The apostle John, the last one alive of Jesus’ twelve apostles, had an encounter with the risen Christ in around 95 AD, over sixty years after Jesus ascended into heaven. John was spending his final years in exile on an island off the coast of modern-day Turkey and seeing Jesus while still on this earth was probably the last thing on his mind.
9 I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1:9 (NASB)
Although there were twelve apostles, and each one (even Judas) had been active during Jesus’ three-year ministry before He went to the cross, there was clearly an inner circle of Christ’s more intimate disciples. Only Peter, James, and John were present for some of His more amazing miracles, such as raising a little girl from the dead, and these three alone had the privilege of seeing Jesus glorified on the Mount of Transfiguration shortly before His crucifixion.
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:1-3 (NKJV)
Six decades later, now elderly and believed abandoned on Patmos, John was shocked to see Jesus, glorified and in the role of Great High Priest over His churches. And as on the Mount, Jesus’ face was again shining like the sun.
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash. 16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. Revelation 1:12-13,16 (NASB)
Even having already seen Jesus once before in His glory, John instantly collapsed to the ground in the presence of such holiness and power. But as before, Jesus lovingly touched and comforted John.
17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid… Revelation 1:17a (NASB)
Jesus as Great High Priest had an important task for John: write down the things that Jesus would tell him and send them in a letter to seven specific churches in Asia Minor. These seven churches were represented by the seven lamp stands that Jesus was standing in amongst. The sharp two-edged sword represents the word of God, which cuts into our soul. In His right hand, Jesus held seven stars, representing the “angels”, or pastors, of the seven churches. These pastors had responsibility for their flocks, under the watchful eye and loving authority of Christ.
20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 (NASB)
Besides the worship of the Lord, a major purpose of any church is to shine the Light of Christ into the world to reflect His love and to draw others to Him. We are all lamps of a sort, fueled by the Holy Spirit to shine a genuine divine light of love all around us. We are privileged that Jesus counts us worthy, standing among us through His Spirit, holding us up and guiding ourselves and our pastors, supporting us in every way possible. May we all be used by Him to expand and strengthen His kingdom, lifting up His name throughout the world today.
Reflection
Upon seeing the glorified Christ, John experienced what might be called a “holy fear”. The awe of God is fearsome, even as He reaches out to touch and comfort us in love. We can have a reverent fear of God without being “afraid” of Him, rather, we are overwhelmed by His limitless holiness, power, love, and goodness. We are so blessed that the Creator of the universe loves us so much that He died on a cross and rose again for the eternal salvation of all His believers. May you call on Him today!
Father God, instill in us a holy fear, not to be afraid of You, but to hold a deep sense of awe and reverence toward You in Your presence. Help us to be conscious of Your majesty as we pray, worship, and serve You. Help us to be grateful for You and all that You have done for us in Your goodness and love. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the holy and joyful presence of the Lord today.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 