Of all the gifts and promises that you share with your brothers and sisters in Christ, which ones are most valuable to you? Do you cherish the gift of God’s Spirit and the promise that He’ll lead you into truth? Do you cling to the gift of forgiveness and the promise that nothing can separate you from God’s love? The gift of joy that the world can’t take away and the promise of peace that passes understanding. We’ve got so much to value! And yet, in today’s word from Revelation Chapter 1, John celebrates some paradoxical gifts.

“I, John,” he writes, “your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 1:9; emphasis added).

Can you imagine!? Of all the gifts that John could have chosen, he highlights suffering and the kingdom and patient endurance. Then again, he does say that he’s in exile, being persecuted for sharing the good news. And so, if nothing else, he’s being honest about the reality of his situation. But still, why call attention to these gifts (if you can even think of them as gifts)?

Well, for one thing, John knew that the people to whom he wrote were suffering. And so, he wants them to know they’re not alone. But if you know anything about Revelation, the more important reason, I think, is that John understood the suffering of Jesus to be the key that unlocks God’s purpose. Jesus is the Lamb who conquers with a cross! And so, it’s when we suffer for him—patiently enduring challenges and pain—that we will triumph with him and receive the kingdom that God has promised.

Naturally, I hope you’re not suffering today. But if you are, don’t forget that you’re in good company! And remember, too, that Jesus is with you to help you patiently endure. And your place in his kingdom is secure.

Thanks be to God for these amazing gifts! Amen.