Reading Revelation 1:9-20
- Thad DeBuhr
- May 8
- 5 min read
Updated: May 9
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Now, let's dive into a passage that might just make your jaw drop – Revelation 1:9-20. Buckle up!
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Reading Revelation 1:9-20: The Curtain BETWEEN HEAVEN & EARTH IS LIFTED AND WE SEE JESUS
Setting the Scene:
Imagine the Apostle John, not basking on a sunny beach sipping a piña colada, but exiled on the rugged island of Patmos. This wasn't a vacation; it was punishment for his unwavering testimony about Jesus. For some, Jesus might seem like a distant figure from a bygone era, a character in an old storybook. But for John, and for many today, Jesus is intensely real, someone with whom we can have a deeply personal and loving relationship.
However, John’s vision here serves as a potent reminder: while intimacy with Jesus is vital, we must never domesticate him into a mere feel-good buddy. The Jesus that John encounters is not a cozy, cuddly figure. Instead, the sheer power and glory of Christ are so overwhelming that John falls at his feet as if dead. This echoes other powerful encounters with the divine in Scripture, like Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 1:28 or Daniel's experience in Daniel 10:7-9. The presence of true holiness often evokes awe and humility, not casual familiarity.
John’s description of this vision is, well, dreamlike. He hears a voice like a trumpet and turns to see the voice. This isn't a logical error; it’s a powerful image. This Jesus is the Word, the very voice of God through whom creation itself came into being (John 1:1-3). And the words that proceed from Jesus' mouth are described as a sharp, double-edged sword, a vivid image drawn from Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Isaiah 11:4 speaks of the coming King striking down the wicked with the breath of his lips, and Isaiah 49:2 describes the Servant of the Lord’s mouth as a sharp sword. This imagery highlights the power and piercing truth of Jesus' words.
The vision continues with Jesus standing among seven golden lampstands, holding seven stars in his right hand. These lampstands represent the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 1:11, which symbolize all churches throughout history and across the globe. The seven stars are the angels or messengers of these churches, held securely in Jesus' powerful hand. This paints a picture of Christ's active presence and sovereign care for his people, even amidst suffering and challenging times under harsh Roman rule.
John’s writing here isn't meant to be a literal, step-by-step account. It's impressionistic, appealing to our imagination. It's like the curtain between heaven and earth is briefly lifted, revealing a Jesus who has always been present but whom we often fail to truly see in his magnificent reality. This is a Jesus who is both breathtakingly powerful and deeply compassionate, the very image of God the Father, and the one who speaks words that illuminate the present and warn about the future.
Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss
Have you ever felt the tension between the intimate, personal relationship we're encouraged to have with Jesus and the overwhelming power and majesty described in passages like this? How do you reconcile these two aspects of his character?
John "turned to see the voice." What does this unusual description tell us about the nature of Jesus as the Word of God? How might this impact the way we listen to and engage with Scripture?
The image of Jesus holding the angels (or messengers) of the churches in his right hand is one of comfort and authority. How does this image encourage you in your own faith and in your understanding of Jesus' care for the global church?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
Share a time when you encountered the presence of God in a way that moved you deeply. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's character and your relationship with him?
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Modern-Day Application:
How might a modern-day Christian apply the principles found in Revelation 1:9-20?
Firstly, it calls us to a profound reverence for Jesus. While personal intimacy is crucial, we must never lose sight of his divine power and authority. This means approaching him with humility and awe, recognizing the immense sacrifice he made and the ultimate authority he holds.
Secondly, the passage emphasizes Jesus' active presence and care for his church. In our often-chaotic world, it's comforting to know that Jesus is standing among his people, holding them securely. This encourages us to trust in his leadership and to find strength in the community of believers.
Finally, the powerful imagery reminds us that Jesus' words are not just suggestions; they are a sharp, double-edged sword capable of piercing through deception and revealing truth. We should approach Scripture with a willingness to be challenged and transformed by its message.
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Which image do you resonate with? Let us know in the comments.
Speaking of comments... we would love to hear your thoughts about reading Revelation in the comments below!
Such a good reminder of the balance of intimacy and awe in our relationship with Jesus