The Greek name is the Apocalypse. But it is a word that we use for terror, fear and disturbing events that have happened or will happen. That’s probably why we stay away from this letter.
“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. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1: 1-3)
But in the first century, the word Apocalypse was much more a word used for Revelation. It meant surprising, revealing and exciting. This is the letter we are reading.
This is not a letter to scare us, nor is it a timeline of end-time apocalyptic events that have taken place or won’t take place whilst we are alive, depending on your theological interpretation.
But it is a letter to bring comfort to us now. It is a letter to show us how to live today.
It is a letter from Jesus to you. He has something to say about your life and what you are facing. He wants to guide you and help you. So let’s go on a journey together and see what He says. But the key thought today is this: there isn’t anything to fear. Before anything takes place He knows it will. Jesus Christ is here in your today and will take you into your tomorrow where He will be also. He is God of your today and God of your tomorrow.
Missions Paul 