Praise to the Living One

“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades’” (Revelation 1:18).

Death seems final, doesn’t it? I wept at my mother’s graveside even though we had known her death was near. Friends and families’ words, “You’ll see her again,” were comforting. But the reality was the casket. The shovel. The dirt.

During our lifetime, we’ll lose someone to death. Jesus’ disciple, John, saw Jesus die. The scourging. The nails. The cross. The sword in His side. The blood and water. The tomb. But then, John saw Him again! Can you imagine what it must have been like for John to not only see the resurrected Christ, but to see the glorified Christ in heaven?

John recorded his experience in Revelation 1. Jesus is glowing! His eyes are brilliant. His appearance is glorious. His voice tumultuous. Jesus had a message for John to take to earth—that He has the keys of death. In other words, you’re not staying in a casket or urn. The one who made Adam out of dirt is regenerating you to your glorified body for heaven.

In light of your eternal destiny, what is your response? Do you live in light of eternity? Do you share the good news with others? Do you put God’s eternal will before your temporal desires?

LIVING ONE, glorious One, even though I can’t see You, I believe in You. Help me love You more each day so my life shows forth Your glory; drawing others to You.

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