Companion in Tribulation

“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation,
and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ…”
Revelation 1:9

You know it is in your Bible reading sometimes when certain words or phrases jump out at you. That was the case when I read the first chapter of Revelation not long ago. I stopped and considered several words/phrases.

John is sharing with believers that he a companion, a partaker, a co-participant with us in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. He identifies with those who have made Jesus their Lord and Savior. He says he’s not above tribulation, but is a co-participant. The tribulation he’s referring to is pressure, persecution, trouble. It’s the pressure from the world when you’ve made a stand for Christ. It’s the pressure of the world trying to make you fit into its mold. It’s the persecution you receive from the world for your stand of faith. It’s the trouble you encounter living in this sinful world.

I believe John wants us to realize that he’s identifying with us as he did the early believers. He’s in the same boat so to speak but note that he doesn’t center on the tribulation because he knows the God who lives in him enables him (and you and I) to be an overcomer.

He is also a co-participant with us in the kingdom of Jesus Christ which is His rule and reign in your life. You learn to live IN this Kingdom as you allow His rule and reign to grow in your life. Being a co-participant in the patience of Jesus Christ enables you to overcome tribulation. It is the faithful continuing, the having done all to stand, stand as you wait for the completion of His promises

Rejoice that you’re not alone in your tribulations and troubles. Jesus is with you, leading you into greater victory. He is enabling you with patience to make it to the end, strong in His grace.