Revelation 1:16-17

¹⁶ In His right hand He held seven stars, and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday.

·         Stars in prophecy often represent leaders, messages, or angels. Jesus is in control of the Truth. His hands direct it. Jesus controls everything. So Jesus controls the message and the messengers.

·         For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. Colossians 1:16

·         Sword represents the power and authority of the Word of our Father. Heaven and earth will pass away, but our Father’s Word will remain, Mark 13:31.

·         Sun represents the brightest light. Jesus is the life giving force for all.  

·         After reading these verses we can see that Jesus doesn’t really look like any of the paintings that have been made of Him. Jesus is powerful, glorious, and triumphant. He defeated satan at the Cross and He is in total charge. We are His possessions and He never leaves us or forsakes us. Jesus is dominant, pure, and victorious. This is the appearance of the One Who Shepherds us and Who keeps us safe until the day of His return! Nothing is happening in this world that can overtake Jesus, or that is taking Him by surprise. Jesus is in control and He is victorious, and we are eternally in Him!

·         So we are shown that Jesus is in control of everything. We will be shown this Truth all throughout Revelation.

¹⁷ When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last,

·         Jesus brings peace to us. This vision scared the life out of John, but Jesus was right there and gave John peace. John had no idea what was going on, but Jesus was right there with him. Jesus never leaves us or forsakes us. There are many who believe that man does not have the capacity to see our Father as He is right now. They believe that our Father’s glory will burn us up because of sin. But as Jesus told us in verse 5, we are free from sin and here John stands right before all of our Father’s glory and He lived to tell us about it!

·         Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27

·         I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33

·         John appeared to be dead, but Jesus brought him right back up. I think that there is a ton of Truth in this statement and it will hold true to those who appear to be dead, but Jesus will bring them back to life.