A Humble Life

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey 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 was and is to come, and from the seven Spirits before His throne. (Revelation 1:3-4)

We can learn much about humility from reading John’s writings. John was a very humble man. Do you realize that in his Gospel, he rarely refers to himself by name? He refers to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved.” That is why he had the moniker, “John, the beloved.”  

However, in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:4), it is just “John.” He is describing himself as the messenger, but it is just “John.” He didn't say, “John, the only one of the apostles who made it all the way to the cross.” He didn't say, “John who made it all the way to the cross and has been faithful more than anyone else. He has received a word that no one else has ever had.” He was not embellishing anything. He was not giving the background of what gave him the right to share this. It is just “John.”  

As you are reading and studying the Book of Revelation, remember that you are reading the writings of one of God's choice messengers. He saw his life as a conduit to honor Christ, not for Christ to honor John. Can the same thing be said about you? Do you choose to live your life, seeking to honor Christ, rather than looking for God to do something for you?