Remembering the character of God and the wonderful things he has done moves us to praise and thank our great God for who he is and what he has done. This series of devotions have been written by Sarah Condie to encourage you to ponder the loving deeds of the Lord, so that songs of joy and thankfulness bubble forth from within you. Some devotions will focus on small but significant habits, while others will focus on the character of God.
At the end of each devotion and prayer, Sarah has provided a link to a song. Everyone’s taste in music is unique, so please, if you don’t like her choices, choose songs that you love.
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
Revelation 1:12-17
Reflection
The apostle John knew Jesus deeply and personally. He’d spent days in his company, following him around, listening to his teaching. He’d been there at his crucifixion; he’d met the resurrected Jesus and even touched him before he was taken up into heaven.
And now he was imprisoned on the Island of Patmos. While there, he had a vision of the risen Lord Jesus. His response was to fall at his feet as though dead, overcome with awe and wonder.
John sees the King above all kings, the Ruler of the kings on earth. The Alpha and the Omega. The Almighty. What he sees is bedazzling and brilliant. This is a picture of Jesus sitting at God’s right hand, enthroned in a glory far beyond our comprehension, far beyond the capacity of words to capture this majesty, splendour, and brilliance.
The majestic king of the universe. The one who is so glorious, so ‘other’, so terrifying in his magnificence.
But what does this majestic figure do? With tenderness and love, he reaches down his right hand and touches John.
And what does he say? Words of comfort: I am with you. Fear not. You may be isolated and alone, but I am with you.
And Jesus reminds John of who is standing before him: I am. Yahweh.
I am the First and the Last.
I am the Living One.
I am alive for ever.
This Living Lord Jesus is holding John firm and fast.
And this living Lord Jesus is holding you firm and holding you fast.
Readers, turn your eyes to this vision of Jesus and soak up this picture. He is powerful and present. Look in his face. Feel his hand on you. He is with you.
Prayer
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
And yet, you are with me. Thank you that your eyes see me, your ears hear my voice. Thank you that no matter what happens around me, you will hold me firm and fast. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Song: He will hold me fast – Shane & Shane
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7pNxEb3ruTJqItiJKwKDlI?si=86d4a334dda94d84
YouTube: https://youtu.be/nkRiOMJNuTU
This series of devotions was written for and first published by The Bible Society Australia.
