The living one
Today's focusJohn, a companion in tribulation on Patmos, sees the risen Son of man among the lampstands; when he falls as dead, Jesus lays his right hand on him and says, 'Fear not; I am the first and the last ... I am alive for evermore.'
Read
9I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Reflection
John writes to you as a "brother, and companion in tribulation." Even while he was confined to the isle of Patmos for his faith, he was not alone. In the midst of his struggle, he saw a vision of the "Son of man" standing among seven golden candlesticks. This glorious figure, with eyes "as a flame of fire" and a voice like "the sound of many waters," is not distant or detached. He is present right where His people are gathered, holding the "seven stars" in His right hand.
When John saw this overwhelming sight, he fell at his feet as dead. Perhaps you also feel overwhelmed by the trials of life or the majesty of God. Yet, the response of Jesus is one of profound tenderness. He laid his right hand on John and said, "Fear not." He identifies himself as "the first and the last" and the one who is "alive for evermore." Because He has the "keys of hell and of death," you can find peace in His presence. The living one who was dead is now alive to sustain you through every trial.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What fear in your life needs to hear Jesus say, 'Fear not; I am he that liveth'?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you were dead and you are alive for evermore, and you hold the keys of death. Lay your hand on me when I am afraid. Help me to see you as you truly are.