In the coming days, we will be exploring the throne room of God in Revelation 4 and 5. To prepare for that, please take a few minutes and read through chapters 1-3, especially if you are unfamiliar with the setting of the Book of Revelation. Go ahead, I’ll wait until you are done. (If you don’t have a bible on hand, go on over to www.biblegateway.com to find the text)
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Great! Now you know that John has been exiled to a prison island called Patmos for his witness for Christ. And you know that the Risen Christ has appeared to him and instructed him to write a book detailing the visions he is about to have. John then plays secretary as the Lord Himself dictates to him seven letters to be sent to the seven Asian churches.
As you read those chapters, take your time and imagine what is happening. Visualize the interaction between John and the Lord. Do you realize this really happened? John really heard a voice behind him, then turned to see the glorified Son of God standing in the midst of seven lampstands. John really saw the eyes of Jesus, burning like fire. His face was like the sun shining in all its strength (see Revelation 1:10-16). Jesus is ablaze with passion for His people and His face is blindingly bright! His very presence is overwhelming, as it caused John to fall like a dead man (see 1:17). (And you know what? If you are a believer, that same Risen Christ is with you and in you right now! Thank You Jesus, that You are with me! Let Your presence be tangible for me today, just like it was for John!)
The description is here for us because we are meant to get a picture of the Lord. He wants us to see Him! This was not just for John. Many of us have asked the Lord for a clear picture of who He is. Many of us have wanted to encounter Jesus. The Word of God is our invitation to encounter Him. We can deliberately purpose to see Him by imagining scenes like this, as recorded in the bible. Do not be afraid to use your imagination! The Lord gave us a mind for a reason. The Holy Spirit will be faithful to guide you and guard you against deception, if you will ask Him for help. Take chapter 1 and think on each verse. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you Jesus, and He will! It may not be very clear at first, but if you will practice this over the coming weeks, months, and years, you will begin to see more and more vividly. Remember...
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
"Father, open my eyes to see Jesus through Your word. I want to know Him better today than I did yesterday, but not as well as I will tomorrow. Change me into Your image as I see You more and more. Amen."
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