Well, we have kicked off our fall schedule of education and small groups and we have ‘opened the seal!’  Our first week of Revelation is ‘in the books’ and we are moving forward.  This week, John attempts to describe what he sees in his vision.  In Revelation 1:9-20, John attempts to describe what he sees.  He describes Jesus in vivid and extravagant and in some ways, other worldly ways.  Yet, this revelation of Jesus by John is filled with deep and powerful truth about who Jesus is.  It’s glorious and awesome.  So much so, that John upon seeing this vision can’t help but fall on his face, hiding his face.  

These are some of John’s descriptions – “wearing a robe and golden sash, hair white as wool, eyes blazing like fire, feet of glowing bronze, voice like mighty waters, a double edged sword coming out of his mouth, holding seven stars in his right hand, and his face shining like the sun…” What does any of his mean?  

We will be diving into the rest of God’s word in Sunday’s message to find some clues to that question.  On Sunday I said something like this, “There is nothing new revealed in Revelation.”  I also quoted Eugene Peterson saying,  “I do not read Revelation to get additional information about the life of faith in Christ.  I have read it all before in law and prophet, in gospel and the early church letters.  The Revelation adds nothing of substance to what we already know.  The truth of the gospel is already complete, revealed in Jesus Christ.”                  

As true as these statements may be, I am thankful for this written vision of John.  Why?  This vision describes the current reality of Jesus resurrected and glorious.  And the descriptions of him have significant implications for my life in the here and now.  

Check it out – Sunday is coming,
Pastor Mark