Context No. 2803 of 4322 · Revelation

Revelation 1:12-20: in context

12I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. 13And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. 14His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. 16He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. 17When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, 18and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. 19Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter. 20The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.

John turns to see the voice speaking to him and beholds the risen Christ walking among seven golden lampstands. He is robed to the feet with a golden sash, his hair white as snow, his eyes like flame, his feet like glowing bronze, his voice like rushing waters, a sharp sword coming from his mouth, his face like the sun. It is overwhelming, and John falls at his feet like a dead man.

But watch what those terrifying hands do first. Christ lays his right hand on John and says, do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the Living One. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever, and I hold the keys of Death and of Hades. The One who holds the keys of death is the very One who died and rose, and his greatness bends toward comfort rather than crushing. The right hand that grips the seven stars reaches down to steady the man trembling on the ground.

When I meet the greatness of God and feel undone, do I believe his hand reaches toward me with the words, do not be afraid?

Sources

Revelation 1:17: "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last."
Revelation 1:18: "And the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. I have the keys of Death and of Hades."
Isaiah 41:10: "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you."