Posts Tagged ‘alive forever’
Scripture reading for December 24th: Revelation 1-3
Revelation is a prophetic record written down by the Apostle John while in exile on the Isle of Patmos, a Roman prison colony on a rocky island in the Aegean Sea. John had been imprisoned there for preaching the Gospel. He was very likely around 90 years of age at that time. This book is a written record of visions John received that were to be given to the churches he oversaw. They are also recorded for us to give us hope and encouragement about our victory in Christ over death, hell, and the forces of Satan and his earthly minions.
First of all, this book is a revelation of Jesus Christ! John was worshiping on the Lord’s day evidently meditating on the second coming of Christ. “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. ” I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:7-8) As John recited these truths about Jesus in worship, a voice from behind him spoke. This voice told him to write on a scroll what he would see and send in to the seven churches mentioned there by name.
John turned to see who the voice was and he saw seven golden lamp stands and standing among them was one who was like “a son of man.” (Revelation 1:12-13) John described this person who was clothed in glory, holding seven stars in His right hand, and whose face shone like the sun shining in all it’s brilliance. As he saw Him, he fell down as dead. We would describe this as “slain in the Spirit”, simply overcome with the glory and majesty of God!
“Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18) Jesus Christ is alive and He also holds the keys of death and Hades. The victory is won! He holds the angels (pastors?) of the churches in His hand and walks among these churches! He wants them to know these truths!
Dear Friends,
Greetings on this Resurrection morning! Christ the Lord is risen indeed! We are so blessed to have a living Savior who ever lives and promises to come back and take us to Himself! The grave could not hold Him and Satan was stripped by Him of the keys of death and hell! The curtain was torn from top to bottom and all who believe on Jesus Christ have access into the throne room of God where Jesus is seated at the Father’s right hand.
Jesus Christ is the King of Peace! Like Solomon of old, He is a the wisest King who ever lived. His manifold wisdom was displayed at the cross where He offered Himself to make peace with God the Father for our sins. Isaiah named Him the Wonderful Counselor, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) We now have peace with God through Jesus Christ!
Jesus Christ is the King of Love! Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jesus Christ laid His life down for us, His friends! His love provided what we really needed to give us eternal life! His love was demonstrated in perfect obedience to the Father. His love reaches out to the whole world of lost humanity and draws each person who will respond to saving faith!
Jesus Christ is the King of Kings! There have been many kings over the ages. Scripture records many kings of Israel and Judah. All of them died; some were great and others were evil. Jesus Christ is the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God! He was and is perfectly righteous and holy. He is alive forever and ruling with justice and mercy. His throne endures forever and His rule will cover all time, space, and matter and every creature that He created!
May the King of Kings grant you His peace and love as you rest in Him this resurrection day!
In His Love, Pastor John