Revelation 1
November Memory Verse: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me." Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Revelation 1
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead” Revelation 1:17
How you see Jesus changes how you live your life. I know that seems like a simple thought, but it’s true. John is the author of Revelation and was a direct witness of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He had first-hand experience with God! He walked with him, talked with him, saw him heal the sick, and raise the dead. John saw the transfigured Jesus on the mountain and the crucified Jesus on the cross. John saw the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ. John had a pretty good view of Jesus. But what does John do when he sees Jesus in Revelation? He falls as though dead…
Verses 12-16 are almost direct quotes from Daniel 7-8 and Ezekiel 43 as they describe seeing God. John, knowing this, is realizing that he is beholding the fully-God, fully-man Christ Jesus, in all his glory. Do you realize this is the same God we worship today? The business of life can often cloud our view of who God truly is. It can make spending time with him seem inconvenient. It can make his commands seem optional. It can make worship seem unnecessary. The difference between a non-believer and a believer is how they see Jesus, but the only right view is one that brings us to our knees in worship.
John’s posture before Jesus has a clear application for our lives, but what Jesus does in this passage is important for our view of God. First, as this scene unfolds, where is Jesus? Verse 13 tells us that he is “in middle of the lampstands.” In other words, he is in the midst of his church. Speaking, encouraging, and admonishing her (we're looking at you Laodicea). As our church walks through suffering and grief, we can take heart that Jesus is in our midst. He has not abandoned us.
Secondly, when John falls as dead, Jesus puts his nail-pierced hands on him and comforts him. Jesus reminds John (and us) that he is one who died for sin and then conquered death and the grave with his resurrected life. He is the one who is alive forever! The words of Christ are words of peace and assurance for those who are bowing before him.
God can use your faithful witness, worship and obedience to help people see who he really is.
Who in your life needs to see the true Jesus?
By: Joe Weaver
Revelation 1
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead” Revelation 1:17
How you see Jesus changes how you live your life. I know that seems like a simple thought, but it’s true. John is the author of Revelation and was a direct witness of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He had first-hand experience with God! He walked with him, talked with him, saw him heal the sick, and raise the dead. John saw the transfigured Jesus on the mountain and the crucified Jesus on the cross. John saw the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ. John had a pretty good view of Jesus. But what does John do when he sees Jesus in Revelation? He falls as though dead…
Verses 12-16 are almost direct quotes from Daniel 7-8 and Ezekiel 43 as they describe seeing God. John, knowing this, is realizing that he is beholding the fully-God, fully-man Christ Jesus, in all his glory. Do you realize this is the same God we worship today? The business of life can often cloud our view of who God truly is. It can make spending time with him seem inconvenient. It can make his commands seem optional. It can make worship seem unnecessary. The difference between a non-believer and a believer is how they see Jesus, but the only right view is one that brings us to our knees in worship.
John’s posture before Jesus has a clear application for our lives, but what Jesus does in this passage is important for our view of God. First, as this scene unfolds, where is Jesus? Verse 13 tells us that he is “in middle of the lampstands.” In other words, he is in the midst of his church. Speaking, encouraging, and admonishing her (we're looking at you Laodicea). As our church walks through suffering and grief, we can take heart that Jesus is in our midst. He has not abandoned us.
Secondly, when John falls as dead, Jesus puts his nail-pierced hands on him and comforts him. Jesus reminds John (and us) that he is one who died for sin and then conquered death and the grave with his resurrected life. He is the one who is alive forever! The words of Christ are words of peace and assurance for those who are bowing before him.
God can use your faithful witness, worship and obedience to help people see who he really is.
Who in your life needs to see the true Jesus?
By: Joe Weaver
3 Comments
Thanks Joe for pointing out this verse. I initially missed that detail in my reading. But you're absolutely right! Even though we as believers know Jesus, our posture should still be that of awe and respect. We are to give Him the honor that He deserves, regardless of whether we're meeting him for the first time or have been long-time friends.
What a great reminder of our daily privilege & responsibility to show Jesus to everyone in our lives! I do want to be a more faithful representative/image-bearer to all the people in & out of my house every day.
Amazing post today, Joe. So revealing and encouraging!!
I have struggled with my posture before God. A loving father, but to be feared and deserving of respect and honor. Jesus our friend and advocate, but also completely worthy of respect and honor. Thankfully the Holy Spirit helps in balancing the two approaches and guides us into the appropriate worship. It is comforting that God/Jesus who created us totally knows our shortcomings and loves us regardless. What an awesome God we serve!