Jesus Christ is revealed in Revelation 1 as the same Person but at a whole new visual level than His incarnation! The question before us is how do we properly absorb this “fresh” sight of Jesus Christ?
Christ appears in two visible ways:
1. The Son is shining. (This was covered in the last post.)
2. The Son is strong. (15-16)
Why are local churches not getting the job done of evangelism and discipleship-we have lost sight of our powerful Savior! The Great Commission is preceded by these words: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Mt. 28:18). Are you willing to let an omnipotent Savior into your present, feeble world?
Strong Feet (15a)
The feet of brass speak of judgment; the brazen altar was the place where sin was judged. How strong are his feet? Notice the riveting description in Revelation 19:15, “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” We must not attempt to negotiate, argue, or deceive; we must fall at the feet of not only our crucified Savior but also our Judge with humility and honesty!
Strong Voice (15b)
Have you ever spoken into a box fan to hear your “robot voice?” Our feeble amplification and manipulation cannot compare to the voice of Jesus Christ! His voice—“as the sound of many waters”—suggests two things: (1) the power of His Word, like the sea; and (2) all the “streams” of divine revelation converging in Christ. Ezekiel refers to this characteristic, “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory” (Ezekiel 43:2). Don’t overly fret about the “talking heads” of our day; a day is coming in which the voice of Jesus will drown out all others.
Strong Hand (16a)
“He holds seven stars in His hand, and these stars are the messengers (or pastors) of the seven churches. It is possible that messengers came to John from these churches and received this Book of Revelation from him personally. The stars are the messengers (1:20); Christ holds His servants in His hands.” (Wiersbe) May I just remind you that the “crucifix” is NOT Christian! While Jesus hands still bear the wounds for us, they are NOT weak hands!
Strong Mouth (16b)
The sword from His mouth is His Word that judges. (Rev. 2:12, 16, 19:19–21) The writer of Hebrews announces, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3) You can ignore, mock, resist, or believe Jesus Christ who suffered silently; but no matter what His words will ultimately judge you!
It is striking that these same descriptions of Christ are found AGAIN in the seven church letters. Who Jesus is today is not to be revealed after but BEFORE the church is raptured! Would you join me in appreciated who Jesus was during His incarnation but also moving on to more deeply see Him for who He is?
Adolph Menzel created a painting titled Frederick the Great’s Address to His Generals Before the Battle of Leuthen. This historical piece depicts Frederick’s speech to his generals in December 1757 during the Seven Years’ War before their famous battle in Silesia against the Austrians. Menzel worked on it from 1859-1861, but never finished it. The monumental painting contains the background and the generals standing in a semi-circle, but the main figure of Frederick the Great was left blank. Menzel’s famous painting is a picture of many lives. The background of career, interests, pursuits and achievement is complete. The faces of significant people like family, friends and colleagues surround. But the central and most important figure is left incomplete—Jesus. Jesus Christ has been given a name that is above all others and rightly deserves to be the focal point of our lives. Likewise, the centrality of Christ in life is the greatest need of every person. May we never foolishly allow Him to be a blank historical figure in our crowded hearts, homes, and most importantly churches! The message of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1 is “Look at me NOW!”
How do these “strong” descriptions challenge/expand who Jesus IS in your “mind’s eye”?
Here is the video presentation of this study: Looking for the Lamb, 1:12-20
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