Son of Man!

For Friday, August 23, 2024:

Revelation 1:17b-18 NLT, the risen Jesus speaking: “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”

John had been found guilty of preaching the word of God and testifying about Jesus. Consequently, the Romans exiled him to the island of Patmos, to separate John from the general population. The Romans expected John to be “over,” done, finished forever. They never expected Jesus to show up!

The Son of Man stood in the middle of seven lampstands, wearing a long robe with a gold sash. His head and hair were white like snow, and his eyes looked like they were on fire! Feet of bronze completed the ensemble. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. His face was bright like the sun, and his voice thundered over the scene: “Write in a book everything you see!” John did just as instructed, so now we have the Book of Revelation.

When a heavenly being appears to a human, his first words always seem to be, “Be not afraid.” Apparently, an encounter with a heavenly resident is awesome-scary! Jesus said he would live forever, and voilà – here he is! Jesus was resurrected first so that believers could follow in his footsteps. He went ahead to prepare our place in eternity.

Jesus conquered sin and death in the same event. The result is a free gift to all of us who believe!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship