“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev.1:9)
Can we not imagine how eagerly John would lay himself out for a life in the incessant service for His Divine Master and Lord? No task would seem too great, no toil too arduous, if only His Lord might be glorified; and we can well imagine how all his plans, ambitions, desires would center round the extension of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Then, suddenly - - Patmos! What now became of all his hopes and longings, his plans and projects? Surely he buried them all as he set foot on Patmos. They died when he first heard his sentence; they were interred with no prospect of a resurrection. Patmos was, for the beloved disciple
The Island of Buried Hopes!
But John soon discovered that Patmos had its compensations. True, he could no longer entertain the hope of carrying out all his plans, yet he learned in Patmos that the truer and nobler service would yet be his than any he had ever contemplated. To him came the assurance that not only has the Lord loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, but He hath set us apart as both kings and priests, and nothing can ever terminate that royal priesthood. John had caught sight of a far greater honor and holier service awaiting him the land that lies beyond.
It might have been thought that John in his dreary exile was terribly isolated. Someone has said not isolated, but insulated, and there is a world of difference between the two. True, the island was small and his confines narrow, but that was only the outer circumstance of his life, his daily environment.
Nothing to see! Alone! Ah, but John found it not so! The overwhelming glory of the sight of his risen Lord robbed him of his strength until he felt the gracious gentle pressure of the pierced Hand resting upon him. Again and again he tells us that he heard a Voice speaking to him. Whilst these things were so he could never feel that there was nothing to see! He could never feel alone! And the Spirit so insulated John that God’s messages might pass through him to the entire world!
Most of us are well acquainted with this experience. We may not have had to suffer at the hands of any earthly potentate, but there must be comparatively few who have not, at some time had to bury their fondest hopes, their most eager desires. Oh, weary troubled heart, if God has led you to the Island of Buried Hopes, it is that He may show you yet more wonderful things. He has not failed you, not forgotten you, but has led you into the darkened room because, in His own time and way, He would reveal to you the unsuspected glory of His grace and power.
Is our life lonely? Monotonous? We need opened eyes. Standing near us all the time is the same wonderful Lord who stood by John in Patmos. Oh, the joy, even of Patmos, when it is filled with the presence of Jesus!
Patmos HAS its compensations!
But if we would share in them, and Patmos is to be a blessing to us, we must fulfill certain conditions. Here is the secret that transforms all disappointments, suffering, monotony, loneliness -- love to Christ, that impels us to learn of Him day by day, to lean upon Him in constant communion, to look upon Him as the all-sufficient Saviour.
To those who fulfill these conditions there is no Patmos that is not irradiated by a glory that is not of earth.
Our Father makes no mistakes!
(-- copied, Mrs. C.E. Cowman)
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Note From Author:
Typically, I do not like to copy other people’s work without giving them the credit. To my knowledge I have noted the original author. I hope this post in an encouragement to others who have been forced to “The Island of Buried Hopes.” You CAN survive with the Saviour. Let me encourage you to focus on Him. Fill your heart with His Word, your life with His work, and your days with His service. Guard your heart, and don’t forget that God loves you, and He cares. He will NEVER leave you alone with your broken dreams, and buried hopes. He ALWAYS has something better for you.
