The Island of Patmos

Revelation 1:9-20   Kathy Carlson

I, John, with you all the way in the trial and the Kingdom and the passion of patience in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of God’s Word, the witness of Jesus. It was Sunday and I was in the Spirit, praying. I heard a loud voice behind me, trumpet-clear and piercing: “Write what you see into a book. Send it to the seven churches . . .” Rev 1:9-10(the Message)

God’s ways are mysterious, glorious and all His own.  It’s most likely that the writer of Revelation was John, the disciple of Jesus.  John would have been in his 90’s, having witnessed for himself Jesus in the flesh, Jesus on the cross, Jesus’ resurrected body.  His gospel and letters reveal a certain tender-hearted sweetness in both the way he addresses his listeners and his own view of his position in Christ.  He refers to others repeatedly as dear ones and little children and himself as the disciple Jesus loved:  “the beloved of Jesus”.  

How could it be then that we encounter John, the beloved of Jesus, exiled, alone and suffering for his witness for Christ on a tiny, sterile island called Patmos (which is translated as “my killing”)?  Why would God allow such a thing to happen to a faithful follower who clearly loved Jesus and was clearly loved by Jesus?  

Are you suffering your own “island of Patmos” experience?  Are your circumstances pressing you into isolation and suffering?  Do you wonder as John must have wondered at times, is God truly in control?  And if He is why would he allow such a thing? 

What was it in John even at the age of 90 that needed to be “killed”, eradicated, and exiled from his life?  The good news is that God does not allow a period of exile to leave us abandoned and suffering for all time.  An island experience is a part of the refining fire our fearsome God has every right to allow to burn.  It’s not punishment; it’s a glorious opportunity to know Jesus in a deeper way.

The truth that arises from the ashes of John’s island experience is that he listened for God’s voice.  We find him in prayer, observing the Sabbath.  He trusted, somehow, that he could and would hear from the same God who allowed him to suffer for his faith.  His suffering not only came to an end but he was gifted a revelation, a spectacular vision of the LIVING CHRIST and the Christ to come.

Press on, beloved.  No matter what your circumstances might say, God has the final word.  It’s the very theme of Revelation.  Our God speaks to us in our dark nights and brings His own presence, His sweet company in our isolation.  Listen for Him.  Trust that He alone has the final word.  And you and I, like John, will emerge from the island free and with a very personal and powerful testimony to share of the greatness of our God and the faithfulness of Christ Jesus.