September 30 | Revelation 1:12-16

 “Then I turned to see the voice speaking to me, and turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands, one like a Son of Man clothed down to His feet and having a golden sash girded around His chest. Now the hairs of His head were also white, like white wool, like snow, and His eyes were like a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished bronze, like inflamed in a furnace, and His voice like the roar of many waters. Now He had in His right hand seven stars and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword, His face like the sun shines in its full capacity.” (Revelation 1:12–16)

Many people have seen Jesus throughout history. Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. The disciples walked with Jesus for three and a half years. But no one saw Jesus the way John did that Sunday morning.

Suffering for His faith as a political prisoner on the island of Patmos, John worshiped on Sunday and heard a booming voice behind Him. He turned around, to see Jesus in a new light. He walked with Jesus all those years. He had seen the risen Lord walk through walls.

This was different. Jesus had white hair, dressed in a different robe, had fire in His eyes, was holding stars, in the middle of lampstands. Who wouldn’t be surprised by such a familiar Person looking so unfamiliar? How do you see Jesus? Is He the Good Shepherd holding the lamb? Or is He the risen and conquering Lord John saw?

Action Step: Imagine Jesus as John saw Him. Which part of the image sticks out to you? Meditate on what that image means to you today.

Risen Lord, I bow at Your feet. As familiar as I am with You let me never take Your awesome power and sovereignty for granted. I worship You for who You are, not how I see You.