As I’ve been studying in the book of Revelation and preparing for these Easter messages, the central truth of Christ’s death and resurrection begins to show up in every chapter. For example, in Revelation chapter 1 John sees one ‘like a son of man’, dressed as a priest and walking among seven lampstands:
“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.â€
What a fantastic description – especially a voice like the sound of rushing waters. John responds as every sane person would, in awe and fear: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid.â€
And as Jesus goes on to reassure John, it is on the basis of his death and resurrection: “ I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.â€
“I was dead and now I am alive for ever and ever.†That’s the foundational truth that makes eternity possible. Someday we will all be able to say that. But for now it is only our risen, victorious Lord who can make that paradoxical statement in truth.
