A Revelation Invitation

(Bust of Emperor Hadrian, A.D. 117-138, Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence, RI)

…and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:13-16 ESV)

Have you ever been in the presence of a battle-ready U.S. Marine? Or even encountered an on-duty police officer? They are both imposing figures. Everything about their dress, their gear and their bearing speaks to their earnestness and lethality. If they are coming to you to help, you are heartened. If they oppose you, you tremble in fear. The picture of Jesus above is given to convey exactly that effect.

Rome understood this principle too. Temples to the Caesars were erected in cities around the Empire. Shortly after Revelation was written, a temple to Emperor Trajan was erected in Pergamum which carried an inscription declaring him to be “Caesar Trajan, the Lord of the Land and the Sea.” A marble likeness of the emperor stood prominently for all to see. The purpose of the temple and its image was to strengthen the bonds between the local population and Rome and its Imperial family. Together the temple and statue made a propaganda statement asserting who was sovereign over their city and world.

John’s vision of one like a son of man was meant to refute the claims of the Caesars by contrasting the two images. Caesar’s likeness was static. It was cold, hard and silent. Its eyes were soulless. The marble that had been fashioned in his image was outwardly white but at its core was darkness. And no matter its imposing appearance, this image could be toppled.

Jesus, on the other hand, is clothed in the robe and golden sash of a king who exercises all authority whether to condemn or to grant mercy, to take life or to raise the dead. Jesus’ hair white like wool, as white as snow, shows that his reign is good and his cause is holy. Jesus eyes that blaze like a flame of fire show that he can see all things, even the secrets of the heart. Jesus’ feet of burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, show that he can trample anyone who opposes him. He cannot be toppled. He cannot be resisted. Jesus’ voice like the roar of many waters, like the deafening roar of a mighty waterfall, shows that his words are commanding. Speaking in a way that demands action, his words cannot be ignored. Jesus holds in his right hand seven stars. With that hand, he can protect or crush. With the sharp, two-edged sword coming from his mouth, Jesus passes judgment. His words cut to the core confronting all that is evil, even the corruption of the heart. Jesus’ face shines like the noon-day sun. His countenance is that of one who comes from the very presence of God. This image of Jesus reveals him as the imposing figure that he is, more imposing than anyone on earth whether king or general or magistrate. He truly is Lord of the land and sea.

Given a choice to follow a powerful, charismatic leader like Caesar or this one like a son of man, which lord will you serve? Which image will you worship? This picture of Jesus was given to inspire us to remain in him when confronted with these choices. We are not so different from our first-century brothers. We too deal with people who have the power to bless us or harm us. So many people are seduced by politicians promising to deliver peace and prosperity. When we train the eyes of our hearts unwaveringly on this image of one like a son of man, we will see through the deceptions and stand securely with the Lord of the land and sea.

Lord Jesus, I confess my allegiance not to any man, but to you as Lord. Kingdoms and nations rise and fall, but your kingdom is eternal. I recognize that I am weak and powerless, but you are almighty. I admit how easily I can be seduced into believing the empty promises of political leaders. I am confident that in the end, only you will stand victorious. Until then, I trust my prospects to your loving care as you hold me in your right hand. Amen.