John was exiled to Patmos, a Roman penal colony, for his testimony of Jesus Christ. John may have had a few other Christians with him in Patmos but was conscious of his isolation from the church and the rest of the world as an exile on Patmos. But his exile from the world and the church did not exile him from the presence of God and fellowship with Jesus Christ.
As believers, God is with us always in all circumstances. Men may isolate us from other people and other Christians but they can never separate us from our God. There are men and women today who are imprisoned for their faith, isolated from other believers and the church who have a deep, joy-filled, peace-abounding fellowship with Jesus, perhaps a deeper fellowship than they have ever experienced before.
This week we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God coming to earth as a baby, to grow as a perfect man, to die on a cross, and to be raised from the dead that we might receive by faith the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God living within us. No matter how isolated we might be from the outside world, God is always living within us and making Himself known to us.
Some Christians today may be surrounded by other Christians and be part of a worshiping church and yet may feel exiled and isolated from God. God may be taking you through a trial but you may also need to go away to a quiet place in the presence of God and worship, repent, and ask God for renewal in your spirit by His Spirit. God lives within the true Christian to deepen our understanding of His love for us and to nurture our love for Him. There is no excuse for being separated from the love of God and an ever deepening fellowship with Jesus. Jesus met with John at Patmos and he will meet with you in your present circumstances.
Merry Christmas to all.
Here is a short presentation by John Piper which you will be glad you watched <http://youtu.be/MYUDgmH_PnQ>
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