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| Pastor Gbenga Aluko |
Text: Revelation 1:1-10
This will be done with the following sub-headings:
l Brief on John the beloved
l The Island of Patmos
l Why was John sent there?
l God on the island of Patmos
l Conclusion
Brief on John the beloved
The bible is not just a book but a spirited compendium of sixty-six books. Revelation the last book of the bible was written by the inspiration of the Holy spirit using the human vessel of Apostle John, let us have some more about the human vessel Apostle John:
a. He was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Matt 10:2-4,Mark 3:13-19.
b. Was also called John the beloved, himself and his brother were called boanerges/sons of thunder John 13:23,Mark 3:17
c. He was the only member of the twelves disciples present at the crucifixion of Jesus albeit at a distance, others had run for safety John 19:26-27
d. Jesus handed over His mother to him and he took care of her till death. John19:27
e. This was the disciple banished to the Islannd of Patmos.Rev.1:9.
The Island of Patmos
The word Patmos means killing, Patmos is a sterile island about 30 miles in circumference it is now called Patino which lies off the South west coast of the modern-day Turkey, it was used as a place of banishment for criminals by the Roman government with very rare case of political purnishment like that of Apostle John.
It can also
be described as a small,rocky,barren/infertile horrible location.
It is a figurative representation of the situation/state that God is actually leading some of His choice followers through irrespective of their physical locations, replica of the figurative expression of the cave adullam.
If God loves us to the extent of wanting to use us, He would remove distraction,noise from and fortify us, Heb.12:2,Acts 2:4.
Noises can be both external and internal in
this instance, ( don’t be too noisy for God’s revelations and workings in and
through you ,His spirit will not struggle Gen.6:3) 1 kings 19:12-13,Patmos is
beckoning.May we not miss our Patmos or any salient revelations and notes from
this and other seasons that God is taking us through in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.
Why was John sent there?
There are loads of records by historians such as Tertulian about the journey of John the beloved to Patmos but the summary of it is that he was sent there for his faith, stand for Christ and worship of same alone not for a constitutional crime Rev.1:9.
The scripture in 1 Peter 4:15 also underscores that Children of God should/would also suffer not as criminals but for Christ and should also rejoice when privileged to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Phil.1:29,Acts 5:41,1 Pt.2:21
God on the island of Patmos
The intension and physical experiences of John the beloved at Patmos were not noble but our God knows how to turn things around for His children. Romans 8:28,John9:1ff.
John must also have followed and sought God
inspite of his physical inconveniences and hostility like he has always done.
Jer.29:13,Prov.8:17.
Are you having an experience in the similitude of Patmos, get skill, plan articulately, improve yourself steadily,seek help,counsel,mentors but don’t underestimate the place of seeking God via His word ,in Prayer and through other spirit led avenues( seeking God is the master key in all situations).
John the beloved contacted God even in the
Island of Patmos and by His spirit was able to get the following amongst
others:
a. The secret of things to come. Written between AD 68-96 Rev.1:7
b. God’s assessment of the seven churches in Asia Minor which is still a master stroke for modern churches and christians. Rev.2:1-3:22
c.
He had angelic
ministration and communion Rev.1:1,Gen.28:12-13.
Conclusion
The encounter that Apostle John the beloved
had in the island of Patmos is why we are still refering to the place today not
the bad nature or anything special in that physical location,may we not miss
God in all the seasons of our lives. Amen.
Shalom.