Dec 20, 2020
Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:9-18
The description of Jesus Christ, given in the first chapter of Revelation, is one of the most majestic pictures of our Savior found in the Scriptures. The awesome imagery is taken mostly from Old Testament passages and is meant to evoke from us the same reaction that this vision produced in John.
While banished to the island of Patmos, John had the wondrous visions recorded in the book of Revelation. In chapter 1, he sees Christ and he rehearses what he saw for us.
The person John saw was "like a son of man" (Dan 7:13). He was dressed in a long robe (Dan 10:5; Exod 28:4) embroidered with gold, a garment of dignity, respect, and authority. His hair was white like wool (Dan 7:9; Prov 16:31), signifying honor (Lev 19:32) and eternity (Dan 7:9). His eyes were like a flame of fire (Dan 10:6; Rev 19:12), displaying judgment. His feet were like polished bronze (Dan 10:6), representing glory, strength, and stability. His voice was like the sound of torrential, rushing water (Dan 10:6), symbolic of majesty and power. Out of His mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword (Rev 19:15), representing judgment.
When John saw this man … God the Son in all His glory … he fell at His feet, as if all the life had gone from him (Rev 1:17). Jesus tenderly touches John and assures him that he need not be afraid.
When we think of the glory of the second person of the Godhead, the incarnation is all the more stunning and stirring to us. Our response to Christ ought to be both profound awe, on the one hand, and heartfelt comfort and pleasure, on the other. "Jesus, the very thought of Thee, with sweetness fills my breast . . ."