Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2018 6:36:54 GMT
To open the evening, we talked about special letters that we have received over our lifetimes, why they were special, and that we saved and re-read them. Then we talked a little about the background of John on the isle of Patmos. John the Apostle was exiled 40 miles off the Turkish coast on the island of Patmos. He was the elder statesman of Christianity, the last surviving member of the apostolic band. The Roman government wanted to minimize his influence so they banished him to this island; but God used the forced exile to give us the book of Revelation. This book is addressed to seven churches in western Turkey (ancient Asia Minor). As Bishop of Ephesus, John probably kept an itinerary and preached regularly in these seven churches. The order given in this verse follows the common postal route of that day.
We reviewed the circumstances John writes for us, which sets the scene for the letters to the churches. He opens by sharing that he is suffering like his fellow Christians in various places and looking forward to the future Kingdom. John described the person he saw when he heard the voice and turned, and we talked about what each of those attempts to put words to his vision sounded like to us: the robe and sash indicates a king or high priest, the white hair sounded like wisdom with age, the rushing waters of his voice made us think of his power coupled with pacifying effects, and so on. The upshot was that Jesus was no longer like a man, recognizable as John’s friend – He was reflecting His glory.
The fact that John fell to His feet as though dead opened an interesting discussion about whether John was reacting in fear or awe or excitement, or all three. Because Jesus responds with, ”do not be afraid,” the strongest sentiment in the group leaned toward John being afraid until he understood that it was Jesus. We discussed our own fears and the combination of emotions that often overwhelm us. How amazing to have Jesus touch us and tell us not to be afraid – which we then realized happens all the time to us, if we perceive it.
We closed with the thought that Jesus walked among His churches and noticed specific strengths and issues, and that He does that today as well. What does He see? We will likely find out with the other letters.
We reviewed the circumstances John writes for us, which sets the scene for the letters to the churches. He opens by sharing that he is suffering like his fellow Christians in various places and looking forward to the future Kingdom. John described the person he saw when he heard the voice and turned, and we talked about what each of those attempts to put words to his vision sounded like to us: the robe and sash indicates a king or high priest, the white hair sounded like wisdom with age, the rushing waters of his voice made us think of his power coupled with pacifying effects, and so on. The upshot was that Jesus was no longer like a man, recognizable as John’s friend – He was reflecting His glory.
The fact that John fell to His feet as though dead opened an interesting discussion about whether John was reacting in fear or awe or excitement, or all three. Because Jesus responds with, ”do not be afraid,” the strongest sentiment in the group leaned toward John being afraid until he understood that it was Jesus. We discussed our own fears and the combination of emotions that often overwhelm us. How amazing to have Jesus touch us and tell us not to be afraid – which we then realized happens all the time to us, if we perceive it.
We closed with the thought that Jesus walked among His churches and noticed specific strengths and issues, and that He does that today as well. What does He see? We will likely find out with the other letters.