Sermonette for Saturday
I, John, who am also your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9
At the time of the writing of this book, John was the last surviving member of the band of disciples of the Lord Jesus, the only one of the apostles still in the flesh. No doubt he was highly revered by the Christians and his words and his company highly treasured. And yet, in his introductory words to the seven assemblies in Asia Minor, John does not claim a higher place than his readers, but quietly takes the role of a humble messenger.
Even the world recognizes that the term ‘I am your brother’ or ‘we are brothers’ is an expression of the acceptance of equality between the speaker and the hearers. John uses this expression here because he is making it plain that it is not his revelation that he is presenting; it is the revelation of Jesus Christ.
John also makes it plain that the things that he is suffering in exile on Patmos are no worse than what other Christians are suffering, in particular the persecuted assemblies to whom he is writing. He reminds these dear saints that it is a fellowship of not only suffering, but also in the kingdom and patience of their Saviour. They shared not only the hard times but the glorious expectations.
John never forgot the lesson that Jesus taught as the disciples disputed who should be the greatest among them. The memory of Jesus with the towel and basin washing the disciples’ feet kept him in remembrance that humility is critical to being a Christian. Just as humility marked the life and the ministry of his Lord, so too John would allow humility to be the hallmark of his own life and ministry.
There is a Christian who you know who is not as good at some things as you are. But you do not look down on them for that. You humbly accept equality with that person, just like John did. Just like John’s Master showed and taught him. -Jim MacIntosh