Key Verse: “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 has set us free from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5-6 CSB)
Sitting in exile on the island of Patmos, the Apostle John received an incredible vision from God. As John communicated all that he had been revealed to him, he began by anchoring his words in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
He starts by making three important statements about who Jesus Christ is. First, he tells us that Jesus is “the faithful witness.” The word “witness” is linked to martyrdom. It is a reference to Jesus’ earthly ministry and ultimately His work on the cross where Jesus gave up His life on our behalf. Just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus said, “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth” (John 18:37).
John also tells us that Jesus is “the firstborn from the dead.” This is a reference in part to His resurrection. Though He was crucified and killed, by His own power, Jesus was raised from the dead. “As the first to rise from the dead” (Acts 26:23), He conquered death forever and holds that same power for all who trust in Him.
Finally, John tells us that Jesus is “the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Jesus holds the highest place and is sovereign over all. One day “every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10) and acknowledge, what has always been true, that Jesus is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).
John doesn’t just describe who Jesus is though. He also points to what Jesus has done. John writes, “To him who loves us.” This is an incredible statement for us to stop and meditate on. Even in His unfathomable greatness and glory, God loves you and me. The love of God, as revealed to us through Christ Jesus, is not based on our performance. It’s rooted in the very character of God. His love is eternal, unchanging, and amazing.
Because of the great love that God has for us, Jesus Christ has “set us free from our sins by his blood” (v.6). This is the hope of the gospel. Through the blood that Jesus shed for us, we can now experience freedom and forgiveness. God has “rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13). He has made us “priests to his God and Father” (v.6), set apart to serve Him with our very lives.
So what do we do with these awesome truths about Jesus? What is the proper response to gazing at the person and work of Christ on our behalf? The most fitting response is worship. Like John, we can respond by declaring, “To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (v.6).
Take the time today to gaze at the beauty of who Jesus is and all that He has done. Fix your eyes on the One who gave His life for you, who conquered the grave, and who rules over all. Gaze at the One who has set you free from your sins and made you a part of His kingdom. As you do, give Him the praise that is due.
Prayer: Jesus, you are the one who died for me, who triumphed over death, and who rules over all as King and Lord. Thank you for your love for me. Thank you for setting me free from my sins by your blood and calling me to serve you. May my life today be a sacrifice of praise and worship to the One who is worthy. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
