Some things you can’t unsee
by Greg Fowler
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Among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe … The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire (Revelation 1:13,14).
Read Revelation 1:9–20
When we hear that isolation and loneliness are more prevalent today despite the capacity to be connected 24/7, we are not surprised. In the first century, the Apostle John was physically exiled on the island of Patmos, but anyone can be exiled today, even in the midst of a crowd.
It is into this context of isolation that John received a vision that would forever shape the church’s understanding of our Lord. He turned to see a voice and beheld the glorified Jesus, not as the humble carpenter of Galilee, but as the cosmic king and eternal priest.
The imagery is overwhelming: eyes like blazing fire, feet like glowing bronze and a voice like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand are seven stars, and from his mouth comes a sharp, double-edged sword. His face shines like the sun in all its brilliance.
This is not a portrait meant to terrify us but to fortify our faith. When our own circumstances feel like a Patmos – marked by suffering, loneliness or confusion – this vision recalibrates our perspective. The one we follow is not distant or detached. He is among the lampstands (the churches), intimately present with his people. He holds the messengers of the churches (the stars) in his powerful, sovereign hand.
When we feel that no-one knows us at all or understands our situation, his fiery eyes see through all pretence, knowing our struggles and our hearts completely. This is the same Jesus who walks with us, yet he is the ‘First and the Last’, who conquered death and holds the keys to eternal life.
When our faith feels small, we are called to look up and see our great High King. Our trust is not in a mere historical figure, but in the sovereign Lord of the universe, who is both majestic enough to rule and near enough to hold us fast. He is in our midst for blessing and life.
Lord Jesus, when my vision grows small and my faith weak, remind me of your glory. Help me to see you as John saw you and experience your love as John did. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
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