As we begin to read this first chapter of Revelation, we learn from the opening sentence the purpose and theme of the book: it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The Gospels presented the Lord Jesus as the Son of God coming into this world in humility, but the Book of Revelation presents His second coming, and from the very beginning of the book we see Him exalted! When we behold Him in this book, we see Him in glory, majesty, and power!

What is so precious to keep in mind as you read through this book is that the last time the unbelieving world saw the Lord Jesus was when He was on the Cross. The next time they see Him will be as the exalted King, coming in glory and majesty.

Throughout the book of Revelation, we see the Lord Jesus Christ exalted as He is revealed through song, poetry, symbolism, and prophecy. What is set before us is the unveiling of the Lord Jesus by God the Father. The Father has always delighted to reveal His Son to us. At the beginning of the ministry of the Lord Jesus, we hear the Father say at His baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mt. 3:17). In the middle of His three years of public ministry, we hear the Father announce, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Mt. 17:5). And in the Book of Revelation, we see God the Father revealing the glory of the exalted Man who will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.