The last book of the bible is a book of wonder. Revelation is the sort of work that leads both young and old alike to scratch their heads and say, “What does that mean?” Whether it’s the unusual figures, numbers, or events the book can sometimes be overwhelming. But one thing that is as clear as day is that this book is God’s gift to His church. The book is also a clear reminder to us that if our perception of the Lord Jesus Christ is limited to the babe in the manger, we are sorely mistaken. I’d like for us to consider the character of Christ from the first chapter of Revelation.
The Bible is a historical work. It’s chief design to teach and preserve the history of God’s saving work for His people. Prior to Revelation chapter one, the Lord Jesus has already come in the flesh through the virgin’s womb. He has conquered Satan, sin, and death. He has already been raised from the grave, ascended on high, and has already been seated as the King of kings who reigns, though there remains a future consummation/climax.
Why stress these historical details? When we encounter the Lord Jesus in Revelation one, we are seeing Jesus in His present glorified estate. He is no longer wearing the garb of a peasant carpenter. He has been clothed in glory as the already-reigning mediator for His people. We need to keep this in mind as we see the Apostle John’s description of the Lord Jesus in Revelation’s first chapter.
John recorded, “and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” (Revelation 1:13-16)
What do you notice about His appearance? It’s quite different than the images of Jesus so often presented in children’s books. As a Reformed and Presbyterian church, we don’t believe we ought to have pictures of any person of the Godhead: not the Father, the Son, nor the Spirit. Not only do we see this as an outworking of the second commandment but most basically every picture fails to properly display the glory of God. In this work by John, we learn that the power, majesty, and glory of Christ is overwhelming. He is the eternal Son of God, now forever the God-man glorified!
The Lord Jesus revealed Himself to John in glory. John was overwhelmed. We read in the text that at the sight of Christ glorified John “fell at his feet as though dead.” (Rev. 1:17) Again, all of this makes sense. The fear and the holy dread and horror that we find in John is common throughout the Bible when we read of prophets standing in the presence of God in His glory. What is most beautiful about Christ in these moments is that as the God-Man He touches John Himself. His own nail-pierced hand rests on John and the first words that come from His mouth are “Fear not.” (Rev. 1:17)
I imagine for many of us the idea of encountering Christ in this way is truly terrifying. Maybe you are of the crowd that still feels the weight of your sin and guilt and wonder if Christ will accept you given your failures. The beauty of the Gospel is that Christ pushes no man away who cries out to Him for mercy this side of death. I love this action and word by Jesus because in it His very first word for us is one of comfort. Even in glory, power, and unapproachable light, He is still the very same man who comforted the poor, the forgotten, and the dejected alike. He is still the good shepherd and the great physician. He is still the meek and mild savior who proclaims in mercy, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-29)
As our new year begins and our old one departs, my prayer for you is that you might know the sweetness of Christ’s words, “Fear not.” He does not comfort us because our sins are an indifferent piece of our world. Our sins necessitated His death on the cross. But the beauty of those words “Fear not” continue to reveal to us the character of Christ who loves His lost sheep. May you bring your fears to Him, your sorrows, and regrets, and lay them at His feet. Are they really doing you well living in your hearts alone? May you see that the very same words which comforted John’s fears are still relevant to calm yours today. For our peace with God is ever rooted in the work of Christ; not our own.