Describing Jesus

Today’s reading: Revelation 1:1-20

'and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.' - Revelation 1:5 ESV

This opening chapter of the Revelation to John, for the seven churches in Asia Minor, seems to be attempting to give us a better view of Jesus from every possible vantage point. When you first take a look at Jesus, you may see a first-century Jewish man from northern Israel. Yet as we see how he lived, died, rose, and ascended, we start to see so much more.

We don't have time here to run through all of the descriptions of our Savior given in this chapter, but here are a 13 that John records:

  • Faithful witness >> shows us what God is like

  • Firstborn of the dead >> first to defeat death

  • Ruler of kings >> all authority is on loan (see Daniel 2:21)

  • One who loves us and frees us by his blood

  • Long robe >> longer the garment, the more honored

  • Gold sash wearer >> frees arms for serving

  • White head/hair >> pure, glorious, beautiful

  • Fire-eyes >> He sees to the depths of who we are

  • Bright feet >> victorious over enemies

  • Thundering voice >> His voice rises above all others if we'll just listen

  • Commander of angels >> one for each church here

  • Sword-mouth >> this was a short, deadly Roman sword; shows divine judgment/justice

  • Sun-face >> those with unredeemed sin cannot see it

This is just a glimpse of the tapestry found in Revelation, showing us just how incredible our Lord Jesus Christ really is. Doesn’t it make you excited to read on tomorrow?

CSF IndianapolisComment