Scripture Verse that Caught my attention Today: Revelation 1:9 I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Observation: The writer of Revelation starts from a point of what he has in common with those to whom he writes (I…your brother who share with you in Jesus…”). And what they share are difficulties (persecution), being part of something much bigger (the kingdom), and a mindset that by God’s grace will sustain them through (patient endurance).
Application: Being able to identify with people is huge in ministry. It’s not that we necessarily need be just like the people we serve. If that were the case, pastors would need to personally have every vice (and every talent!) known to humankind. But we do need to recognize in each other a common humanity—all of us have struggles at one level or another; all of us have either a reason for hope or a longing for hope.
John didn’t paint an overly rosy picture for his readers. He acknowledged that things were difficult, reminded them that they were all part of something much bigger, and encouraged them to remain faithful and trusting in light of the one who was and is and is to come.
Nothing fancy, really. Just the sharing of an authentic message from an authentic person touched by an authentic God.
Prayer: Lord, help me always to recognize in another what we have in common through you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Scripture readings today included: Jeremiah 52, Psalm 143 & 144, Revelation 1)
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