. How could Your future plans not bring us happiness? Return quickly, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 