John wrote 5 New Testament books, 79 chapters, 1,414 verses penned but he had never had an encounter quite like the 1 we read about in Revelation 1:10. It was there that he would have revealed to him the eternal, historical, and prophetical keys to the kingdom of God while a prisoner on the island of Patmos. For a moment, let‘s look into the heart of John and see what it was like for him on the LORD’s day. In doing so we may discover what we should do and be on the LORD’s day.
1) He knew what it was like to be in the presenice of God
John 1:1 “in the beginning was the Word...”
John 1:29 “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the worl.”
John 15:5 “I am the vine you are the branches...”
He recognized that he was in the presence of God and how he should respond
2) He was there to be something He was not
At the age of 85-90 John was exiled to this rocky island prison to rot away with all the other miserable, deserving criminals. The only problem was that he had done nothing to deserve to be there. Revelation 1:9 tells us that he was there for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John was only guilty of lovimy Jesus too much. So, why, when you’re doing good, even sharing the great message of the cross, do you find yourself in battles? John probably wondered the same thing. I find that when I meet with God’s people, on the LORD’s day, I get less selfish, my focus becomes more clear, and the contrast between good & evil, right & wrong, spirit & flesh becomes more fine-tuned. my worship, work of the ministry, and fellowship with believers moves from black and white to ultra HD when my heart is tuned to praise and spirit-filled worship.
3) His level of spirituality, faithfulness, & service was not determined by someone else’s
John didn’t ask Judas, should I tithe?
John didn’t ask James, should I be 1st?
John didn’t ask Peter, should I claim him?
For John, it didn’t matter what everyone around him was doing. He was going to be “in the spirit on the LORD’s day” no matter what anyone else did.
God, let it be said of me that I chose you every time! Make me les self-centered and more Christ-centered.
In Jesus’ Name;
Amen
Bro. Stacy McKee
Pastor, Springdale Baptist Church
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