Read: Revelation 1:5

Online shopping seems to be taking over the marketplace. As shoppers, we weight the convenience of browsing and purchasing with the click of a button against the downside of not being able to see, touch, or try on an item. Sometimes we get burned. In order to minimize the risk, I often read reviews. “Fits true to size.” “Beautiful condo with great views!” “Excellent book with surprise ending.” Even so, I may still get burned. Who writes these things? That’s the problem – all we have are names of these writers. We know nothing about them! My experience has shown that often their opinions are worth much.

When John penned Revelation, he began by not only naming the Inspirer but also by assuring His credibility. Jesus was more than a name. The origin of the final message in the Bible was “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 1:5). There’s weight behind these words! We don’t have to wonder if the source is truly reliable because we don’t just know His name; we know Him. “…and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (I John 5:20). That’s a review worth reading!