Today’s Reading, Revelation 1-3
Focal Scripture: Revelation 1:17 “When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last,”
Today is Christmas. It is the day we acknowledge that Christ took on humanity and came to Earth like one of us. He was born, lived life like a baby and experienced growing up just as us. Unfortunately, most people keep Jesus in this form. They like the little baby but reject the suffering servant and the glorious king. The birth was just a part of the over arching mission of the son.
In today’s reading we see Jesus explained by John the Apostle. The Jesus he sees is not the suffering Messiah but the Glorified Christ. He is so overwhelmed that Jesus has to put his hand on him and let him know that he was going to be ok. John needed reassurance that everything was ok after seeing what he did. John is no stranger to Jesus. They are friends and lived life together. However, this version of Christ overwhelms him and drops him to his knees.
So on this Christmas Day how do you view Jesus? Yes, it’s important to remember his birth. It is more important to remember why he was born in the first place. The answer to that question reveals why John saw the glorified Christ in his vision. Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, willingly went to the cross, then became our high priest and sacrifice. He died in our place and has the power forgive all sins to those who trust in him. Then in the third day he rose again and 40 days later ascended to God the Father.
Right now Jesus is glorified in heaven. The next time he comes to Earth he will come as the conquering king. He will no longer have his glory veiled. The world will see him as he truly is and it will be remarkable.
The question I have for you is do you look forward to seeing this version of Jesus. The answer to that question can reveal much about your thinking and theology. It will reveal if you like the innocence of Jesus story. There is nothing wrong with that but we must move beyond that story.
Right now he sits at the right hand of the father. He advocates and defends us against the accuser of the brethren. He is patiently waiting to come get his bride and start the process of defeating sin for all eternity. Jesus has given us power over sin and even taken the penalty of sin. But one day he will deliver us from the presence of sin from the universe.
This is the God we worship. This is the glorified Christ who is worthy of all honor and praise. Let us see Jesus as he is and always has been.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Revelation 4-8
