Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus

Conclusion of In the Lord's Day

"And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth a sharp, long two-edged sword was protruding, and his countenance was as the sun when it shines  in its power. And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet." (Revelation 1:16, 17a)  Jesus himself explains the meaning of the seven stars a little later.  But notice what is coming our of his mouth;  "a sharp two-edged sword."  What a fitting feature!  For Jesus is the one appointed to pronounce Jehovah's final judgments against his enemies.  Decisive utterances from his mouth result in the execution of all wicked ones. -Revelation 19:13, 15.  

Jesus' bright, shining countenance reminds us that Moses' face emitted shining rays after Jehovah had communed with him on Mount Sinai.  (Exodus 34:29, 30)  Remember, too, that when Jesus was transfigured before  three of his apostles 1,900 years ago "his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became  brilliant as the light."  (Matthew 17:2)  Now, in a visionary representation of Jesus during the Lord's day, his face similarly reflects the radiant splendor of one who has been in Jehovah's presence.  (2 Corinthians 3:18)  In fact, the overall impression conveyed by John's vision is that of an effulgence of glory.  From the snow-white hair, the flaming eyes, and the shining countenance down to the glowing feet, it is a superlative vision of the One who now dwells "in the unapproachable light.  (1 Timothy 6:16) The realism of this spectacle is so vivid!  how did the overawed John react?  The apostle tells us:  "And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet." -Revelation 1:17. 

Today, the colorful, detailed description of John's vision fills God's people with heartfelt appreciation. Already, we have passed through more than 70 years of the Lord's day, during which the vision continues to have it thrilling fulfillment. Jesus' Kingdom rule is to us a living, present reality, not a future hope.  Hence it is proper for us as loyal subjects of the Kingdom to look further with wonder at what John describes in this first vision and to listen obediently to the words of the glorified Jesus Christ.

Next time: Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret

From the book of Revelation