How Do You Hear It?

Lately I have been reading the letters to the seven churches found in the Revelation of Jesus; a read which I find most enlightening and enjoyable. But the other day as I read them I was challenged in my spirit regarding how I "hear" them.

What do I mean by that? Simply this, when I close my eyes and let my imagination create an internal movie of John's encounter; what does Jesus sound like?

For me, Jesus has always sounded very authoritarian; like the sound you would hear from a father when you've just broken curfew or smashed up the car..."I AM YOUR FATHER! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, BUT THIS I HAVE AGAINST YOU!!!"

Based upon the intense nature of the rest of the book, I wouldn't fault anyone for hearing it that way. I've heard it that way may whole life. But as I thought about it a bit more I began to re-evaluate my choice of soundtrack. And here's why:

The entire nature of the book is to reveal the heart of Jesus and His perfect plan for bringing this chapter of His glorious work in us, sometimes referred to "this age", to a magnificent end. The book by nature is a worship text for God's goodness, faithfulness, power, mercy and love. He is the One who "makes all things new" and He is coming back with the burning desire to participate in the biggest wedding banquet you could dare to imagine.

So the question is this, how would God, who is all confident in His ability to fulfill His plan and engage in the cosmic "wedding-to-end-all-weddings", send out His last minute instructions to the wedding party? Would they be written in the form of a harsh sounding rebuke? Or would they be written with a certain gracious and cherishing overtone?

The more I meditated on it, the more the Spirit testified that Jesus is most likely speaking like this:

"Hello my friends! I'm getting ready for the wedding and I'm very excited about it! I am writing you because I wanted to encourage you in your final preparations. I love you, but don't forget to keep your hearts steady as that great day approaches. I noticed a few things that you've been overlooking and I want to encourage you that they are of the utmost importance. Please ensure you are ready for my arrival because I don't want you to be left out of this celebration. I look forward to seeing you very soon! Love, Jesus."

I'd invite you to read, or re-read, these letters again today and imagine a Jesus who is mostly glad and not sad, full of joy, peace and confidence that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to bring it to completion.

Those are my thoughts for today.

Jon