I turned around to see
who was talking to me…what looked like a human being, wearing a robe that
reached to his feet, and a gold band around his chest. His hair was white as
wool, or as snow, and his eyes blazed like fire; his feet shone like brass that
has been refined and polished, and his voice sounded like a roaring waterfall…and
a sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth. His face was as bright as the
midday sun. (Revelation
1:12-16 GNT)
“If you have not studied who Jesus is in the book of
Revelation, then you do not have a complete picture of our Savior,” my
gray-haired Bible study leader said the first night of our Revelation introduction
lesson.
It slowly dawned on me that I couldn’t recall the last time
I had individually studied this book. Had I ever? I read it several times. I heard
many sermon series through it. But I couldn’t recall a time in the past decade
I set out to study it. I studied the minor prophet books, but Revelation…sadly
no.
Since diving into this apocalyptic literature—a type of writing
that often uses symbols and explains things from God's point of view—I am captivated by it and surprised by how relevant it
is. Revelation 1:12-16 stood out like a tiger in a bathtub. The picture of Jesus
is striking and I cannot look away. While this description is not meant
literally, it conveys who Jesus actually is—the Son of God.
Every image of Jesus in this passage implies He is God and
the Messiah because these are the same descriptions used to describe God in the
Old Testament. For example, Daniel 7:9 depicts the Ancient of Days with white
hair, Isaiah 44:6 states God is the first and the last and Isaiah 49:2 describes
the servant of the Lord with a mouth like a sharp sword.
In Revelation 1:12-16, Jesus’ robe with the sash represents
His kingship and priesthood as this was a typical garment worn by priests and important
leaders. His white hair signifies His wisdom and eternal nature. His fiery eyes,
bronze feet, and shining face indicate His purity and holiness. His voice like
roaring waters points to His strength and the power of His Word. The sword
coming out of His mouth indicates His power to judge the world with His Word. This
portrait of Jesus proclaims His deity, His humanity, and His kingship.
…I saw seven golden
lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man…In His
right hand He held seven stars… (Revelation
1:12b, 13a, 16a ESV)
Not only is Jesus the mighty Son of God and the Messiah, but
He is with us. As chapter 1 tells us, the lampstands represent the seven
churches and the seven stars are angels over the churches (likely to protect
them).
So the first description Jesus asks John to write down is
one that leaves no traces of doubt about His deity or fulfillment as the
Messiah. He also shows Himself among the churches—His people—and ensuring His
people are cared for. This is a powerful statement of His love and nearness,
especially for Christians under persecution. Jesus does not leave us alone in our
suffering. He is standing among us and holding us in His hand.
I died and behold I am
alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. (Revelation
1:18)
Jesus has defeated all the enemies of God. In the Bible,
death and Hades tend to be portrayed as God’s foes. So here we see Jesus is
stronger than any and every force of darkness. No enemy can withstand Him
because Jesus has always existed, is still alive, and will be alive even after
He conquers His enemies. The enemy is small in comparison to our Eternal Warrior
King Jesus.
The reality of who Jesus is in chapter 1 answers questions within my own soul for the past five years. In the face of suffering God is present and loves us. I still can't grasp why some Christians must suffer to death, but Jesus blazed the way, holds us in His hand, and will one day judge all evil.
Chapter one gives us great hope as we see more fully who our Savior is. Christians should expect suffering, but Jesus has power over death. He is in control and will one day return to judge all those opposed to Him. We do not have to fear because He is stronger and lovingly walks beside us.
Study Resources: John Stott, Revelation: The Triumph of Christ; Lee Tankersley, cccnow.org
Chapter one gives us great hope as we see more fully who our Savior is. Christians should expect suffering, but Jesus has power over death. He is in control and will one day return to judge all those opposed to Him. We do not have to fear because He is stronger and lovingly walks beside us.
Study Resources: John Stott, Revelation: The Triumph of Christ; Lee Tankersley, cccnow.org