"Do not be afraid…I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hell." - Revelation 1:17-18
“Death is a black camel which kneels beside every man’s gate.” This is a saying from the eastern world where a camel (death) kneels to take its rider forever from this world. In our culture death is known as the grim reaper and he ultimately will knock at every door. Often it seems that mankind is haunted and hounded by a fear of death with a feeling of being consistently stalked by this dreaded enemy. I assure you that the horrors of Hell and the glories of Heaven can neither be exaggerated nor understated. Our human vocabulary- human speech is utterly incapable to conveying the awful state of being separated from God or the radiant joy of the saved.
The New Testament is a book all about life…spiritual life, abundant life, and eternal life. It realistically confronts death head on, and does it through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ.
The last and final book of the Bible is called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is the only book in the Bible that portrays Jesus as He truly is. The Gospels present Jesus in His humble humanity and earthly ministry, climaxing with His resurrection and ascension. But the book of Revelation takes up were the Gospels leave off and shows us the glorified Christ, the Christ of heavenly majesty, the victorious Christ enthroned in heaven, who will mightily return to earth and set up His eternal kingdom. The book of Revelation is the book that pulls back the veil to reveal Christ….the King of Glory. It’s a rare thing when the veil that blinds our natural minds from God’s word is lifted, which enables us to grasp a glimpse into the “Great Beyond”, and when we do we should be deeply grateful and should treat such revelation with care and reverence.
In the opening chapter, John records the awesome vision given to him by Christ (vv.13-16). John was struck down by the dazzling splendor of this vision. Then the hand that held the stars in their courses was placed on the head of John in comfort and assuring words were spoken, “Do not be afraid…I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hell” (vv.17-18)
What great assurance for all Christians of all ages. Christ is alive! And He alone holds the keys to the gates of death and hell.
Maybe, the gates of death have opened up to admit someone that you love…a parent, brother or sister, or a friend? Jesus was there with the keys of death. He has the key to every grave in every quite country graveyard and every crowded city cemetery. His own mighty resurrection and power are the keys that unlock that gates and call the imprisoned body to arise to newness of life, in likeness of His own. He is the Living One and because He lives, so shall we also live! Our most important business on earth is to make certain that we joint that countless multitude that unites in the song of the Lamb.
Has the Lord called any of your loved ones home to heaven? How has the Lord helped you to deal with this? What advice would you offer to someone going through the loss of a loved one?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Living One, help me to live in the victory that You won over death and Hell. I trust in Your promises that when the You call me home I will find a safe lodging, and be forever blessed in your presence."
(Note: This is not my work. This is the Passion Pursuit. I am simply making it available to any reader as well.)
“Death is a black camel which kneels beside every man’s gate.” This is a saying from the eastern world where a camel (death) kneels to take its rider forever from this world. In our culture death is known as the grim reaper and he ultimately will knock at every door. Often it seems that mankind is haunted and hounded by a fear of death with a feeling of being consistently stalked by this dreaded enemy. I assure you that the horrors of Hell and the glories of Heaven can neither be exaggerated nor understated. Our human vocabulary- human speech is utterly incapable to conveying the awful state of being separated from God or the radiant joy of the saved.
The New Testament is a book all about life…spiritual life, abundant life, and eternal life. It realistically confronts death head on, and does it through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ.
The last and final book of the Bible is called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is the only book in the Bible that portrays Jesus as He truly is. The Gospels present Jesus in His humble humanity and earthly ministry, climaxing with His resurrection and ascension. But the book of Revelation takes up were the Gospels leave off and shows us the glorified Christ, the Christ of heavenly majesty, the victorious Christ enthroned in heaven, who will mightily return to earth and set up His eternal kingdom. The book of Revelation is the book that pulls back the veil to reveal Christ….the King of Glory. It’s a rare thing when the veil that blinds our natural minds from God’s word is lifted, which enables us to grasp a glimpse into the “Great Beyond”, and when we do we should be deeply grateful and should treat such revelation with care and reverence.
In the opening chapter, John records the awesome vision given to him by Christ (vv.13-16). John was struck down by the dazzling splendor of this vision. Then the hand that held the stars in their courses was placed on the head of John in comfort and assuring words were spoken, “Do not be afraid…I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hell” (vv.17-18)
What great assurance for all Christians of all ages. Christ is alive! And He alone holds the keys to the gates of death and hell.
Maybe, the gates of death have opened up to admit someone that you love…a parent, brother or sister, or a friend? Jesus was there with the keys of death. He has the key to every grave in every quite country graveyard and every crowded city cemetery. His own mighty resurrection and power are the keys that unlock that gates and call the imprisoned body to arise to newness of life, in likeness of His own. He is the Living One and because He lives, so shall we also live! Our most important business on earth is to make certain that we joint that countless multitude that unites in the song of the Lamb.
Has the Lord called any of your loved ones home to heaven? How has the Lord helped you to deal with this? What advice would you offer to someone going through the loss of a loved one?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Living One, help me to live in the victory that You won over death and Hell. I trust in Your promises that when the You call me home I will find a safe lodging, and be forever blessed in your presence."
(Note: This is not my work. This is the Passion Pursuit. I am simply making it available to any reader as well.)
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