During my sermon yesterday on Revelation 1:9-20, there was quite a section that gave a very descriptive picture of Jesus. Verses 12-20 gave a picture of what John saw that goes so far beyond any mamby-pamby, meek and mild Jesus. I couldn’t help but think about that this morning, especially as we go out to face a hostile world. How about opening your Bible to that passage and check it out with me?
First, verse 13 declares that John saw “one like a son of man.” John is referring to Jesus. But what He describes is so far from the impression we often have of Jesus!
- “Clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.” This is what the priests wore in the temple. Jesus is our Great High Priest.
- “The hairs of His head were white, like wool, like snow.” White/gray hair in the Bible is synonymous with wisdom. He is all-wise and makes no mistakes. He is the Ancient of Days.
- “His eyes were like flames of fire.” He does not look at me; He look into me. Nothing is hidden.
- “His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace.” This speaks of a solid foundation. “On Christ the solid rock I stand…”
- “His voice was like the roar of many waters.” When He speaks, He speaks volumes. His voice is commanding, unavoidable, overwhelming, and cannot be ignored.
- “He held the seven stars in His right hand, a two-edged sword came from His mouth, and his face was like the sun shining full strength.” 7 starts=7 churches (church universal). The sword pierces coming in and going out. He is holy, holy, holy.
There is so much that could be said, but I’ll let you think it through and study it on your own. Just know that the description John uses is like he is saying, “He is indescribable and I’m doing the best I can.”
What is your impression of Jesus?
I think your last statement is exactly what comes to mind… John is doing the best he can to describe the indescribable. To compare what we know with Jesus, who is incomparable. Nothing compares.
I agree Ryan. Indescribable.
What a great recap of your sermon yesterday, Bill! Jesus is indescribable, but that doesn’t keep us from trying to do so.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. And I also agree with you. He is indescribable but shouldn’t stop us from trying to do so.
What John saw was indescribable, Jesus and Heaven. John spent so much time with Jesus in His human man form, following him as a disciple, and such a close friend to him, it had to be shocking to see Jesus in His Glorified Body. John knew who Jesus was when he followed him, but we all get comfortable with what we can see and what we can touch. A glorified body is beyond what we know and what we can imagine. I am shocked that John was able to write anything down that made any sense of what he did see.
That is a good way of looking at it Gail. Shock that he could remember. I know how I would have been: speechless.