We've just seen the unique relationship that John had with the Lord: John was one of the most honored of all human beings, in that he was afforded the privilege of intimately leaning his head upon Jesus. He dared intimacy that no other had. But what effect did this unique relationship have upon John? And how does it relate to us, as we seek to be like-wise intimate with the Lord Jesus? In short, such a special love brings men special privileges:
- He was nearest to the place where Jesus occupied. Don't you want to be close to King Jesus? "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Ps 84:10). Beloved, the choice is always our own: "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Lk 10:42). The dearest must be the nearest. No doubt John's friends were jealous of this intimacy, but for whatever reason, John alone was found reclining upon the heart of God: Jesus' heartbeat was John's very resting place! What a magnificent thought! When men are running to and fro trying to escape the turmoil of life, John gives us such a wonderful picture of where real rest can be found! Why shouldn't we run to the Lover of our souls?
- John was Jesus' choicest companion; His dearest earthly friend.. Oh to be called the friend of God! What an honor to be considered a friend by the Author of real friendship! Reader, this is the fruit of John's peculiar, even outrageous love... not only was he perpetually in Jesus' presence, but he was considered His companion, His brother, His affectionate friend, even His bondservant ("doulos" - Rev 1:1)! Another definition for this word, is "one who is devoted to another to the disregard of his own interests". This title is not given flippantly in Scripture; It's only given to those who really fit the bill.. To be a bondservant (as Paul was also called) is the highest form and fashion of adoration and devotion (Phil 3:14)! Such peculiar devotion is characteristic of the bride of Christ.
- He was left with the care of Jesus' mother (typical of the church at large).. "Then Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home" (Jn 19:26-27). Friends, this is a clear picture of the manifestation of the sons of God. A passion and peculiar love for Jesus will be the motivation to minister to a dead and dying body.. these sons will act as that "colt... whereupon never a man sat" - they will usher in the King of glory to a people who once wanted Him dead (Mk 11:1-11)! Out of the earth God is forming a son (Jn 1:12), a manchild (Rev 12:5 w/2:27), and his peculiar adoration of and attachment to King Jesus will act as a "hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isa 32:2). What an honor!
- And finally, John possessed special knowledge.. He alone received "the Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Rev 1:1). Those who are near to God's throne are the one's who can hear His heart's desire. And what is the fruit of being this close to the Lord? John had a specially opened ear! Those who are willing to be bondservants will always have an opened ear (Exod 21:2-6). Jesus' words are spirit and life, and sadly they mostly fell upon deaf ears and hardened hearts. John, however, was close to the source of Jesus' words! He was atop His very heart! Do we have this same testimony?
John had a peculiar attachment to Jesus (Jn 13:23). This afforded him a special knowledge (Rev 1:1), ministry (Jn 19:26-27), title (Rev 1:1 - "doulos"). and relation (Jn 21:20). But it also cost him greatly: "Patmos" means, "my killing" (Rev 1:9). His intense loving attachment, thoroughly opened ear, glorious ministry, and special relation were directly proportional to his utterly diffused and defeated self-will.. Beloved, are we willing to pay such a price? The real "friends" of God always will.
"For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure" (Ps 135:4).
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