Where to begin? This short passage contains small details that cannot go unmentioned. For example,
- The reaction of John to Jesus’ appearance: he fell dead-like before Him in fear. It causes me to wonder how we might react when we see Jesus one day. I’m not sure we can imagine just how incredibly ominous He will be to us on that day. Will we be overjoyed at His appearing or full of fear? I suppose we may feel both.
- John strangely specifies which hand Jesus places on him – his right hand. Maybe it’s nothing, but as you recall from yesterday, the right hand is usually seen as symbolic of power. It is as if Jesus uses His right hand to comfort and assure John of his protection when He says to John, “Do not be afraid.” He is safe under the powerful hand of Jesus.
- He is “the First and the Last.” He is eternal. Similar language is used of God (as opposed to Jesus) in 1:8 where God says of Himself, “I am the Alpha (i.e. first) and the Omega (i.e. last)”. Both of these phrases are later spoken by Jesus to describe Himself in 22:13 where He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” In saying this, Jesus equates Himself with God.
- Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades. The implication is clear: Jesus has authority over death and the place of the dead. Jesus doesn’t merely hold a key; He holds the key. No one else owns a key. There are no copies out there.
- The revelation has three parts: the past (the things he has already seen); the present (the things which are); and the future (the things that will take place after these things). These form the general outline of the revelation. The present will include the messages to the churches in chapters 2-3. The future prophecy begins in chapter 4 (note that after the messages were given, John is told that he will next see “what must take place after these things” – 4:1). It is this threefold division of the revelation that forms the basis for a future prophecy rather than as some believe, a description of what took place in 70AD, namely the destruction of Jerusalem. Note that John’s revelation was probably written closer to 90AD – many years after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Certainly there are many more nuggets to be mined here, but suffice to say, Jesus is Lord and worthy of our attention. When He speaks, may we listen. When we are afraid, may we trust His mighty right hand. When we are worried about the future, may we rest in the hope of Jesus Christ, the keyholder.