The book of Revelation is notoriously difficult to decipher. Therefore, I cannot do more than just summarize what is written. Hopefully, in the years to come, I may get older and wiser and will be able to understand this book better.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
How did John describe God?
First of all, God the Father is eternal. He is, and was and will be, forever and ever. (Revelation 1:4a) He was also the ALPHA and the OMEGA, i.e. the beginning and the end.
Secondly, God is trinite, 3 in 1. After mentioning the Father, John told us there were 7 spirits before the throne of the Father (Revelation 1:4b).
Lastly, Jesus was described as the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth (Revelation 1:5b).
Here, Jesus doesn't seem to be on a par with God the Father. He is only "the faithful witness"; "the first-born of the dead" and the King of kings on earth. In short, Jesus doesn't seem to be God at the beginning of the book of Revelation.
Yet Jesus could come again with the clouds to judge the living and the dead. When he comes,
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, every one who pierced him; and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen (Revelation 1:7).
It would be interesting to know who had pierced him. In the gospel of John, only one of the soldiers pierced him on the cross (John 19:34). But in Revelation, the verse seems to harbour the thought that all sinners are guilty of piercing Jesus on the cross.
How did John describe Jesus?
Firstly, he stood among the seven golden lampstands, which represent seven local churches.
Secondly, he dressed in a white robe and with a golden girdle.
As for his appearance, we have this description.
his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire,
his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters
in his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth issued a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength (Revelation 1:14-16).
The gospels do not leave us with any description of the appearance of the earthly Jesus. Now, John revealed an idealized risen Jesus whose look reminds us of Transfiguration.
If you still have doubt over the divinity of Jesus, listen to how Jesus describes himself: Here, John equated Jesus with God in no uncertain terms.
Fear not, I am the first and the last,
and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Revelation 1:17b-18).
How does Jesus deal with all seven churches?
For the church in Ephesus: Jesus was described as
him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands (Revelation 2:1).
I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary (Revelation 2:3).
Jesus almost always began his criticism with praises. He is, and was and with humility in the future.
His judgment: To him who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)
For the church in Smyrna: Jesus was described as
the first and the last, who died and came to life. (Revelation 2:8)
Knowing their difficulties, Jesus consoled them and advised them to hold on to their faith.
His judgment: He who conquers shall not be hurt by the second death. (Revelation 2:11b)
For the church in Pergamum: Jesus was described as
him who has the sharp two-edged sword (Revelation 2:12).
Jesus praised them for holding fast to his name,
But Jesus criticized them for believing in Balaam, Balak and they allowed their church members to worship idols.
His judgment: To him who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone which no one knows except him who receives it (Revelation 2:17).
For the church in Thyatira: Jesus was described as
the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze (Revelation 2:18b).
Jesus praised them for he knows their works, their love and faith and service and patient endurance (Revelation 8:20).
But Jesus criticized them for adultery/idolatry.
His judgment: He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received power from my Father; and I will give him the morning star (Revelation 2:26-28).
My dear Lord, let me know how I may proceed. I have made many mistakes and turned my back to You for many times. Have mercy and bid me off. Amen.
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