Radiance and Glory

This morning I had a meeting with some directors of residential assisted living centers. It was interesting to discover how many there are in our area and the important role they fill in the care of seniors. I hope to be able to assist them with some of their legislative priorities this next session.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like flames of fire.  His feet were like bronze that glows hot in a furnace, and his voice was like the noise of flooding water. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword came out of his mouth. He looked like the sun shining at its brightest time.” Revelation 1:14-16 NCV

The Book of Revelation pulls back the curtain of heaven. We see descriptive words of the glory of the Son and of the throne of God. Revelation is a “prison” letter. Just as Paul wrote to churches from a prison in Rome, John writes to the seven churches of Asia Minor from the prison island of Patmos.

As the vision begins, John sees the glory of the resurrected Christ. It is important to note that He appears “among” the seven candlesticks, which represent the seven churches. Regardless of its condition, deeds that are notable and that which needs to be corrected, Christ is among His church. He has not abandoned His church, He is working through hearts and lives who, have “ears to hear what the spirit has to say.”

As the resurrected Christ appears before John, He appears in glory from head to toe. We see in the image of the white hair, the wisdom of the Lord. We see the “eyes” of fire that search the heart and soul. We see glowing feet of bronze that blaze that form a path of righteousness where ever He goes. The sword of truth comes from His mouth to speak to the heart of every issue. Just as God is light, we see that the Son is clothed in brilliance like the sun.

Jesus as the Son of Man reflected the character and ways of the Father while on the earth, but now we see the Son of God reflect the brilliance of the essence of God in His power and glory.

After John receives the messages to deliver to the seven churches, he then sees the throne room of God Himself, The One who sat on the throne looked like precious stones, like jasper and carnelian. All around the throne was a rainbow the color of an emerald…Lightning flashes and noises and thunder came from the throne. Before the throne seven lamps were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was something that looked like a sea of glass, clear like crystal.”  (Revelation 4:3,5-6 NCV)

During the reign of Solomon, he attempted to build a throne that was awe inspiring and set him apart from the people. There may be glorious thrones on earth, but none that compare to the throne of God. What we see is that God reigns in power, majesty, glory and brilliance.

Another important aspect of heaven is that God is not alone. Heaven is filled with angels around the throne, the seven spirits of God that go throughout the earth, the four “living creatures” and we see the twenty-four elders.

The four living creatures call out in worship before the throne, Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. He was, he is, and he is coming.” (Rev. 4:8 NCV)

The twenty-four elders lay down their crowns and they cry out, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you made all things. Everything existed and was made, because you wanted it.” (Rev. 4:11 NCV)

It is interesting that the first book of the Bible and the last book of the Bible, affirm God as creator and sustainer of all things. God is a God of plan, purpose and destiny. We see that for the world and we can understand that for every individual.

As you review these descriptions of the glory of the risen Christ and God the Father, allow your heart and mind to be lifted in praise and to picture yourself in the awesome presence of our glorious Lord.