Revelation of the Word:
Revelation of the Word 25/11/2022 Admin
THEME: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Revelations 1:3-5 NIV
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”
INSIGHT
– John had been exiled on the island of Patmos for preaching about Jesus. On the Lord’s Day, John is deep in prayer when he heard a voice and was told to write what he saw to the seven churches (Revelations 1:9-20). He turned round to see who is speaking and had a vision of Jesus, the ‘Son of Man’ (Daniel 7:13-14), the ‘Alpha and the Omega’ (the ‘First’ and the ‘Last’) (John 1:1-2), who has been raised from death and is alive for evermore. This written message guided by the Holy Spirit becomes effective when it is heard and performed.
SUMMARY
Effective communication is defined as communication between two or more persons in which the intended message is properly encoded, delivered through appropriate channel(s), received and properly decoded and understood by the recipient(s). For communication to be effective, the message must be clear, accurate, complete, and reliable. There are different forms of communication, that is verbal which entails speech through face to face interactions, over the telephone, via Skype or Zoom etc. Non verbal which entails facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand movements, and touch. Written communication which includes email, memos, reports, blogs, social media posts, etc. Listening which can either be active or passive, and finally visual communication which includes television and other social media platforms. The Bible has adopted some of these strategies and the communication is made effective by the help of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 tells us that, “Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 16:12-14, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” Information can be easily distorted and cause misunderstand in our social interactions, marriages, work places etc., but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to have the wisdom required for effective communication. We are reminded to guard our tongues when we speak (James 3:2-5), for the tongue is a small organ but can light up an entire forest. The tongue can either build or destroy, causing life or death (Proverbs 18:21). We are also caution from speaking quickly before understanding the message or discerning the intensions of the conveyor. To answer before hearing it is folly and shame (Proverbs 18:13). As believers are called to be of one mind, and to speak righteousness and justice (1 Peter 3:8-12; Psalms 37:30).
PRAYER
We love You Holy Spirit our God. We exult Your name and welcome You to dwell in us and with us always. We thank you for always guiding us in all truth, and helping us to meditate on the Word. May You remove every form of deception in our society, nation and entire world, and grant us Your wisdom. May You teach us to communicate effectively and to represent Your views and intentions as You instruct us. May You use us in the areas of our calling for the glory and honor of Your name. May You fill our hearts, families and nation with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self control. May You fill us with Your gift of wisdom, faith, speaking in tongues and interpreting them, prophecy, teaching, healing, working miracles, discernment of spirits and others gifts that You desire. We thank You for loving us and for choosing. May You forgive us for the times we have grieved You and wash us with the blood of Jesus. May Your grant us and all Your people the gift of salvation. May You bless us and keep us. May You shine Your face towards us and be gracious unto us. May You turn Your countenance to us give us peace. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever more. Amen
Further reading: Luke 11:28
Blessed Weekend