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Wednesday December 3 - Brilliant Jesus
Coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was
like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Revelation 1:16
We can prayerfully ponder John’s description of Jesus, letting the images inform our hearts and minds. We see in verse 14 how Jesus has hair white as wool, which to the original readers would have signified an older person’s wisdom, and would have brought to mind the prophecy from Daniel. There the ‘Ancient of Days’ has this white hair of wool and a flaming throne (Daniel 7:9-10). The title Ancient of Days also hints of the union between the Father and the Son – Jesus was there at the creation of the world, with the Father and the Spirit.
We can also consider prayerfully the double-edged sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth. This is his word, the word we’ve received in the Bible, which is active and alive, which ‘penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow’ as it judges our thoughts and attitudes (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus gives his word to bestow life to us, not for needless judging that will tear us down. He wants us to flourish and grow, to become more like him.
And Jesus’ face shone in all its brilliance. Think of the brightest summer’s day and multiply that again and again – Jesus is the light and thus his brightness radiates forth from within him. In him is no darkness at all; how does that bolster your faith in him today?
Lord Jesus, please expand my understanding of you in your holiness, glory, and majesty. I worship and praise you! Amen.
Thursday December 4 - “Fear not!”
He placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First
and the Last.” Revelation 1:17
For puny humans like us and John, when we come into contact with the overwhelming glory of Jesus we fall down at his feet ‘as though dead’ (Revelation 1:17). Not that I’ve had that experience, mind you! But this is the natural reaction throughout the Bible when people come into God’s presence. His holiness and majesty is so ‘other’ that the person immediately falls to the ground in fear. God’s representative then usually says, “Don’t fear,” as Jesus does here.
I love how John includes mention of the physical touch that he received when Jesus put his right hand on him, probably calming his nervous system that might have caused shaking limbs and a pounding heart. We are mere physical creatures, and God knows that.
And Jesus affirms that he is “the First and the Last.” Again this links him to his Father, through whom he has communion with the Spirit. He was there at the creation of the world and will be there at its end. John can trust that this is the Lord. He may be so holy as to instil instant fear, resulting in collapsing on the ground, but he is good and loving and will be with us always.
As you consider these various characteristics of Jesus, how do you respond? What feels foreign to you, and what familiar? Why?
Ancient of Days, thank you for loving me and calling me to holiness and goodness. You tell me not to fear for you are with me. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY