The Lord is the stronghold of my life. – Revelation 1:17
In Revelation 1, it’s as if John is on stage and the characters he interacts with are none other than the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John is being punished on the Isle of Patmos for following Jesus. He’s “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s day. The Father makes Himself known by saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Then the Son shows up, looking awesome with white hair, flaming eyes and a voice sounding like roaring waters. When Jesus walked on Earth, John laid his head against Jesus’s chest. But here John is falling at Jesus’ feet.
Standing amidst seven golden lampstands, Jesus said, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” It’s comforting to know that Jesus was with the Father from the beginning and He is there in the end. This awesome figure was the same Jesus who died for all who believe, called his followers friends, and said, “If you ask anything in my name I will do it” (John 14:14).
Those events may seem surreal to the modern reader, but His promises include today’s believers. The Holy Trinity knows how today’s events will turn out. God’s not worried! Bring your and the nation’s cares, concerns and needs to those flaming bronze feet.
Today’s Verse: Revelation 1:17
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,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 15:1-11
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
