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 need 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 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 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 anointed ones also applies to all of God's people today.  (Revelation 1:10)  Yes, John has a vital message for all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses and all who are associated with them, everywhere on the face of the earth.

"Undeserved kindness and peace"-how desirable these are and especially  when we  appreciate the 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) Involved here, too, are  "the seven spirits," 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 Christ and the love of God and the sharing in the holy spirit be with all of you."  (2 Corinthians 13:14)  May all those words apply also to everyone of us who love truth today! - PSALM 119:97.

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

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