READING: Jude 1:1-25, Revelation 1:1-5:14
The Isle of Patmos was a rugged, volcanic, rocky island to which the Romans banished prisoners. Tribulation had become real for the early believers, and John found himself on that island for his proclamation of the Word and for his testimony of Christ. The nature of his imprisonment is not clear, but it’s likely he was not permitted at the time to leave the island. Whatever the case may have been, we know John identified with other believers who faced similar realities of persecution. As fellow members of the kingdom of God, they patiently endured in faith whatever they faced.
Still, the hand of God was evident in their lives. In John’s case, exile for his faith hardly hindered his relationship with God. Scholars differ on what it meant for John to be “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Rev 1:10), but the point is that no one could banish John to a place where God would not be with him. No island exile could limit the God who made the island in the first place. Moreover, the emperor banished John for preaching and testifying, yet we are today reading John’s message centuries after his earthly life ended.
God is not in exile, and His persecuted followers are not silenced. His message goes on.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Without minimizing John’s story, when was the last time you experienced God’s presence in a time of great difficulty?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I’m grateful You are greater than anything we face.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Revelation 6:1-10:11
