Episode 875
Visions of Liberation: Exploring Revelation 1:9-20
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The discourse presented in this episode navigates the intricate themes encapsulated within Revelation 1:9-20, as articulated by Dr. Brad Miller. The narrative begins with an exploration of John's circumstances on the island of Patmos, where he is exiled due to his fervent witness to the teachings of Jesus. This setting serves as a crucial backdrop that informs the apocalyptic visions experienced by John, which are rich in symbolism and profound in their implications for contemporary society. Dr. Miller's analysis positions the text within the context of resistance literature, highlighting its relevance in a world where various forms of oppression persist. By framing John's revelations as a response to imperial power, the discussion invites listeners to draw parallels between the historical and modern struggles against systemic injustices.
Moreover, the episode delves into the transformative power of imagery within the text, asserting that the vivid descriptions—such as the radiant face and the voice likened to thunder—function as metaphors for hope and divine authority. These symbols are not mere embellishments; they are integral to the message of liberation that the text conveys. Dr. Miller challenges listeners to cultivate their prophetic imaginations, encouraging them to envision what justice and transformation might look like in today's context, particularly amidst pressing global issues such as environmental degradation and social inequality. This call to imaginative engagement serves as a clarion call for action, urging individuals to reflect on their roles in creating a more just society.
The episode culminates in a practical exhortation for collective action, suggesting that listeners convene to articulate shared visions of justice. Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of communal efforts in fostering hope and facilitating systemic change. By highlighting the necessity of concrete actions towards realizing these visions, the discussion reinforces the notion that hope is inherently collective, requiring the solidarity and collaboration of individuals united in their pursuit of justice. Thus, the episode not only serves as a theological reflection but also as a practical guide for listeners seeking to enact meaningful change in their communities.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Book of Revelation as resistance literature, highlighting its relevance in contemporary struggles against various forms of oppression.
- Listeners are invited to cultivate prophetic imagination by envisioning transformative justice in response to current societal challenges such as climate crisis and racial injustice.
- The discussion underscores the collective nature of hope, reminding us that true transformation requires community engagement rather than individual efforts alone.
- The hosts encourage actionable steps towards realizing collective visions of justice, urging listeners to identify specific changes within their communities that can lead to liberation.
- A compelling aspect of the episode is the portrayal of vivid imagery within Revelation, which serves as a source of inspiration for marginalized communities facing persecution.
- The podcast concludes with a prayer, reinforcing the significance of divine guidance in fostering courage and creativity amidst the challenges of modern life.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Visions of Liberation A study of the Revelation 1:9 20 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:So glad you joined me in the quest that I have to get the audible word of God into two millionaires.
Speaker A: That's a million people by: Speaker A:We do that through a daily reading of the New Testament.
Speaker A:We use to revise common Lectionary.
Speaker A:That's a three year cycle of reading through the entire Bible.
Speaker A:We are in year C of that cycle and we're in the Easter tide season.
Speaker A:We like to make the reading of the Bible understandable.
Speaker A:We use the message version relatable.
Speaker A:We give you some points to ponder and applicable we give you an action step to take.
Speaker A:We do it all in under 10 minutes with a prayer.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com that's website where you find our Bible study resource.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:You can pick it up there@voiceofgoddaily.com let's get into our reading for the day.
Speaker A:From the Revelation 1:9 through 20 I John, with you all the way in the trial in the kingdom and the passion of patience in Jesus was on the island called Patmos because of God's word, the witness of Jesus.
Speaker A:It was Sunday and I was in the spirit praying.
Speaker A:I heard a loud voice behind me, trumpet clear and piercing.
Speaker A:Write down what you see into a book.
Speaker A:Send it to the seven churches to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyas, Terra Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea.
Speaker A:And I turned and I saw the voice.
Speaker A:I saw a gold menorah with seven branches and in the center the Son of Man.
Speaker A:In a robe and gold breastplate hair.
Speaker A:A blizzard of white eyes pouring fire blaze Both feet furnace fired bronze.
Speaker A:His voice Aurora.
Speaker A:Right hand holding the seven stars.
Speaker A:His mouth a sharp biting sword.
Speaker A:His face a blinding sun.
Speaker A:I saw this and fainted.
Speaker A:Debt at his feet.
Speaker A:His right hand pulled me upright.
Speaker A:His voice reassured me, don't fear.
Speaker A:I am first.
Speaker A:I am last.
Speaker A:I'm alive.
Speaker A:I died.
Speaker A:But I came to life and my life is now forever.
Speaker A:See these keys in my hand.
Speaker A:They open and lock a death's door.
Speaker A:They open and lock hell's gates.
Speaker A:Now write down everything you see.
Speaker A:Things that are things about to be.
Speaker A:The seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven branched gold menorah.
Speaker A:Do you want to know what's behind them?
Speaker A:The seven stars are the angels of the Seven churches.
Speaker A:The Menorah's seven branches are the seven churches.
Speaker A:Well, a lot of powerful imagery here in this great vision from John, from John of Patmos.
Speaker A:It was written during a time of this empire and great persecution.
Speaker A:And it really speaks to our contemporary world, even right now, the struggles that we have.
Speaker A:Let's look at some points to ponder.
Speaker A:One of them is that this is resistance literature.
Speaker A:John writes from Patmos, where he was exiled because of God's word.
Speaker A:This reminds us that revelation is resistance literature written by someone experiencing imperial oppression.
Speaker A:When we read these dramatic visions, we're engaging with the imagination of.
Speaker A:Of those who dare to envision alternatives to empire today.
Speaker A:This challenges us to recognize and resist modern forms of imperial power, whether it's corporate exploitation, militarism, environmental destruction or political disruptiveness.
Speaker A:The second point is about transformative vision.
Speaker A:The spectacular imagery that we have.
Speaker A:Eyes of fire, voice like aurora, face like the sun, isn't meant to be taken literally, but it's a poetic artistic license of liberation.
Speaker A:And these symbols would have been deeply meaningful to the communities who are facing Roman persecution.
Speaker A:So today we're invited to cultivate our own prophetic imagination.
Speaker A:What visions of justice and transformation do we need for our time?
Speaker A:How do we imagine liberation in the face of climate crisis, racial injustice, political persecution and economic inequality?
Speaker A:One more point is about collective hope.
Speaker A:The message here is addressed to the seven churches.
Speaker A:These are actual communities facing real struggles.
Speaker A:This reminds us that hope isn't individual, but collective.
Speaker A:The keys that open and lock death's door suggest power to transform systems of death and the pathways of life.
Speaker A:And this challenges us to build movements and communities that can imagine and create alternative futures.
Speaker A:Let's talk about an action step.
Speaker A:Engage in prophetic imagination, that is, gather with other people, maybe in person or virtually, and create some sort of a collective vision of what your community would look like with true justice and liberation.
Speaker A:What would need to change?
Speaker A:What symbols and stories would represent this transformation?
Speaker A:Then identify a concrete step towards making this vision a reality.
Speaker A:Maybe it has something to do with climate crisis or political justice, or supporting marginalized people or organized rights or fair housing or organizing for economic justice.
Speaker A:You know what to do.
Speaker A:You know what to do.
Speaker A:Get about doing it.
Speaker A:We're going to pray in just a minute, but I always want to let you know we've got a resource for you to help you do your own individual Bible study.
Speaker A:We have the Daily Bible Refresh to help you hear the Word of God.
Speaker A:But you need to read the Word of God, you know that.
Speaker A:So use the resource we're providing for you.
Speaker A:Go over to voiceofgoddaily.com there you can find our free resources called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:It will help you with your daily personal Bible study.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you're the divine source of vision.
Speaker A:We live in times that can feel apocalyptic at times and old systems are crumbling and new possibilities struggling to emerge.
Speaker A:But like John of Patmos, help us to find courage to imagine alternatives to empire.
Speaker A:When we feel overwhelmed by injustice, remind us of your presence and resistance movements through history.
Speaker A:Give us creativity to envision new ways of being community.
Speaker A:Grant us wisdom to recognize modern forms of empire, encouraged to stand against them.
Speaker A:Help us to move from fear to prophetic imagination, from isolation to collective action and hope and determination.
Speaker A:We pray.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Well, my good friends, so good to be with you here on Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:I look forward to it every day and that's when we come to you, every day.
Speaker A:We usually drop our episodes before 6am Eastern Time.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:You can help us by joining us tomorrow and bringing a friend.
Speaker A:Until that time, My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller, encouraging you with the words that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:And every morning.
