SCRIPTURE
"John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-and he has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father-to Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 1:4-6)
OBSERVATION
John's picture of Jesus is a far cry from the typical images we see represented in art and film. He's a meek, mild-mannered, guy in a robe whose hair is never out of place speaking with some sort of King James-American-Middle Eastern accent. John's vision some 50-60 years after Jesus ascended back to heaven is one of a King who has a kingdom. Those who have been released from their sins by his blood are part of the kingdom. It's not a temporary state. His dominion will last forever and ever. He is eternal, "is, was, and is to come."
APPLICATION
Every once-in-a-while, actually more often than not, I need to be reminded of the real Jesus." Yes, He was compassionated, forgiving, and merciful, but he was not a wimp. He's in heaven, right now, seated at the right hand of God, the place of power and authority. I'm part of an eternal kingdom even as I walk on this earth. No matter how crazy life can get "down here" the kingdom I belong to is forever. Even the kings of the earth are ruled by Jesus. The amazing thing is that He loves us. "Loves" is present tense, in the here and now.
PRAYER
Lord, thanks for the reminder of the awesomeness and power of Jesus. Like John, I want my life to be a response of "wow!" This is true worship. Amen.
