Revelation 1:12-20
 
As we read the apostle John’s description of his vision, we need to remember Pastor Dave’s heads-up about the imagery in Revelation to avoid a literal, cartoonish impression. Open our eyes, Lord, to share a glimpse of the vision John saw. John is straining language to its limits to describe our Lord Jesus Christ in his glory. His similes portray Jesus as equal to God because he is God, with an everlasting dominion. He has authority over every domain (including dark parts of our lives and dark places in our world). He is the high priest who saves us from wrath. He speaks the word of God, truth. He conquered death and lives forever. Before the Lord, reread and reflect on John’s account of what he saw. You might want to jot down words that come to mind, such as pure, majestic, etc.
 
Recall that John was Jesus’ constant companion during his 3-year earthly ministry; John was the “disciple Jesus loved.” Yet John’s reaction to the vision of Jesus was not, “Hey! My old pal Jesus!” Rather, John fell at Jesus’ feet, as though dead. Dave asked, “Is that our response?” Do we treat Jesus with the reverence he deserves? With appropriate awestruck fear? He is my friend but not my peer. I think the antidote to an overly familiar attitude toward Jesus is worship. Use this week’s passage to bow before and worship Jesus, who is fully man, yes, but who is also our glorious and Almighty God.
 
In John’s vision, Jesus stands in the midst of the seven lampstands, which are the churches, holding the seven stars, which are the messengers of the churches. Dave taught that, if you want to find Jesus, look for him in the Church. Moreover, Jesus is protecting the Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18) Dave’s primary application of this week’s passage: Don’t give up on the church. No church is perfect; it is true that sometimes churches hurt instead of helping and that hypocrisy is easy to find. But Lone Ranger Christianity – “just me and Jesus” – is not God’s plan. The irony, of course, is that the people who need to hear Dave’s message about the church are not in church to hear it. I have a friend who is a Lone Ranger Christian, who has not been to church in several years. Perhaps you know someone like that too.  Pray for that person, asking the Lord to speak to them, convicting and drawing. Pray for the opportunity to have an honest conversation with them about church from a motive of love and concern.

 In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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