"He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from where he will come to judge the living and the dead."
The Apostles Creed
It is right to picture Jesus as an infant and to feel filled with wonder at God-with-us. It is right to picture Jesus as our savior and to feel filled with gratitude for God-dies-for-us. But neither of these pictures is complete.
We need also to picture Jesus as king and to be filled with awe for God-glorified-before-us. When Jesus ascended into heaven, he was "crowned with glory and honor" (Heb. 2:9). This Jesus, whom we believe, lived, died, rose and ascended at distinct points in history. Now he reigns in power.
So it's right to picture Jesus in his glory. But it's also difficult. "Baby" we can envision. "Death on a cross" we can imagine. How can we envision the glory of God?
This is where Revelation comes. The visions given to John are meant to help us imagine what we can't possibly know from our current experience. We need not disbelieve that John actually saw what he described. But it's reasonable to assume that God used visions that could be described to illustrate what could not be described.
Does Jesus really exist in heaven with a sword which comes from his mouth? It's possible. But it's more likely that the vision of Jesus included the sword as a very graphic symbol of Jesus as judge. Does he really wear a long robe and a golden sash? Again, it's possible. But it's more likely that the robe and sash are symbolic of Jesus' role as our high priest. Each aspect of this vision could be a symbolic representation of Jesus (the thundering voice is his authority, his burning eyes are omniscience, etc.).
However, it's important to safeguard Revelation from becoming a mere "this means this" kind of intellectual exercise. God gave John a vision – and told him to record it -- so we could all feel the power of vision.
The opening chapter describes God the Father, who is, who was and who is to come. It also shows us a glorious Lord Jesus who, along with the Spirit, is powerfully and intimately involved with his church on earth.
Can you picture it?
4 comments:
Rev. 1:3
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
Dear Daily Life Readers, we have made it to Revelation together. Now God says that He will bless those who read this prophecy to the church. For me, this speaks of the bloggers who have blessed my life this year and now will go into Revelation in the month of December. I think that they deserve our encouragement. I want to thank them all, starting with "Bethesda". Thank you for encouraging us with these images of Jesus. ChriS
I want to join you, Chris, in saying how much the Holy Spirit has been teaching me as I ponder the Word that is truly LIVING. And also how much I have gained from the bloggers. My thanks to the person who wrote on Revelation 1. An important reminder of how we can approach the visions that God has given. Your explanation of Judge, High Priest, all-seeing-one, etc. is very helpful. You have expanded my understanding of the Glory of God.
I want to agree with those who have written that the blogs have been wonderful all year. I'd just like to encourage them (the designated bloggers) not to miss their appointed time. We need to hear what the passages of Revelation mean. Share the insights God gives you and those you read from commentaries, etc. Just don't leave us hanging without help.
Thanks
boy -- am I glad to hear these comments. It is lonely when there is not much said about what is written and we all wonder if we are talking to ourselves.
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