Spirit Perspectives

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet.—Revelation 1:10 NASB

The revelation given to John was full of mysteries. Such images and descriptions could be hard to grasp. As a witness to these revelations, John himself had many questions. Like other believers, John had been persevering in the face of difficulties “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (v. 9).

One thing was different about John: He was in the Spirit. His whole being was consumed by the Spirit. In this moment of spiritual sensitivity, John heard a loud voice that told him to write what he would see and send this message to seven churches.

The dominant theme is God’s sovereignty. Instead of being afraid, John realized Jesus is “the Alpha and the Omega,” the beginning and the end (v. 8). John was so overwhelmed he could not function. He “fell at His feet like a dead man” (v. 17).

Jesus continued to reassure him. Placing His hand on John, Jesus told him not to be afraid. He was the living One who was dead but now was alive forevermore. John had nothing to fear, for even death itself was in His hands.

We can easily be worried and afraid. But we can learn much from John. We should seek to be in, filled with, guided by, and trusting the Spirit. Let Him take away every fear and give us His peace.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to be your Guide today.