“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God…” (Revelation 1:1-2a)

There are a few times in the Book of Revelation where the writer John uses the phrase, the word of God. Here John is referring to the Hebrew Scriptures. The writings of the New Testament has not yet been collected and formed. As I have studied the Book of Revelation these past few months, I remain struck by the great number of Old Testament quotes and allusions that John uses in the composition of Revelation. One Bible scholar points out that in the 404 verses in the Book of Revelation, there are more than 500 allusions to the Hebrew Scriptures.

As one might expect, the Old Testament prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel play a key role in the composition of Revelation, but so does the collection of Psalms. We find direct quotes and allusions from the Psalms throughout the Book of Revelation, which is why our Daily Bible Reading Guide for 2022 focuses on Poets and Prophets. During 2022, we will read through the whole collection of the Psalms, from the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel), and of course, from the Book of Revelation.

There is still time to join me and a host of others across the Northwestern Ohio Synod as we focus on the Poets and the Prophets! During 2022 the Year of Vision, I encourage you to seek out a family member, friend, or colleague and invite that person to join you on this year-long sacred journey of Scripture.

This week we continue reading our way through the Book of Psalms. Next week, I will introduce you to my reading partner who is joining me on sacred journey of Scripture. Please join us by clicking here to access the 2022 Daily Bible Reading Guide.