Getting my Attention

671.  "Getting my Attention"
January 10, 2013
Revelation 1-Part 6
I John, who also am 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, I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. Rev. 1:9-10 KJV

LET IT GLOW

What does it take for God to get my attention? Over the years, He has used various things-irrate parents, upset bossses, loss of job, angry spouse, sickness, disease, various events. Why does it take something big, tragic, horrific to get us our attention? Shouldn't I be walking in the Spirit all of the time? Yes, but do I allow sin to seperate my from fellowshiping with God? I still have times that I walk in the flesh instead of in the Spirit.

John, who is the receipiant of this magnificent vision, identifies himself. Remember, he is writing what he saw spiritually, and writing to the seven churches which the Lord Jesus has instructed him to do.

What are the four characteristices that John and his believing readers share?

1. He is their brother in the faith of Jesus as Savior. Though John was an apostle, he seems to value himself upon his relation to the church, rather than his authority in it.
2. He is a companion in tribulation, partner in suffering, a partaker who is suffering also. Christians were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus and for sharing it that faith. The persecuted children of God did not suffer alone. They experienced the same trials. John wanted them to realize that.
3. He is their companion in the kingdom. They had membership in the redeemed community over which Christ serves as Lord and King. They shared an eager anticipation of the glorious coming of Jesus' millennial reign on earth.
4. He is their companion in the patience of Jesus Christ. They showed endurance and perseverance, in spite of difficult times, to what Jesus called them to do.

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry's Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Looking back at verse 9, we see John is informing his readers of his situation:

• John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos. During Domitian's reign of the Roman Empire, John was exiled, for eighteen months beginning in AD 95, to a place where criminals were sent to work on the marble quarry. It was a type of Alcatraz Island in the Roman Empire; a prison without walls. The island was located about 40 miles off the coast of Asia Minor and a part of a group of about 50 islands. It was 10 miles long and less than 6 miles wide at its widest point.
• One of the reasons John was exiled to the island was for preaching the Word of God.
• Another reason was for the testimony of Jesus. Remember, John witnessed Jesus' life, death,  empty tomb, then the  resurrected Jesus.
• John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. Instead of walking in the flesh, John was walking in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:16) He was worshiping the Risen Savior on Sunday, the day of the Lord's Resurrection.
•  John heard a loud voice like a loud trumpet. It indicated the solemnity of what God was about to reveal. It got John's attention.

What does it take for God to get my attention? Sickness, financial problems, loss of job, family problems, storms, trials?

LET IT GO

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

Leave the fleshly desires behind, turn to God.