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?