Revelation 1:12-16
When I (John) turned to see who was talking to me, I saw seven golden lampstands (7 churches of Asia). And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man (Jesus). He was wearing a long robe with a gold slash across the chest. His head and hair were white like wool, and white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He had seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth (showing the unhappiness and power of his word). And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. Revelation 1:12-16 (NLT)
The themes in the earlier devotions this week were that God is awesome, The King of glory, Jesus is the Great High Priest and the Mystery of our Religion. Today’s verses put all of that together and add that Jesus was the Son of Man. The Son of Man is not used often in the Bible. We are reminded that he came here to live and live life just as we do. He had friends who loved him, some who betrayed him, friends who challenged him just as we have during all those happenings in our lives. Jesus lived the difficulties of life and was able to understand the lives we live.
In the verses today Jesus is using strong images and strong language attempting to get the attention of the Christians of the seven churches of Asia. They had been drifting away from his message and creating their own versions of the message. He wanted the new Christians to understand they were not to create their own version of the message.
The point I believe God is attempting to get through to us in the Old and New Testament is that God does not make rules to make life difficult for us but by following his wishes we will enjoy the life God has given us and our versions do not work.
Summing it up: God’s wish for us is simple, “Love God and love our neighbor.” That is a very simple concept but as we have learned through the years a very difficult concept to live.
Question for Reflection
- Is it possible that the best way to correct the attitude of others is to correct my own attitude?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Please help us to remember what your Son did for us. Also help us to remember the examples he showed us and, most importantly, help us to live those examples. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen
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