Revelation 1-3: The First Facet

Week 2, Saturday: Blown Away!
The weight of the glory of Jesus Christ, bearing down on the Apostle John, knocks our brother and companion right to the ground!

What should the glory of Jesus do in us?

Read Revelation 1

Meditate on Revelation 1.17-20
1.      John goes down, “as dead.” Why? Is he afraid? Should he be? Should we?

2.      Note that Jesus touches John with the same hand that holds the seven stars. Do you attach any significance to this? Why didn’t He touch him with His free hand?

3.      Jesus outlines what is to follow: “things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” Using this as an outline, briefly describe your personal experience of knowing Jesus:

-        “things which you have seen”:

-        “things which are”:

-        “things which will take place after this”:

4.      What do the lampstands and stars represent? How does their positioning in this image of Jesus reinforce the fact that He is Sovereign-Over-All?

5.      Jesus says to John, “Do not be afraid…” Why should John not be afraid? Under what circumstances should he and his brethren and companions (including us) not be afraid?

My Reflection
Do you ever experience the “weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4.17) like this? What is that like? How does it affect you? What keeps you – or any of John’s brothers and companions – from knowing this glory more consistently?

The Glory of God
What do the colors, sounds, and images of this revelation of Jesus Christ suggest about where we might expect to encounter the glory of God other than in Scripture?

Glory to Glory
Jesus said to John, “Write…” What’s He saying to you?

Memorize
Recite your memory verse aloud. Now get down on your knees, bow your head, and let the glory of the Lord “weigh” on you as you recite your verse again. Make a point to share this verse with someone today.

Closing Prayer
The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The LORD is clothed,
He has girded Himself with strength…
Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting…
The LORD on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea.
Your testimonies are very sure;
Holiness adorns Your house,
O LORD, forever.

Psalm 93.1, 2, 4, 5

T. M. Moore

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The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.