John

December 28

Revelation 1:9-18, 4:1-3

The Glory of the Lord

John wrote this letter to the seven churches in Asia (and to all believers) while he was on the Island of Patmos.

This is what he wrote: “It was Sunday and I was praying and worshiping as the Spirit led me. Suddenly I heard a loud voice behind me saying. ‘I am the First and the Last. Write down what you see and send it to the seven churches.’ When I turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands [churches], and there among them was someone like Jesus—the Son of man. His face was as bright as the midday sun. When I saw Him, I fell down at His feet as though I were dead.’

When John had received a message for each of the seven churches, he looked up, and there before him was a door standing open in heaven. A loud voice said, “Come up here and I will show you what must happen after this.”

At once, John was in the spirit and there, right before him, was a throne with someone sitting on it. The One sitting on the throne gleamed with the beautiful colors of precious stones and there was a green glow like a rainbow around the throne.

Will I be able to look into the face of God?

Imagine looking straight into the sun (don’t ever do this because you will damage your eyes). Think what it would be like to look at a light that is far brighter than the sun.

In the Old Testament we read that God had to shield His face to hide His glory from Moses, otherwise Moses—being sinful—would have died (Exodus 33:22-23). No one can see the face of God and live (John 6:46). Even John, who was not in his body when he saw Jesus, fell down before Him as dead.

In our new (glorified) bodies we will be completely holy because we are made pure by the blood of Jesus. We will join the angels in glorifying the Lord, and we will even be allowed to sit on His throne (Revelation 3:21). Just think of it; one day we will be able to look into our Father’s glorious, loving face (Revelation 22:4).

Verse for today

But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2