"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire" (Revelation 1:4).
John tells us that he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” when Jesus appeared to him (Revelation 1:10). The phrase “in the Spirit” reminds us of Ezekiel 1 and other passages in the Bible when God’s Spirit came upon men to make them prophets in a special sense. The Lord’s Day is a reference to Sunday, the day when God’s people meet together with Him. The fact that this day is called the Day of the Lord indicates that each Lord’s Day is a day of judgment and blessing. In line with this, John will see all kinds of “Day of the Lord” events take place on this particular Lord’s Day.
John hears a voice like a trumpet behind him. In the Law, trumpets were used to call the people together (Numbers 10). The first manifestation of the assembling trumpet was God’s own trumpet call when He came to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). Just as God trumpeted His word at Sinai, so Jesus now trumpets His message to the seven churches.
John turned to look at Jesus and saw Him among seven golden lampstands, representing the seven churches. Jesus looked “like a son of man,” a phrase used in Ezekiel to designate God’s anointed prophet, and used later on in Daniel 7 to indicate the Messiah to come. Here the “son of man” is dressed somewhat like the high priest of Israel, and like the priest He is tending the lamps, making sure they burn brightly.
Jesus is here described in language used for the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7. It indicates that He has grown up and become like the Ancient of Days, a ruler. The New Adam has finished His work, and has sat down next to the God the Father as Judge. His white hair indicates that He has become an elder and a judge. His burning eyes see everything and evaluate everything. His feet of bronze are powerful to trample down His enemies. His voice, like rushing waters, is a sound both beautiful and immense. In His right hand He holds the seven stars, the seven chief elders of the seven churches, protecting them from harm. Out of His mouth comes the double-edged sword of the Word of God, which is preached to all men, and which kills and resurrects the saints of God. John fell as if dead, but the double-edged sword voice spoke and raised him up.
There is nothing sugary about the revelation of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1. This is not a meek, gentle Jesus; He is terrifying and amazing. When John saw Him, he fell as if dead. Is this sense of true fear and awe lacking in your life? The Lord’s Day is our Day of the Lord.
