He was terrified the first time it happened, and this second time, John collapsed to the ground as though he had died. Had we been witness to what he saw, we probably would have responded the same way.
When the Apostle John looked at the face of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, it “shone like the sun” (see Matthew 17:2). In Revelation chapter one, he describes his second encounter with the glorified Christ this way: “His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” Other features of our Lord’s appearance included, “…his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters.”
The picture of Jesus presented throughout Revelation is much more majestic and overpowering and cosmic than what we see portrayed throughout the gospels. Surprisingly confronted by such a memorable personage, I’m sure we too would fall prostrate before Him.
In my mind, this is the most important feature to note in Revelation chapter one. This new presentation of Jesus is markedly different than the way Christians normally picture Him. This change of appearance should have a bearing on how we hear what Jesus says. He is now the Ruling Lord of the Universe whose word cannot be questioned. When He speaks, everyone needs to take careful note of what He says. This fact is underscored early on in the text as readers are encouraged to “take to heart” what is revealed (Rev. 1:3).
Keep this picture of Christ in all His power and glory in mind as you study Revelation. What John has been asked to reveal is a message from none other than the reigning Lord of the Universe.
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