In all three prologues of John that we are reading at Bering right now as a part of the new summer series called "A Kingdom of Signs"--(John 1:1-18; First John 1:1-7; Revelation 1:1-8)--it strikes me as deeply moving that all of them speak of eternity in such a way that it brings everything into the here and now. Even in Revelation, which is mistakenly reduced by many to the ruble of confusion about the future, the main point is encouraging saints today who are having a hard time enduring in their faith.
(Ever have a hard time enduring in your faith?)
The beauty of the gift(s) of God all comes together in Jesus, who not only "was and is to come" but ultimately "is." Jesus is not just an historical figure, nor is he merely a landlord of our future eternal home. Jesus is. In fact, I have misquoted Revelation 1 when it says about Jesus that he was, is, and is to come. That's how I quoted it: "Jesus was, is, and is to come." Sounded good to me. Problem is, that's not how it reads. The actual verse in Revelation 1:8 reads, "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,'" says the Lord God, "'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'" The actual verse is not like our linear thinking where everything lines up in a... well... line. Instead, Jesus is referred to first as the one "who is." Yes he "was"; and yes, he "is to come." But foremost, Jesus is.
Is.
All talk of eternity rushes back to now. Eternity is not a distant future we hope one day will come. Eternity begins today, just as eternity was, and just as eternity is to come.
I'm almost sick tonight (Saturday) as I anticipate tomorrow in First John 1 and an entire week before we read Revelation 1 as a church. I cannot wait to completely articulate in our shared worship these three weeks as the clear weight of our church's testimony. I cannot wait. Good thing it's not all about tomorrow. Good thing we have these promises today. Good thing we are offered light today in the midst of darkness. Good thing eternity is right here where Jesus is.
