January 15: THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS (part 1)

And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10

This response of our brother John may surprise us. In being shown the revelation of joy expressed by the heavenly beings over the judgment of Babylon, followed by the vision of redeemed people joining them in their “Alleluia!” chorus, followed by the description of their readiness as a bride and the divine gift of fine linen raiment, and capped with the pronouncement of the sure and certain blessing of those called to the marriage supper of the Lamb, John is understandably thrilled. Think of the contrast of this scene with John’s current condition! Vivid in his memories from younger days (probably as a young teenager) are his recollections of the last supper with Jesus just prior to His crucifixion: Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples whom Jesus loved (John 13:23). In the cruel environment of Patmos, a prison labor camp, John must have frequently experienced a swirl of sweet memories of his time with the Savior. In hope, he looked intensely forward to His promised return. The greatness of the message brought by the angel overwhelmed him, so he admits: And I fell at his feet to worship him. The angel’s immediate response was a needed rebuke. “See that you do not do that!”

The human tendency to direct worship toward something created, rather than the Creator Himself, can exert itself even in the best of situations. Any of us can readily sympathize with John, especially considering the enormous contrast between his harsh surroundings and treatment versus the beauty of the vision, the glory of the angel, and the greatness of the message. Nevertheless, a healthy rebuke from the angel was appropriate! Humbly, the angel identified himself as John’s fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus.

The angel’s next exclamation, “Worship God!” goes straight to the heart of the purpose of divine revelation in the Word of God in general, and the final book of the Bible in particular. During His time of testing following baptism, Jesus was visited by the lead fallen angel, Satan himself. Contrary to the movie depictions of Satan’s appearance as weird or grotesque, you can be sure that he approached the Lord Jesus as a beautiful angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), preying on physical needs (Matthew 4:2-3) and quoting Scripture (v.6). Beloved, know for sure that you can anchor your faith in the response of Jesus: “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Matthew 4:10, see also Luke 4:8 and Deuteronomy 6:13).

King David said: “For You [God] have made him [man] a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands… (Psalm 8:5-6a, see also Genesis 1:28). Take a moment here and visit Hebrews 2:6-11.

The humility of the angel speaking to John reflects the Savior’s humility in becoming like us, aiding us to see Jesus, and thus reflect His character to others.

…we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9