We are called to awesome worship and a new realization of the seriousness of the issues addressed in this book. We had better pay the closest possible attention to the warnings and promises of this book.
– Grant R. Osborne on Revelation 1:9-20 in Revelation (BECNT)
We are brothers, we are sisters, In the Kingdom of our King
Often together we suffer, In our Lord’s strength enduring
Look to Jesus, Look to Jesus,
In Him patiently endure
Our glorious Ascended Lord, Reigns with pow-er, purity
Fully God forever adored, Full of splendor and glory
Live with courage, Remain faithful,
Fall in awe before Your King
The first and the last is Jesus, Living One forevermore
He gives seven letters to us, Like crashing waves His voice roars
Prepare your heart, Prepare your heart,
To heed the words of your King
To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
The reality of Christ’s presence in the church by His Spirit reminds us of His awareness of all that goes on within it. Are we as aware of His presence as He is aware of the state of our hearts?
– G.K. Beale on Revelation 1:9-20 in Revelation: A Shorter Commentary
The Christians were a pitiably small remnant, persecuted by mighty foes. To all outward appearance their situation was hopeless. But it is only as Christ is seen for what He really is that anything else can be seen in its true perspective. So for these persecuted ones it was important that first of all the glory and the majesty of the risen Lord be brought out.
– Leon Morris on Revelation 1:12-20 in The Revelation of St. John (TNCT)
In 1:9-20, the risen Christ appears in glory to capture the imagination and constrain the obedience of John’s audience, and we are part of that audience. The risen Christ in glory summons forth obedience from his churches.
– James M. Hamilton, Jr. on Revelation 1:9-20 in Revelation (PTC)
The essential thing about a priest is that he mediates. He speaks to God on behalf of men and to men on behalf of God. Believers are assigned this responsible task by their God. They are to pray to God for the world. And they are to witness to the world of what God has done.
– Leon Morris on Revelation 1:6 in The Revelation of St. John (TNTC)
Behold Father, Spirit, and Son; Jesus our Faithful Witness
Over the grave He has now won, Reigns as King let all confess
Come for His grace, Come for His peace, Come before our Triune God
Behold our great Savior loves us, By His blood He set us free
A kingdom and priests He made us, He’s coming for all to see
Glory in Him, Submit to Him, Hope in Christ our Coming King
Alpha and Omega is He; Who is, was, and is to come
With all power the Almighty, In Him victory is won
Look to our God, Look to our God, Come to our Almighty King
(To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”)
Are you living like you belong to the kingdom of Jesus? Does your life attest that dominion belongs to Jesus? Do you live like he is your Lord? Is he Lord over your Internet usage? Is he Lord over your money? Is he Lord over your ambitions for your children? Is he Lord over your conversations?
– James Hamilton on Revelation 1:6 in Revelation (PTW)
In spite of the persecution and suffering that the saints are enduring, John wants them to know that they already inhabit a high position with Christ before God. The world is now in seeming control, but Christ has already entered the world and as a result of his “love” has “freed” them from the burdens of their sins and made them part of his kingdom, in which they are both royalty and priests.
– Grant Osborne on Revelation 1:5-6 in Revelation (BECNT)
Behold our Lord – He is coming, Walk with hope courageously
Jesus is our triumphant King, Endure for Him faithfully
Come and worship, come and worship
Worship Christ our coming King!
To the tune of “Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending”
Brian J. Mikul 