A Revelation Of Joy
The revelation John sees is not just about the unseen reality of Jesus in the present, it is a revelation of the unseen reality of the future in light of everything John is going through. In the same way, we too need a revelation of what is on the other side of the struggles of this life. The writer of Hebrews said that it was “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus had a revelation of what was ahead of Him, and so did John. It was the joy of what was coming that gave Jesus and John the ability to press through trials and tribulations of the present.