Unlocking a Sacred Secret

AWESOME indeed is the vision of the exalted Jesus!  No doubt, if we had been spectators there with the apostle John, we too would have been overcome by that resplendent glory, prostrating ourselves  as he did.  (Revelation 1:10-17) This is superlative inspired vision has been preserved to stimulate us to action today.  Like John, we should show humble appreciation for all that the vision means.  May we always have reverential respect for Jesus' position as enthroned King, High Priest, and judge. - PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11.

"The First and the Last"

Nevertheless, our awe need not give way to morbid fear.  Jesus reassured John, as the apostle next relates:  "And  he laid his right hand upon me and said:  'Do not be fearful.  I am the First and the Last, and the living one."  (Revelation 1:17b,18a)   In Isaiah 44:6, Jehovah rightly describes his own position as the one and only almighty God, saying:  "I am the first and I am the last, and besides me  there is no God."  When Jesus presents himself by the title "the First and the Last,"  he is not claiming equality with Jehovah, the Grand Creator.  He is using a title properly bestowed upon him  by God.  In Isaiah, Jehovah was making a statement about His unique position as the true God. He is God eternal, and besides him there is indeed no God.  (1 Timothy 1:17) In Revelation, Jesus is talking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection. 

Jesus was indeed "the First" human to be so resurrected to immoral spirit life.  (Colossians  1:18) Moreover, he is "the Last" to be so resurrected by Jehovah personally.  Thus, he becomes  "the living one . . . living forever and ever." He enjoys immorality.  In this, he is like his immortal Father, who is called "the living God." (Revelation 7:2; Palm 42:2)  For all others of humanity Jesus himself is "the resurrection and the life."  In harmony with this, he says to John:  "I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades."  (Revelation 1:18b)  Jehovah had given him the authority to resurrect the dead.  That is why  Jesus can say that he has the keys to unlock the gates for those bound by death and Hades (gravedom). - Compare Matthew 16:18.

Jesus here repeats his command to record the vision, telling John:  "Write down the things you sawm and the things that are and the things that will take place after these." (Revelation 1:19)  What exciting things will John yet make known for our instruction?

Next time:  Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Stars and the Lampstands

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