Revelation 1:14-18
14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
“Fear not” is an interesting command because fear isn’t an action like murder or adultery, but a reaction like flinching. To follow that command requires more than just self-control. The person who makes the command has to have a curious combination of strength and care. We can only obey if the one making the command is strong enough to be in control of the situation and yet kind enough for us to obey and relax.
I’m sure it took a minute for John to obey. He had just seen Jesus in His fierce glory, glowing like the sun. That Jesus, who has all strength to handle any situation, laid His world-shaping right hand on John and said, “Fear not”. We have seen His power, now we see His care. Jesus is the beginning and the end, the greatest one, who died for us and rose to rule even over death and sin forever and ever! John, believer, you need never fear again.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, please forgive us for thinking You too small or too uncaring to help in our time of need.