In the spiritual controversy over this world, in which we are all immersed, Jesus, the Prince of Princes, is one of the commanders. At the same time, He is the central figure of Revelation. The Gospel message of the blood of the Lamb permeates the entire book. The message of Revelation is not limited to prophecies, beasts, or symbols, but rather focuses on Jesus while also describing the devil’s ambition to sideline Him.
Satan covets God’s throne and worship for himself. Whom do we worship and serve? This is the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan. In the end, the worshipers of Jesus on earth will eternally worship the One “who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4).
The prophecies of Revelation present the birth of Jesus as a helpless Child whom the enemy seeks to destroy (Revelation 12:4). Later, it portrays Him as the High Priest who intercedes for His children (Revelation 1–3), and finally, it recounts His glorious return to this world (Revelation 19:11–16).
Notice how John describes Jesus: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire” (Revelation 1:14). The apostle cannot find suitable words to describe what he sees; he repeats the expressions “like” and “as” several times: “like wool,” “as snow,” “like a flame of fire.” In the next few verses, he says, “like fine brass” (verse 15), “as the sound of many waters” (verse 15), and “like the sun shining in its strength” (verse 16).
He realizes that human words are inadequate to describe the vision, and John’s first impulse is to worship Him. “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid’ ” (verse 17).
Although catastrophic scenes, dragons, and beasts are described throughout the book, Jesus' wonderful Self is always ready to love, forgive, and save. His purpose is not to instill fear in the hearts of His children but to win their love. “Fear not,” He says.
In narrating his first vision, John says, “I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band” (verses 12, 13). What do these lampstands represent? Jesus Himself answers, “The seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches” (verse 20). This image is eloquent because in the Israelite Sanctuary the priest walked among the lamps daily to ensure that none went out. He provided oil every day so that none would go out.
Today, Jesus walks among His churches so that you may live spiritually and shine in the midst of this dark world. You are not alone in the great controversy. Jesus, the Great Commander, walks and fights by your side.
Isn’t it wonderful? Will you accept Him as your Savior and King?
Names of Jesus
John begins his book by declaring that he is going to write “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). The Lord is described in various ways: as the “faithful witness,” the “firstborn from the dead,” the “ruler over the kings of the earth,” and the one “who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (verse 5), the “Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (verse 8), who has “the keys of Hades and of Death” (verse 18). Jesus is also portrayed as the “Lamb” (Revelation 14:1), the “Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war” (Revelation 19:11), the “Word of God” (verse 13), and the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (verse 16).
Although catastrophic scenes, dragons, and beasts are described throughout the book, Jesus' wonderful Self is always ready to love, forgive, and save.
