Heard On Sunday - A Vision of the Glorified Christ

Revelation 1:9–20

The Setting
The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. John was there because of his faithful witness to Jesus Christ. This place of isolation and suffering was not an accident—it was the setting God chose to reveal the glory of His Son.
John describes himself as a “brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). From the beginning, we are reminded that suffering and perseverance are part of the normal Christian life.
Scripture affirms this truth: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus Himself said, “A servant is not greater than his master… If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Yet God uses suffering for good, producing endurance and maturity in His people (James 1:4).

The Call
While on Patmos, John was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” when he heard a loud voice like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10). He was commanded to write what he saw and send it to the seven churches—churches that represent God’s people throughout the history of the church (Revelation 1:11).
John obeyed, and what followed was one of the most magnificent revelations in all of Scripture.

The Vision
John turned and saw seven golden lampstands, and standing among them was “one like a son of man” (Revelation 1:12–13). The lampstands represent the churches, and Jesus stands among them. He is present with His people and aware of what they are enduring.
John then describes Jesus in stunning detail (Revelation 1:13–16). Christ is clothed as a priest, reflecting His role as our great High Priest (Exodus 28:4). His white hair reflects eternal wisdom, echoing the description of God as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9). His eyes blaze with purity and judgment. His feet are strong and immovable. His voice resounds with authority, and His face shines like the sun in full strength.
This vision reveals Jesus as glorious, holy, powerful, and worthy of worship.

The Meaning
Jesus’ location in the vision is significant. He stands among the lampstands. He walks among His churches. He knows their struggles, their faithfulness, and their suffering.
Christ is not distant from His people. He is present, active, and engaged with His church.

The Response
When John saw Jesus, “I fell at his feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17). Overwhelmed by Christ’s glory, John was undone.
But Jesus responded with grace. He placed His right hand on John and said, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17–18).

The Authority
Jesus declares that He is eternal—the First and the Last. He is the Living One who conquered death and holds authority over it.
He then gives John the framework for the entire book of Revelation: “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this” (Revelation 1:19). History unfolds according to Christ’s plan.
Jesus also explains the vision, revealing that the seven stars are the angels of the churches and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves (Revelation 1:20). Jesus is our Savior, King, and teacher.

The Encouragement
At the heart of this passage is a simple call: Gaze on the exalted and glorified Christ. He walks among His churches. He reigns with everlasting dominion and glory.

So we are encouraged:
Do not fear time—He is the First and the Last.
Do not fear life—He lives forevermore.
Do not fear death—He holds the keys to the grave.

This is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.