“I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!”

— Revelation 1:18

The apostle John may well have been the last surviving apostle when he was exiled to the island of Patmos. He was sent there to live as a prisoner because he had been preaching “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Though all the doors on earth were now closed to John, the Lord opened a door in heaven for him. John received a series of amazing visions of the glorified Christ, whose hair was “as white as snow” and whose face was “like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”

Jesus’ eyes were “like blazing fire” and his feet were “like bronze glowing in a furnace.” His voice was “like the sound of rushing waters,” and out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. The apostle fell at the Lord’s feet as though he was dead, but he heard, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!”

The conquering Christ is the Lamb who was slain but rose again. He triumphed over death in his resurrection. The victorious Lamb sits on the throne of the universe and rules the heavens and the earth.

God, just as your Word teaches us about Jesus’ suffering, it shows us his resounding victory that came through his resurrection. Christ is alive! Alleluia! In his name we pray. Amen.