SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1:9-20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This vision comes to John while in exile for serving Jesus. He had experienced the ‘justice’ and ‘power’ of the Roman empire, now he is about to experience the JUSTICE and the POWER of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Universe.
This appearance of Jesus is filled with images and analogies, designed to impress deep truths through symbols. “Like a Son of Man” is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. He is seen with images of royalty, purity, power, glory, authority. The sword is not literal, but symbolic of the truth and power of His message. This image was intended to impress on John (and all who read it) that the Lordship of Jesus is greater than any other “impressive” ruler on earth (and he had likely been in Caesar’s court).
Note that where God says that He is the Alpha and the Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, v.8), now Jesus says the same thing (v.17). Jesus is God in the flesh, Immanuel (God with us), God made visible.
Am I impressed by the power and glory of Jesus as Lord? Do I believe that this vision is accurate, real, the way things are? He is not just Lord of my life, He is Lord of the universe. No wonder those who live according to this message will be blessed (v.3), because they see things as they really are, not as they appear.
PRAYER:
Lord, open my eyes to see, open my mind to believe, open my heart to receive You as Lord of my life and Lord of the universe. Remind me again that this is the way things are! Amen!
Wow, how mighty and terrible and glorious.
It was on the Lord’s Day that John heard the voice. He was in His presence on that special day. How special is my Lord’s day. Whom do I serve with my activities on the day that God set aside. I remember that working seven days makes one weak and so even though I might not do my daily work, how do I spend the day in God’s presence renewing my soul?
I know that I live in His presence each and every day. That is part of my head knowledge. But how do I see Jesus each and every day? When is the last time I fell prostrate before His presence? How do I experience Him each and every day and how do I show that I know Him. How do I revere the King of kings and the Lord of Lords?
The Lord appeared saying that He was the beginning and the end, giving Life and Light to the the churches which need to be pure. Christ Jesus is with His church always.
Lord help me to obey Your Word and give myself in living obedience to that Word toady and always.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.
O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessèd face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.