The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

— Revelation 1:1-2

When a curtain is pulled back to reveal a new work of art, the assembled crowd responds with appreciation and applause. Something that was a mystery is made known. A similar thing happens in the book of Revelation. God pulls back a curtain that has been concealing the finished work of Jesus Christ. Here God reveals to believers in Christ the source of their comfort, courage, and hope. The Lord initially revealed all of this to the apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest followers, through the work of an angel. And John testifies that this aligns with what he witnessed firsthand as one of Jesus’ disciples.

In chapter one of Revelation, John writes about the Lord of the church of all ages, including the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2-3. And that Lord is Jesus Christ.This testimony guides us to continue as the church of Jesus today. The church needs to know its Lord and King, who at the same time is Lord and King over this world and all creation.

Rejecting all that contradicts God’s Word and God’s will, the church must stand for all that is righteous, true, and good. The seven churches in Revelation 2-3 needed that message, and so does the church of Christ in 2024.

King Jesus, you are the Lord of your church and of the whole world. Equip us to follow you. Amen.