Here John gives us a glimpse of Jesus after he had risen and ascended to heaven. Words failed John in describing the full scope of what he saw and experienced. What we can understand from these descriptions is that meeting Jesus face to face was not like any other encounter John had ever had. He saw Jesus in the splendor of his divine glory and power. John says that Jesus’ face was “like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” We get the picture. One does not look at a noonday sun without being overwhelmed by its power!

What is surprising about John’s description is where he saw Jesus standing. When John turned to “see the voice,” the first thing he saw was not Jesus. What caught his attention was seven golden lampstands. Later in the story (verse 20), these lampstands are identified as seven churches that John had worked with as a pastor. It was in the context of familiar church communities that John saw Jesus in the fullness of his glory.

Where do we see Jesus today? We will find him in the mix of his church communities in the many villages, towns, and ­cities, of our global landscape. Wherever the church gathers today, there Jesus will be found walking among them.