Revelation 1-3: The First Facet

Week 2, Thursday: Voice like a Trumpet
John, in exile on the island of Patmos, is “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day. It’s Sunday, and John is remembering and observing the Lord’s Day as God intends. He introduces himself and reports on how the Lord’s commission came to Him, in a voice like a trumpet.

Read Revelation 1

Meditate on Revelation 1.9-11
1.      In what sense is the Apostle John our “brother and companion”?

2.      John has been introducing patterns that will recur throughout Revelation. Here’s another one: “tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.” What does it mean to be John’s companion in tribulation (cf. Jn. 16.33; 2 Tim. 3.12)

3.      What does it mean to be John’s companion in the “kingdom”? Which Kingdom? How do “companions” in that Kingdom relate to one another? How do they share peace with one another?

4.      John says the tribulation, Kingdom, and peace we share with him are “in” Jesus (NKJV, “of” Jesus). This prepositional phrase has a locative sense; that is, it intends to show us where something is lodged or may be found. What’s the difference between these things – tribulation, Kingdom, and peace – being in Jesus as opposed to being of Jesus?

5.      John was minding His own business when suddenly, a “loud voice, as of a trumpet” blasted behind him (cf. v. 10)? What does this suggest about the voice of Jesus, that is, the Word of God? How would you feel, hearing this? Does the Word of God hit you like a sudden, surprising blast of a trumpet? Explain.

My Reflection
What does it mean for you to be “in” Jesus?

The Glory of God
John has mainly used verbal descriptions thus far to point us to the glory of Jesus. Now he uses sound. What does the sound of a trumpet suggest about the glory of God? How should that glory impact us?

Glory to Glory
Jesus says to John – and through John to us – “…see…write…send…” What does this mean for you today?

Memorize
Try reciting Revelation 1.18, 19 in your best “voice, as of a trumpet.” You might like to make sure you’re by yourself for this – maybe in your car. Does shouting these two verses give them any more glory or oomph!?

Closing Prayer
You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever…
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Psalm 45.2, 6

T. M. Moore

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The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.