Revelation
1:4b-8 –Christ, the King of Kings returns to reign
The King of kings return will be seen by all. Christ
the King of kings will return to the earth. This passage contains a greeting
similar to Paul’s, a doxology, an announcement of Jesus’ return, and God’s
declaration of His being the Alpha and the Omega; the first and last. Grace and
peace come from the Trinity: (God-the Father; Christ-God the Son; Holy Spirit –
“seven spirits,” the sevenfold gifts
of the Spirit.)
The beginning and the end of the passage deal with
the Father, but Christ is the subject of the central section. Jesus is a
witness, the firstborn of the dead, the King of kings (death, resurrection and
ascension.) Because of His love, Jesus redeemed us, made us a kingdom, and will
come to judge the earth.
A prayer of supplication – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because
You desire not the death of a sinner but rather that he should turn from his
evil way and live, graciously turn away from us the punishments which we by our
sins have deserved and which have been borne for us by our Lord Jesus Christ,
and grant us ever to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through
Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One
God, now and forever.
A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever- [2]
[1] The New Heaven, Schnorr
Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and
congregational use
[2] A
Prayer for Supplication and For Christ’s
return, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis
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