December 27, 2021: SOAP #4407:  Revelation 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

OBSERVATION: That John was “in the Spirit” tells me that his mind was not filled with his circumstances.  He was not planning an escape from this island Roman prison.  He was not thinking about how he missed his family and friends.  He was “in the Spirit.” 

It was an experience specifically on “the Lord’s Day” which says to me that this was beyond John’s normal experience.  The Spirit had captivated John’s attention. 

With his mind focused on God and His presence, John heard a voice!  The resurrected and glorified Jesus was speaking to John!   God had John’s attention.  John was ready to hear. –and oh, the things he saw and heard!

APPLICATION:  When I take time to give God my attention, I find that He is ready to speak.  Of course, He’s ready—He is a speaker!  It is His nature to speak.  God uses His Word to get my attention.  As His word draws my attention away from things of the world, I hear Him speak to me. 

I am God’s child, a member of His family.  His Son, Jesus, paid the price to bring me into His family.  I have committed my life to Him.  I have set my heart to do as He directs.  Of course, He speaks to me.  It would be surprising if He did not speak to me. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, your best speech was when you sent your Son.  How appropriate that He is the Word!  I am so thankful that you are still speaking.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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