Have you ever seen a side of someone that made you uncomfortable? Perhaps it was the tone in their voice, or the look in their eyes, or the suddenness of their movements. It's possible they simply weren't "themselves" in that moment, but maybe you were actually witnessing the real person for the first time. In such scenarios we usually find ourselves fearful. Anxious. Thrown off guard by the unexpected glimpse into that person's true character.
The book of Revelation gives us a unique, unhindered, and admittedly somewhat uncomfortable glimpse into the glorious deity of Jesus Christ. The disciples Peter, James and John had a similar glimpse as witnesses to Jesus' transfiguration during His earthly ministry—an experience that left them awestruck, tongue-tied, and terrified (Matt. 17:2–6; Mk. 9:2–6). Even today many avoid this strange and mysterious book because it touches on spiritual realities and visions of Jesus that go beyond our limited human comprehension.
But to neglect any portion of God's Word—no matter how outlandish and otherworldly it may be—is to neglect a crucial aspect of Jesus' character. Yes, Christ came as the babe in a manger. Yes, He is the good Shepherd of our souls. And yes, He is the Son of God who died on the cross. But He is something else also... He is the fierce, shining, supernatural Being whose very presence will one day rend the heavens when He returns!
The apostle John, upon witnessing Christ in all His glory, "fell at His feet as though dead" (Rev. 1:17). Trying to capture the shocking encounter leaves John adrift in symbols and metaphors: hair like wool, white as snow; eyes like blazing fire; glowing feet and a voice like a mighty, cascading waterfall (v. 14–15). Add to that a hand full of stars, a sword coming out of His mouth, and a face like the sun (v. 16) and we may find ourselves wondering, Who is this terrifying, unrecognizable figure?
But a closer look reveals some comforting familiarities. This person wears a long robe signifying His dignity and status, and a golden sash that hints at His priestly authority (Isa. 22:21; Ex. 29:5). The white hair speaks to His wisdom, purity, and antiquity (Prov. 3:19; Ps. 18:26; Mic. 2:5).
His fiery gaze searches the whole earth with penetrating judgment, strengthening those who love Him (2 Chron. 16:9). His feet, like burnished bronze, remind us of the Refiner's Fire and illustrate the stability and permanence of His sacrifice (Mal. 3:2; Ex. 27:1–6). His voice thunders with power and majesty (Job 40:9); His very words are a mighty weapon (Eph. 6:17)! His face shines like the sun—the very light of the world (Jn. 8:12).
John sees the glorified Jesus standing in the midst of seven lampstands, holding seven stars in His right hand. The Lord Himself explains this vision, saying, "...the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches" (v. 20). Here we have a reassuring picture of Jesus' presence in His church—filling us with the oil of His Spirit, and igniting and tending the flame of His glory (Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:17). We also see His sovereign control over the church, represented by the seven stars held in His right hand (Col. 2:9–10).
The Lord speaks to John, saying, "Fear not, I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades" (v. 17–18). Jesus encourages the frightened apostle—He is indeed the same God (Heb. 13:8), the eternal God (Mic. 5:2), and His victory is sealed forever (Jn. 16:33)! Not only does Christ comfort John, but He also invites Him to participate in this extraordinary experience by writing down what he saw so that His servants (that's us!) may be shown what will come to pass (Rev. 1:1,11). If God thought it worthwhile to speak to us about the mysteries of Revelation, then we ought to find it worthwhile to listen!
God has graciously given us our own sneak peek into that Day when Christ is revealed to the whole world in all His power and majesty! We have behind-the-scenes access to heavenly events as they unfold. And while it may be confusing and unsettling to gaze at God's blinding glory, or to peer into the unseen spiritual world behind our own, if we fail to at least familiarize ourselves with such things we will ultimately be caught off guard. We expect Christ’s return, but do we know Whom we are expecting?
Bottom line: If our vision of Jesus fails to include the images found in this book, then it is incomplete! Revelation allows us to "hear" Christ's thundering voice, to "see" His blazing countenance and piercing eyes, and to "examine" His sovereign role as the victorious Ruler of all things, both temporal and spiritual. But above all, Revelation enables us to be found expectant—watching and waiting for the Son of Man's sudden and glorious return!
Lord, thank You for giving me this precious glimpse into your majestic power and blinding glory! Though it is difficult to wrap my head around such awesome and astonishing things, I pray Your Spirit would guide me in this crucial and important portion of Your Word. Help me know You more through these passages, and show me how I ought to apply them to my life. Jesus, You are the First and the Last, the Living One, the victorious Ruler of all things! May I be careful not to neglect these aspects of Your divine nature, but embrace them and find confident assurance that yes, this is You, and You are my God! In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- What thoughts or emotions do you experience when reading the descriptions of Jesus in Revelation 1?
- How do you think Jesus wants you to respond to His divine nature?
- Why do you think Jesus (for the most part) concealed His glory during His time on earth? Why do you think He wanted to end the revelation of Scripture with a more detailed look at that glory?
- What comfort can we take away from the eternally glorious and victorious image of Jesus found here?