The Unveiling Part III

Revelation, a letter meant to bring hope to persecuted Christians, uses vivid images, laden with symbolism, to convey the message that God is in control. A daunting task in a world where the Christian God seemed anything but in control. 

Many wondered: Was Jesus alive? Was God and not Caesar, really in control? Revelation shouts an emphatic "YES!" to both. The author, named John, writes: 

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come...and Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 1.4-5

John challenges what Pausanias writes, "Zeus was, Zeus is, Zeus will be." 

John then tells us he was in prison "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" when he heard a "voice like a trumpet" urging him to write down all he sees and pass the message on. 1.9-11

He continues:

on turning I saw one like a son of man (a human)...his eyes were like a flame of fire...and his voice was like the sound of many waters. 1.12-15

The imagery is stunning and then John illustrates the true grandeur of what he sees:

In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force! 1.16

John sees Jesus, not the Jewish peasant, but the transcendent ruler of the cosmos,  who holds the stars in his hand and whose face is as bright as the noon day sun. Who was killed, but is now alive and controls all things. 1.17-8

The sword, his only weapon, represents the word of God (Is 49.2) and illustrates the power of "testimony" - that words and the ideas behind them, are mightier than any weapon.

This image of Christ was so important to the early Christians, for it helped them remain faithful to the proclamation that Jesus is Lord.

As we read the letter of Revelation, questions about what competes for our allegiance become paramount.

Do we cave to societal pressure and engage in activities that are contrary to the fundamental tenants of our faith: Loving God, and loving people, even our enemies? Of treating all humans as the divine image bearers they are? Do we fight for justice and liberation from both societal as well as individual evils?

These are the ideas behind the claim that Jesus is Lord and Revelation asks us, "How far are you willing to go for this proclamation?"