I was reading the book of Revelation this morning. I am at the end of my yearly Bible reading plan. I came to one of favorite pictures of Jesus in all of Scripture found in Revelation 1:12-18. Give is a read.
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, (13) and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. (14) The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, (15) his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. (16) In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (17) When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, (18) and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
| Jesus in the Gospels | Jesus in Revelation |
| Savior | King |
| Love | Majesty |
| Gird about His Waist (for Service) | Gird about His chest (for War) |
| Crying Eyes |
Fiery Eyes |
| Gentle Voice (Calls His sheep) | Terrible Voice (Sound of roaring waters) |
| Mouth – Gracious Words of Life | Mouth – Two Edged Sword strikes death |
| Feet – dusty from seeking sinners | Feet – polished bronze prepared for judgment |
Here are a few explanatory notes from the ESV Study Bible.
- Rev. 1:13 son of man (see note on John 1:51). Jesus’ preferred self-designation in the Synoptic Gospels, derived primarily from the book of Daniel. In contrast to four beasts, symbolizing evil kingdoms, the son of man receives from the Ancient of Days universal and eternal dominion as the saints’ representative (Dan. 7:1–14). Revelation 1:12–20 displays Christ’s divine glory both.
- Rev. 1:14 Hairs . . . like white wool show infinite, divine wisdom (Dan. 7:9; cf. Lev. 19:32; Prov. 16:31; 20:29). As he stands among the lampstands, Jesus’ eyes like a flame of fire see through facades. He can say to each church, “I know,” infallibly diagnosing its condition (e.g., Rev. 2:18–19).
- Rev. 1:15 Christ’s feet, like burnished bronze (cf. 2:18), will crush any opponents. roar of many waters. Cf. Ezek. 1:24, “like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty.”
- Rev. 1:16 two-edged sword. God’s Word, which searches hearts and judges rebels (cf. Isa. 49:2; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 19:15).
- Rev. 1:17 the first and the last. The Son of Man affirms his divine eternity, echoing the Lord’s boast over idols (Isa. 41:4; 44:6).
- Rev. 1:18 I died . . . I am alive forevermore. Paradoxically, this ever-living One died to redeem believers and now lives forever as “the firstborn of the dead” (v. 5). Because Jesus died and rose again, John must “fear not” (v. 17), and the churches should not fear death, because Jesus has conquered it forever. On Christ’s resurrection, see 1 Cor. 15:42–57.
Now, with that image and understanding in mind let me just ask you a few question today.
- How does seeing Jesus as He is now differ from the image of Jesus on the cross?
- Does this image of Jesus comfort you today or does this image of Jesus confront you in your sin?
- How does this image of Jesus give further light to the humility He displayed as He can to earth as simple carpenter?
- Will you submit your life to Jesus today in all you do?
Heading out to the Hospital, Pastor Phillip
