A Glimpse of Glory and Purpose
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.’” - Revelation 1:17-18
In Revelation 1, John has an incredible vision of Jesus. He sees Jesus in His full glory, far beyond the image we often have of Him. John describes Jesus with hair white as snow, eyes like fiery flames, and a voice like the sound of many waters. His face shines like the sun at full strength. It’s a picture of majesty, power, and pure holiness. This is the same Jesus who will return one day, and it’s important for us to understand both how He will appear and the function He will fulfill when He does.
First, let’s consider the form in which Jesus will return. John’s vision paints a picture of a mighty and glorious Christ. This is not the humble Jesus of the manger or the suffering Jesus on the cross. This is the triumphant King, coming back to reign in His full power. The vision is overwhelming for John, and his immediate response is to fall at Jesus’ feet as if dead. In that moment, Jesus’ first words are, "Do not be afraid." Despite the awe-inspiring sight before him, John is assured of Jesus' care and authority. He is the First and the Last, the Living One, who holds the keys of death and Hades.
Now, I want you to understand the function Jesus will fulfill when He returns. Jesus is not just returning to be seen. He is coming to bring an end to the reign of sin and death. He holds the keys to death and Hades, meaning He alone has authority over life and death. When He returns, He will bring eternal life to those who believe in Him and will judge those who reject Him.
What does this mean for you today? Right now, you might be facing fear, confusion, or uncertainty about the future. Maybe the challenges in front of you feel overwhelming. The message to you is clear: Don’t be afraid. Just as Jesus reassured John, He reassures you. Jesus, in all His power and glory, is with you. He holds the keys to your life and your future. No matter what you face, you can trust that He is in control.
In Revelation 1, John has an incredible vision of Jesus. He sees Jesus in His full glory, far beyond the image we often have of Him. John describes Jesus with hair white as snow, eyes like fiery flames, and a voice like the sound of many waters. His face shines like the sun at full strength. It’s a picture of majesty, power, and pure holiness. This is the same Jesus who will return one day, and it’s important for us to understand both how He will appear and the function He will fulfill when He does.
First, let’s consider the form in which Jesus will return. John’s vision paints a picture of a mighty and glorious Christ. This is not the humble Jesus of the manger or the suffering Jesus on the cross. This is the triumphant King, coming back to reign in His full power. The vision is overwhelming for John, and his immediate response is to fall at Jesus’ feet as if dead. In that moment, Jesus’ first words are, "Do not be afraid." Despite the awe-inspiring sight before him, John is assured of Jesus' care and authority. He is the First and the Last, the Living One, who holds the keys of death and Hades.
Now, I want you to understand the function Jesus will fulfill when He returns. Jesus is not just returning to be seen. He is coming to bring an end to the reign of sin and death. He holds the keys to death and Hades, meaning He alone has authority over life and death. When He returns, He will bring eternal life to those who believe in Him and will judge those who reject Him.
What does this mean for you today? Right now, you might be facing fear, confusion, or uncertainty about the future. Maybe the challenges in front of you feel overwhelming. The message to you is clear: Don’t be afraid. Just as Jesus reassured John, He reassures you. Jesus, in all His power and glory, is with you. He holds the keys to your life and your future. No matter what you face, you can trust that He is in control.
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