- Revelation 1:9-18 - I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
- Revelation 5:6-13 - And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
One day you will see Christ in glory and splendor, and together with all of heaven, you will worship the Lamb of God. The book of Revelation contains some of the richest descriptions of our Lord found in the Holy Scriptures. We love to imagine Him as a baby in the manger, and we understand the significance of His death and resurrection, but the story doesn't end there. John received a magnificent vision of the exalted Lord as He is now in heaven. The apostle had experienced close friendship with Christ on earth, but when he saw the Lord in His glorious state, he was overwhelmed with awe—he fell at Jesus' feet as though dead (Revelation 1:17). Jesus is depicted here as the Lord of His church; the church is symbolized by the seven lampstands surrounding Him. He protects His church and calls it to faithfulness. A few chapters later, Jesus is shown as the Lamb of God. He sacrificed Himself for us, and His blood brought redemption and salvation to people from every tribe and nation, making them citizens of His Kingdom. All of heaven is filled with praise and worship (Revelation 5:6-13). If you have believed in Christ, these chapters describe your future. Imagine yourself standing before Jesus, the exalted Lord, and then envision yourself worshipping the Lamb of God along with all of heaven.
Reflection
How does contemplating the future glory of the exalted Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your faith and impact your daily life?
