Scripture Text: Revelation 1:9-20
[12] I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands, [13] and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe and with a gold sash wrapped around His chest.
[17] When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, [18] and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:12-13&17-18 (HCSB)
In the television show Undercover Boss, corporate executives disguise themselves and pretend to be ordinary employees. At the end of the show they meet with those with whom they have worked side by side. The employees are often astonished by the transformation.
Jesus did not come in disguise, pretending to be someone He was not. But He did temporarily lay aside the glory that was His due as God. According to John 1:1 and 14, prior to taking a human nature to Himself Jesus was both with God and was God. John saw Jesus glorified briefly when He was transfigured on the mountain. But during His earthly ministry Jesus revealed a different kind of glory. As John and the other disciples lived day to day with the God who had become flesh, they observed what New Testament scholar Leon Morris has described as His “humble glory.” Not only was this the glory of Jesus’ lowliness, it was the glory of His holiness.
All of this changed with Christ’s resurrection and ascension. The Jesus who appeared to John at the beginning of the book of Revelation was the same person the Apostle had known before. But John had never seen Jesus like this, not even on the Mount of Transfiguration. John says that when he was confronted by Jesus in His glory, “I fell at his feet as though dead” (v. 17).
As if to reassure John that this was the same Savior he had always known, Jesus reassured His stricken disciple with a reassuring touch and words of comfort. Jesus interpreted the vision for John and assigned to him the task of recording what he had seen for seven churches in Asia Minor (now known as Turkey).
Reflect
1. What does this passage teach you about who Jesus is and why He matters in your life?
2. How can you make Jesus a more central part of your daily walk?
3. How might remembering that Jesus has conquered death bring you comfort and courage in those moments?
4. How can you apply this reassurance in your daily life?
Remember
The glorified Christ is the ultimate source of hope. His victory over death is a reminder that even in tough times, He's in control. His glory leads one in awe and give Him reverence; take time to worship Him. His glory motivates to live a life that reflects His character and light.
So, when we are faced with doubt or fear, lean on the power of the glorified Christ for strength. Trust Him even more, and let His presence be the guide through life's ups and downs.
Read
Psalm 89: 35-37; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 17:2; John 17:5; Colossians 1:15-17
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to understand Your Word and apply its wisdom to my daily journey. Grant me the strength to face challenges with faith and to share Your love with others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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