This morning we are going to study the time and circumstances when John got his big revelation.
There is plenty to be learned and come away with by studying this text together today.
Let’s read Revelation 1:9-10
I. Do You Believe That Anything Happens By Accident
So here John is exiled to the Isle of Patmos
Here’s picture of the place
****ISLE OF PATMOS PIX****
Patmos, a barren, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, had been chosen by the Roman government as a place of banishment for criminals;
This picture makes it sort of look like a nice place to go, but Rome would not have used it if that where the case, because they were not sending people to a pleasure island such as this:
****PLEASURE ISLAND PIX****
The Emperor Domitian sent him there to punish him because of his preaching of the gospel in Ephesians.
It was intended to punish him and isolate him and put him in a desolate place where he wouldn’t be able to continue to preach the Gospel.
It’s a great example of how the devil tries to use circumstances to discourage us, punish us, isolate us, and put us in a place where we feel unable to continue with whatever God is trying to do through us.
But here’s truth, nothing happens by accident in God’s economy.
Realistically speaking if we are going to live the zealous life spoken of in the Scriptures we are going to have our isle of patmos experiences.
John 16: 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
1 Peter 5:8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Is the likelihood higher that we can have an isle of patmos experience if something big is going on spiritually?
Sure that’s possible.
But the key is to expect them and to know that God still works through them or while they are going on, if this key ingredient is present.
II. We Must Stay On Track vs. 10
10On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit,
He was keeping track of time and staying on track.
He was still tuned in.
On the Lord’s Day he was in the Spirit.
Notice John doesn’t exhibit any self pity, panic, anger, regrets, or hesitation, he was on the Isle of Patmos carrying on with what was his normal habit.
On the Lord’s day, he was in God’s presence, worshipping the Lord like he had done on many of the Lord’s days previously.
And on this particular day, as John practiced his normal routine, God came on the scene and John had this magnificent revelation and visitation from God.
Now did the Isle of Patmos happen to discourage John?
Was it a Spiritual attack?
I don’t know, but I do know that even when they happen, God is still in charge and can work through the circumstances we find ourselves in.
All we have to do is keep our head.
