Scripture

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come.” Revelation 1:4b

Reflections

God is good—all the time.

John wrote the book of Revelation while exiled for his faith to the island of Patmos, off the coast of present-day Turkey.  He was not alone in his suffering.  He wrote to real churches that were tempted, struggling, and experiencing intense hostility from their neighbors.  To them, suffering was the norm for Christian life.  To own Jesus as one’s Lord was to come into conflict with all other “lords” that would claim their allegiance.

In his writing, John greets his readers on behalf of God “who is and who was and who is to come”.  God is God of the present, past, and future.  The profound truth of his goodness and love are comforting to us in the here and now.  We sing, “Jesus loves me, this I know.”  Even if we’re experiencing suffering in the moment, we know we are not alone.  His love is present for us now, especially through brothers and sisters in the faith.  We look to the past.  We remember Christ’s suffering on the cross.  We are reminded of his goodness for all.  We think of the future.  He will come again as king and lord over all.  “He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes.” (Rev. 21:4)  Christ will overcome.

His goodness is for all time; present, past, and future.  God is good—all the time.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your goodness that knows no beginning or end.  Help me to stay grounded in that love and serve to no other lord but you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8