John tells us what happened to him when he saw Jesus.
First of all, John did see Him in this vision given to him by God.
Secondly, John fell down as dead. He was so impacted by what he saw, it was like it took the life out of him, and he lay at the feet of Jesus like a dead person.
Thirdly, at this point, Jesus took and laid His right hand upon John, and spoke to him in the following way. "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
It is interesting and encouraging to me, to hear these words, "Do not be afraid" It seems that this is one of God's most commonly made statements to His people, through both the Old and the New testaments. And, it would seem that the reason for his repeated statement by God, is that His people were afraid. They were in some situation that brought fear into their lives. Fear can render a person paralyzed as it were. It can make them unable to move about in life as they ought to and would like to.
And, it's also interesting to see the reason behind this statement by the Lord to John. It was Christ's own declaration of who He is, and who He was, and who He will be. It's what He is. He is God, and as God He is eternal. He was here long before any situation that has come about and is upon someone. And, He will be here long after that situation is a thing of the forgotten past.
He is God. I am alive He says to John, and to you and me. I'm eternal, I'm here, I'm the giver of life. In fact, beyond those truths, here is something else. I am the Lord of Lords I hold the keys of Hades and of Death. Hades is a place of punishment for those who choose to reject God's love and grace.
And, death, is that reality of separation from God. It's the separation that Christ came to remove.
He is the bridge between sinful man, and Holy God. He is the door, He is the way, He is the truth, He is the life. No man can come to the Father but by and through Him
Anyone can receive Him, and if they do, He will make them a child of God.
Well, more tomorrow.
May God's blessings be upon you today
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
