Introduction
Too easy to distance ourselves from Scripture-different time and different circumstances. Word then becomes theoretical. Not healthy. Makes John's words here remarkable-draws us into world of Scripture by identifying with us, causing us to see how much we have in common with him and the churches he wrote to. Two ways we are like John and the early church-we have a heritage in common and a revelation in common.
A heritage in common (9a)
John describes himself two ways: your brother and fellow partaker. Not pressing his authority but things in common.
John: as believers have at least three things in common:
The Suffering and Tribulation of Jesus Christ: John on Patmos-exile, two reasons: Word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ; the gospel! Threat to Rome-John's loyalty to Christ. John: I suffer with you, like you do. Such suffering is the lot of all who are loyal to Jesus as King/all who are godly will be persecuted.
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ: God's rule/salvation of his people. John: I am a believer as you are. Every believer citizen of same kingdom and under same king. God's people under persecution remain citizens of his kingdom.
The Patient Endurance of Jesus Christ: faithfulness in face of persecution; common theme in Rev (2:2-3; 6:11; 13:10; 22:7). Imp. in light of tempt to compromise. John: I too seek grace to remain faithful under pressure. At one/same time we are to endure suffering for Christ and yet not compromise/betray our king.
As believers hold much in common w/John and his readers and each other. Each reader/hearer equally in Christ/partaking of same Christian heritage of suffering, kingdom citizenship/privilege and patient endurance in our faithfulness to Christ. Important stress this ourselves. No room for pride/bigotry toward race/religious perspective (Hamilton article). Paul: ought to seek to keep unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
A revelation in common (9b-11)
John next describes circumstances under which he received this revelation: (9b-10a) In business three things vital to success--location, location, location-John follows this triad: (//to Daniel and Ezekiel)
On the Island of Patmos: small rocky/barren island, one the "Sporades," --Aegean Sea. Mentioned only here. Often prophets of OT received revelation in deserted places-cf. Moses/burning bush and Sinai.
In the Spirit: cf 4:2//Jacob and his dream Gen 28:10-19; Isa 6:1; Ezekiel 1:1. -John having a vision; this tells us in what way Revelation was given vs1.
On the Lord's Day: This would be Sunday. John in exile, likely in private worship.
John describes what he was told to do:
Write on a Scroll: Notice the loud voice like a trumpet (10b)// Lev 25:9; Josh 6:5-God often gathered OT people by means of trumpet to receive his Word. But also note Ex 19:16,19-trumpet//Moses ascending the mount to receive revelation. Here John lays claim to being a prophet like unto writing prophets of OT. Thus his message as holds same authority as any OT prophet.
Send it to the seven churches... (11)... of Asia (named). Seen before 7=completion; message for the churches for church universal (see e.g., 2:29). The message of Revelation is for all the church.
The message of John is therefore relevant for all time: For our church/church of our day as for seven churches. Imp. because chs 2/3 need to be applied to our congregation as needed. What John says, God says. What he says to the seven churches, he says to us.
What are we to do in response to all of these things?
Stop: Stop allowing the world to define you. Too easily allow self to be identified by history and circumstances. Your citizenship in the Kingdom of God should be what identifies you. You are citizens of the Kingdom of God first and foremost.
Look: Look at what God is doing. Learn to interpret history/circumstances through the spectacles of God's revelation. Gives you specific means to reach the lost as they are dazed/confused/frightened by events that seem out of control. Also teachesyou to interpret persecution as mark of citizenship in God's Kingdom/call to faithfulness to Jesus.
Listen: Listen to God. Be much in communion with him in his Word/prayer. John received this revelation as he was in the Spirit, alone w/God on the Lord's day-how did you spend today? Did you take time to study the Word of God? To pray? One reason for the Lord's day-private communion w/God. Should expect to gain revelation from God-not in same sense as John, but insights into God's Word/ways.
Conclusion
A common heritage and a common Word from God. We are not so different from John/early church. Not meant to be. Only real dif is time in history. Let us then, with them, listen to God and do as he says in the message he has given.
Rev. Arthur J. Fox, Pastor
10 Spruce Street
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 944-5835