July 1, 2021

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

The apostle John, now very old, was in awe of the messenger who showed him the end-time visions. The messenger saw that John needed a firm reminder of exactly Who it is that we are to worship! (see also 22:8) John was overwhelmed with gratitude for the message of truth he had received. A glorious, endless future with the Lord Jesus had brought the brilliant light of hope to this beloved disciple whose last years of life on this earth were being spent under a yoke of cruelty on the prison island of Patmos. The angel described himself as your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus.

The climactic verse of Revelation 12 tells us of the faithful woman, symbolic for the bride of Christ, who encounters persecution—especially during the Dark Ages and at the close of earth’s history. But it also raises a question that is answered in our opening verse above…

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

So, what is the testimony of Jesus? Our opening verse ends with a key definition that brings clarity to the last phrase of verse 17 above. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (19:10). Beloved, as you read and study the words of Jesus, you will begin to see more depth, as His mission of mercy is to prepare His people to withstand every test at the close of time. This is preparation for heaven! The prophet Jeremiah gave us a valuable tip for the recognition of false prophets: They continually say to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD has said, “You shall have peace.”’ And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come upon you.’” In the latter days you will understand it perfectly. (Jeremiah 23:17,20b)  Jesus warned of false prophets (see Matthew 24:4,11,24) and explicitly said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. . . Do not despise prophecies. (1 Thessalonians 5:3,20)

Among the gifts of the Spirit, the gift of prophecy is encouraged (1 Corinthians 14:1,3-5) and is the only gift that makes all three lists: Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Ephesians 4:11-12.  

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 2 Peter 1:19-20 (KJV)

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7