At Bethel, we have just begun to embark on a journey through various scenes in Revelation. Last night, I read the following words of Jesus:

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. They mystery of the seven starts which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. — Revelation 1:12-20

This is not the Jesus we know. This is One who speaks with Authority. This is One to whom the angels answer. It is Him who is Mediator and Judge. This is the Sovereign One — reigning over a Kingdom that shall endure. This is Jesus Divine. John is overwhelmed and slain in His presence. Yet, amidst the awesomeness, we glimpse the humanity of the Christ.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid…”

We get a glimpse of Jesus in His humanity even here in Revelation. The Alpha & Omega, the Holy One, the Almighty even here reaches to touch John — to lay on His right hand. This intimate physical touch is assurance to John. He knows this One. He knows this Jesus and this Jesus knows him. Then we hear Jesus speak with all authority and of things that are beyond the realm of mortal man. It is a striking reminder that He is not of this world. This is a glimpse of Jesus fully God. Glory, all glory!

Do you know Jesus as Friend? Do you know Him as Lord? Do you know Him as God? O, that we might fall down before Him — joining the heavenly chorus:

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sites on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! Amen! — Revelation 5:12-14

Jesus, reign in us! Amen.