Tuesday 7 April 2026

Psalm 110

Background
In essence, as it says in verse 4, the Book of Revelation is a letter to ‘the seven churches that are in Asia.’ Numbers are often symbolic in Revelation. Seven is seen as a perfect number – think of the seven days of creation. Here that number may refer to all the congregations that John has contact with, rather than imagining seven particular communities. It is a letter to churches struggling in turbulent times and is designed to strengthen them to hold on to faith.

John uses three titles for Jesus in this introduction that would have significance for the first hearers. Firstly, ‘the faithful witness'. (v. 5) The communities John was addressing were facing state-led persecution. Church members were being threatened with death if they didn’t publicly renounce their faith. Being greeted in the name of Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, would encourage them to follow his example and remain steadfast as faithful witnesses. The word for ‘witness’ is the same as ‘martyr’ which shows what being a faithful witness at this time could entail.

Secondly, John calls Jesus ‘the firstborn of the dead'. (v. 5) For those faithful witnesses who are facing martyrdom for their faithfulness, here is the reminder of the hope that, as with Christ, there is a resurrection from the dead that awaits them. Jesus isn’t to be the only one raised from the dead – he is the firstborn of all who will be raised.

Thirdly, John calls Jesus ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth'. (v. 5) The Roman Empire was in its prime at this time, and the Roman emperors acted as though they themselves were gods. There was an arrogance around them that made them seem invincible and their empire eternal. John reminds his churches that however the outward reality might seem, Jesus is, in fact, the true ruler of the world.

For those faithful witnesses who persevere in faithful obedience, there is the call to be a kingdom of priests. This echoes Exodus 19:6 and is a call to hold before the world the sacred mysteries of God, and to hold before God the needs of a world often in turmoil.

To Ponder:

• "Let heaven echo, let the earth sing: Jesus is saviour of everything." (Singing the Faith 304) How do you sustain faith in an often tumultuous world?
• What does it mean to you to be part of God’s kingdom of priests in your community?
• Consider looking at an organisation such as Open Doors to find out more about Christians persecuted today.

Prayer
Jesus Christ, faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, ruler of the kings of the earth, sustain and deepen our faith to be your priests even in times of uncertainty and trouble. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.