Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement

WHAT  follows next should be of absorbing interest to everyone associated with the congregation of God's  people today. Here is  a series of messages .   They have particular   application as "the appointed time" draws near.   (Revelation 1:3) It is to our everlasting benefit that we  heed those pronouncements.  The record reads:  "John to the seven congregations that are in the district of Asia:  May you have undeserved kindness and peace from 'The One who is and who was and who is coming,'  and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ." -Revelation 1:4, 5a. 

Here John addresses "seven congregations," and these are named  for us later in  the prophecy.  That number "seven," is often repeated in Revelation. It signifies completeness, especially in connection with the things of God and his anointed congregation.  Since the number  of congregations of God's people worldwide has grown into tens of thousands during the Lord's Day, we can be sure that what is said primarily  to the "seven congregations" of Jehovah's Witnesses and all who associated  with them, everywhere on the face of this earth.  

"Undeserved kindness and peace" -how desirable these are and especially when we  appreciate their source!   The "One" from whom they flow is the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself, "the King of eternity," who lives "from time indefinite to time indefinite.."  (1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 90:2)  Involve here, too, are the "seven sprites," which term indicates a fullness of operation of God's active force, or holy spirit, as it brings understanding and blessing to all who pay attention to  the prophecy.  Also occupying a key role is "Jesus Christ," of whom  John later wrote:  'He was full of undeserved kindness and truth."  (John 1:14)  Thus,  John's greeting has the same elements that the apostle Paul mentioned in closing his second letter to the Corinthian congregation:  "The undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Chris and the love of God and the sharing in the holy spirit e with all of you.  (2 Corinthians 13:14) May those words apply also to every one of us who loves truth today! -Psalm 119:97. 

Next time: Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "The Faithful Witness"

From the book of Revelation