Revelation Chapter 1 (#2) : Do Not Be Afraid
Revelation Chapter 1 (2) <Do Not Be Afraid>
17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
18. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
◇ John describes the circumstances surrounding his receiving of this revelation. He explains that he finds himself in the same situation as those who would read this letter. His reason for being on the island of Patmos demonstrates that he shares the same circumstances as his readers. Those who would read this letter are people living for the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed, enduring tribulation and persevering with patience. John too is suffering tribulation, exiled to Patmos because of the word of God and his testimony about Jesus.
Then, on a certain Lord's Day, moved by the Spirit, he hears the voice of Jesus. When he turns around after hearing the voice, he sees seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands stands the Son of Man. John describes the Son of Man's appearance: clothed in a long robe, with hair white like wool, eyes like blazing fire, feet like burnished bronze, a voice like the sound of rushing waters, a sharp double-edged sword coming from his mouth, and a face shining like the sun in all its brilliance.
While these descriptions of the Son of Man may seem mysterious to us, they would have been easily accessible expressions for readers of that time. They would have been similar to descriptions of great figures that appeared in stories they commonly heard.
These descriptions of the Son of Man are not unique to John. They are expressions found in Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Hebrews, and other scriptures. Though these expressions seem foreign and unfamiliar to us in the 21st century, they were familiar expressions to readers of that time.
John conveys Jesus' words to his readers: "Do not be afraid." This is a message of comfort, encouragement, and hope for Christians in the midst of tribulation. The message from Jesus, who died on the cross and rose again: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I hold the keys of heaven and hell, so do not be afraid—persevere just a little longer."
Jesus is proclaiming that He is present among the suffering Christians. The seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches (verse 20). The Son of Man, Jesus, stands among them, with them (verse 13). Jesus is always with those who believe in and follow Him.
We become captivated by the mysterious symbols. We wonder: What do these symbols really mean? Did the Son of Man truly appear to John in this form? Will He appear to us this way?
In truth, what John wants to convey is not the appearance of the Son of Man, but the fact that the Son of Man stands among those lampstands. He is present among the Christians who are in suffering. This is why He proclaims courage and hope, telling them not to be afraid.
♧ Good and righteous God, thank You for always being among us. Thank You, Lord, for being with us in times of joy and times of sorrow. Holy Spirit, make us strong and bold. Amen.