A Vision of Jesus

¹⁴ The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. ¹⁵ His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. ¹⁶ In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

-- Revelation 1:14-16

On Sunday, I spoke about how one reason we must share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that Jesus is worthy of worship, and that when we think about Jesus, truly understanding who he is, we realize how offensive it is that Jesus does not get his due recognition from the world.

But we have to remind ourselves as well.  This morning, I read this vision of Jesus from Revelation, and it is a good tool for really meditating on his greatness.

"The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow..."

The whiteness here, no doubt, reflects Jesus' purity, but more than that, the white hair indicates Jesus' wisdom.  Jesus, the man, was no more than a decade older than John, but here in this vision we see Jesus the Son is ancient and wise, "The First and the Last."  Jesus, you are the First and the Last, the One who was in the beginning with God, and all wisdom is found in you!

"...and his eyes were like blazing fire..."

Jesus has penetrating insight.  There is nothing that can be hidden from him.  He sees through the games we play, the masks we wear, and all hypocrisy.  "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).  Jesus, my life is laid bare before you; nothing is hidden!  You see all and know all!

"...His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace..."

To me, the bronze feet indicate Jesus' strength.  He cannot be pushed around or tarnished or led astray.  I praise you, Jesus, because of your strength!  You will not be moved!

"...his voice was like the sound of rushing waters..."

These are not the "quiet waters" of Psalm 23.  The sound of rushing waters is the sound of a waterfall or an approaching flood.  It is a sound of power.  If you are in the path of an oncoming flood, it is terrifying.  If you are only observing Niagara Falls, it is awe-inspiring.  Jesus, your word is powerful, inspiring fear in the disobedient and worship from the faithful!

"...In his right hand he held seven stars..."

Revelation 1:20 says that these seven stars represent the "angels" (or messengers) of the seven churches.  Jesus had a word for each of these churches according to the situation in which they found themselves.  Jesus, you know me and my situation!  You want to speak to me and to my church today!

"...and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword..."

In Revelation 19, this is the sword of judgment.  "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).  Jesus, you divide the faithful from the unfaithful, the righteous from the wicked; justice is coming to this world through you!

"...His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."

This represents the glory of God, who lives in "unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16).  The glory of God, hidden for a time in Jesus' humble human flesh, is now fully seen in the resurrected, glorified Son of God.  Jesus, all glory and majesty belong to you!  Let me exalt no one and nothing to rival you in my heart!

When John saw this vision with his own eyes, he fell at Jesus' feet "as though dead" (Revelation 1:17).  We can only read about it, but as you meditate on this vision of our Lord today, my prayer is that you will live in awe of Jesus today.