Three Inspiring Truths
When I [John] 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. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17–18
Despite Roman and Jewish opposition, John and the other apostles obeyed Jesus’s command and planted churches throughout Asia and Europe. Under Roman emperor Titus Flavius Domitian, thousands of Christians were imprisoned and killed.[1]
When Domitian exiled John on the island of Patmos, John was the only apostle still alive. He may have been discouraged by the apostasy in some churches and the persecution devout Christians suffered. He may have thought his many years of ministry had ended.
But one Sunday morning, a loud voice interrupted the elderly apostle’s worship. When he turned, John saw the risen Christ. Overcome by Jesus’s majesty and glory, John fell to the ground.
The King of Kings must have squatted next to John, because Jesus placed his hand on John’s shoulder (Revelation 1:17). He then assigned the beloved apostle a new task: encourage the churches with “what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later” (v. 19).
Jesus gave John several reasons to live in hope, not fear. We, too, need to be reminded of these truths about our Savior. He is the “First and the Last,” the Eternal One (v. 17). Because he is eternal and unchanging, nothing can ever separate us from his love or derail his plans.
Second, Jesus is “the Living One,” who conquered death and made eternal life possible for us (v. 18). His resurrection guarantees our resurrection. Physical death is not the end; it is the beginning of our forever life with God in heaven.
Third, Jesus alone holds “the keys of death and Hades” (v. 18). No matter how powerful evil may seem, Jesus can and will destroy it. By placing our trust in His power, we too can stand firm against evil.
When we grow discouraged about global, national, or personal circumstances, John’s vision of King Jesus can renew our hope. The Living One, the Eternal One, is still in charge, and he will bring justice, peace, and righteousness to the whole world.
The vision God gave John that Sunday morning has encouraged and inspired Christians for hundreds of years. How do its truths inspire you?
Dig Deeper
Read Revelation 1:3. What does God promise to those who read and “take to heart” the words of the book of Revelation? Does that motivate you to read this book? Why?
Read Revelation 1:4–8. What did John say to encourage his readers in these verses? How do his words reflect the truths Jesus spoke in verses 17–18?
Are you feeling discouraged about the state of our world? Read Revelation 19–22 and celebrate the wonderful future God has planned for all those who have accepted his gift of salvation.
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of our “Do Not Be Afraid” series.
[1] “The Second Persecution, Under Domitian, AD 81,” Bible Study Tools, accessed 5 November 2020, https://www.biblestudytools.com/history/foxs-book-of-martyrs/the-second-persecution-under-domitian-a-d-81.html.
Comments
Thankful that He holds the keys to death and Hades
Kathy