Blazing Love: Revelation 1

Revelation 1 contains such an awesome and beautiful description of the glorified Son.  I imagine John's wonder and terror at seeing God this way.  He fell to the ground at the sight, but then this all-powerful Alpha and Omega bent down to gently touch His friend, John.  He reminded John that not only was He very God, but that He was the One whom John had known so intimately, causing John to write words such as those that opened the book of Revelation- "to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood (v. 5)".  Seeing the Lord in His glory and then being reminded by Him of His own sacrifice for sin (v. 18) must have made John, the Beloved Disciple, more aware of the vastness of the Saviour's love for him than he had ever before fathomed.

Adding wonder to wonder, John shared this message and encounter with the Church- that Kingdom of Priests (v. 6)- you and me.  The terrifying, Most Holy, blazing and beautiful Lord of All is coming with His Word as a sword on His lips.  And when He sees His own, He reaches down to assure with His love and atoning righteousness and then, offers a son's share in the Kingdom.  John's heart must have near burst and mine overflows in anticipation and grateful love.

Come Lord Jesus.

"How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You??"

If you are a parent, or even a big sister/brother, aunt/uncle, nanny, or anyone who has cared for children for any period of time, you've probably found yourself repeating yourself over and over and over and over and over again. I remember my Mom saying to us when we were kids, "How many times do I have to tell you...???" I'm sure I've said the same thing to my little brothers and lots of other kids in my care of the years.

I now see that this experience is a tiny glimpse at how God deals with us EVERY DAY. Have you noticed how many times God says, for example, "I am the LORD your God."? It's not because He was using filler words, running out of things to say or likes to hear Himself speak. It's because WE FORGET so quickly. His children have to be told over and over and over and over again. And He patiently reminds us (rather than consuming us! What mercy!)

What I take from this is firstly, a greater awareness of my frailty and constant dependence on my gracious and patient Heavenly Father. And secondly, more patience with the kiddos in my life. They are just starting this journey of learning to listen and obey. May I extend to them and to others what grace has been extended to me.