Like the Sun
Sydney Kimball
“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” Revelation 1:12-16
Allow yourself to take some time to attempt to grasp the beauty and majesty of Jesus, our King, as described here by John, His beloved.
This passage, similar to the entire book of Revelation, is challenging to comprehend. Much of the prophetic texts in the Bible must be coupled with an understanding of Old Testament scriptures and customs in order to fully understand them. I am going to attempt to shed some light on the elements of this section of Scripture so that we all may have a better glimpse into the appearance of our glorious Jesus.
John heard a voice, but at first, did not see Jesus. Upon turning, he saw seven golden lampstands. Now, I believe that we, as the church, are represented by the lampstands. The lampstands themselves do not produce light. They receive the light from another source and display it. Followers of Christ are called to do the same. These lampstands are most likely displaying the light coming from Christ as His glory shines “like the sun.”
Jesus is recognized and described as being clothed with a robe and golden sash around His chest. Immediately, most of us would assume surely the golden sash has some importance. You would be absolutely correct! In the book of Exodus, the high priest is described as having a sash with a few golden strands within it. Jesus’ entire band is made of gold and therefore is displaying more importance than any earthly priest before Him.
Next, John says that Jesus has hair as white as wool and eyes of fire. The white hair represents Jesus’ wisdom and the fact that He is without or outside of time. Just like Him, His reign is everlasting. The fire in His eyes shows that all who are gazed upon by Him, are subject to His righteous judgment.
His feet of bronze signifies that He has been tried and purified by the fire of judgment. This fact allows me to place my trust in Jesus all the more. There is not a thing we face that He cannot understand or have compassion for because of the trials, tribulations, and judgment He has faced.
Jesus’ voice, that sounds like water, is full of power and authority. Who can stop a mighty rapid from flowing? Who then can stop the voice of the Son of God? Lastly, the sword that John describes leaving Jesus’ mouth, I believe, is simply John hearing Him speak. The Word of God is “sharper than any double edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
John was able to see Jesus in all of His beauty and splendor as we, one day, will as well. How exciting is it to think of the day when we get to gaze upon our perfect and loving Savior? I do not know about you, but I cannot wait!
Sydney Kimball
“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” Revelation 1:12-16
Allow yourself to take some time to attempt to grasp the beauty and majesty of Jesus, our King, as described here by John, His beloved.
This passage, similar to the entire book of Revelation, is challenging to comprehend. Much of the prophetic texts in the Bible must be coupled with an understanding of Old Testament scriptures and customs in order to fully understand them. I am going to attempt to shed some light on the elements of this section of Scripture so that we all may have a better glimpse into the appearance of our glorious Jesus.
John heard a voice, but at first, did not see Jesus. Upon turning, he saw seven golden lampstands. Now, I believe that we, as the church, are represented by the lampstands. The lampstands themselves do not produce light. They receive the light from another source and display it. Followers of Christ are called to do the same. These lampstands are most likely displaying the light coming from Christ as His glory shines “like the sun.”
Jesus is recognized and described as being clothed with a robe and golden sash around His chest. Immediately, most of us would assume surely the golden sash has some importance. You would be absolutely correct! In the book of Exodus, the high priest is described as having a sash with a few golden strands within it. Jesus’ entire band is made of gold and therefore is displaying more importance than any earthly priest before Him.
Next, John says that Jesus has hair as white as wool and eyes of fire. The white hair represents Jesus’ wisdom and the fact that He is without or outside of time. Just like Him, His reign is everlasting. The fire in His eyes shows that all who are gazed upon by Him, are subject to His righteous judgment.
His feet of bronze signifies that He has been tried and purified by the fire of judgment. This fact allows me to place my trust in Jesus all the more. There is not a thing we face that He cannot understand or have compassion for because of the trials, tribulations, and judgment He has faced.
Jesus’ voice, that sounds like water, is full of power and authority. Who can stop a mighty rapid from flowing? Who then can stop the voice of the Son of God? Lastly, the sword that John describes leaving Jesus’ mouth, I believe, is simply John hearing Him speak. The Word of God is “sharper than any double edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
John was able to see Jesus in all of His beauty and splendor as we, one day, will as well. How exciting is it to think of the day when we get to gaze upon our perfect and loving Savior? I do not know about you, but I cannot wait!
Posted in Revelation
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