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Explore the Bible Lesson for July 19: Jesus’ Revelation
Michael Wilkes, pastor, New Life Baptist Church, Henderson
July 08, 2015
2 MIN READ TIME

Explore the Bible Lesson for July 19: Jesus’ Revelation

Explore the Bible Lesson for July 19: Jesus’ Revelation
Michael Wilkes, pastor, New Life Baptist Church, Henderson
July 08, 2015

Focal Passage: Revelation 1:1–8

Revelation is perhaps the most intriguing book of the Bible. There are various views on how to interpret it.

When we read Revelation, what is most important is that we remember God is not concealing secret truths, but revealing Jesus Christ. That’s why it is called “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (verse 1).

In the midst of suffering and persecution, the first century church needed to see that Jesus is the King of Kings who reigns and will right all wrong. Still in the 21st century, we need to realize that Jesus is King and He is continuing to work out His plan.

We may not know all the particulars of the end times (cf. Acts 1:8), but we need to know Jesus and cling to Him as we are bombarded with temptation, mockery and doubt.

The Lord reveals himself as the “Alpha and Omega,” which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.

Later, Jesus adds, “the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). This statement means Jesus existed before everything else, and He will exist when all else fades away. Jesus is the only self-existent, eternal one. His existence depends on no one, and everything’s existence depends on Him (see also Colossians 1:15-17).

Because Jesus is the beginning and the end, the writer of Hebrews calls Him the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, Paul told the Philippians, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Since Jesus finishes all He starts, we can expect Him to return and finish the work of establishing His everlasting Kingdom. We don’t know when, so we must be prepared.

When Jesus comes again everyone will bow to Him as the great King – some gladly, and some with wailing (1:7, see also Philippians 2:9-11). Those who already follow Him will rejoice. Those who reject Him will be stuck in their sin and suffer the consequences of His righteous judgment. What will it be like for you when Jesus returns?