Read Revelation 1:9–20
Why should we obey Jesus? We saw yesterday how living by the teachings of Revelation brings blessing, but are there other reasons to obey besides what we can get out of it? Of course there are, and we see one of those reasons in this passage: the incomparable beauty and worth of Jesus, both who He is and what He has done. Sandwiched between Jesus’ command to John in verse 11 and its repetition in verse 19, there is a vivid description of Jesus and a declaration of His work. It seems like the purpose of this interlude is to remind John—and you, the reader—of the credentials of the One commanding him to write. This is not an optional, unimportant suggestion from a mid-level manager. The command to write is a critical command that has an essential purpose for the people who will read these writings, both the original audience and us today.
While the overall force of this descriptive interlude is to inspire overwhelming awe at the person and work of Jesus, we can also consider its constituent parts individually. Much of the imagery of verses 12–16 draws on imagery from the Old Testament, particularly Daniel 7 and 10. If you can, take the time today to read those chapters. You will see not only the closeness to today’s passage but to other parts of Revelation as well. The most relevant part for our passage is Daniel 10:5–6:
“I looked up, and there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.”
See how closely this resembles verses 13–16? The robe, the golden sash, eyes aflame, bronze feet, a roaring voice, and a shining face? The force of all these images leaves us in awe of a perfect, all-powerful priest, king, and judge who has conquered death and Hell. This is the One who commanded John to write, and we would do well to obey His commands.
