“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17
John was exiled alone on the island of Patmos. Suddenly one day a man appeared to him that looked amazing and powerful. Read the description of Him in verses 12-16. It took him by shock and he fell down as though dead. The person standing before Him was Jesus.
The very first words Jesus speaks to him is to not be afraid and that He is the First and Last.
From Genesis through Revelation, God is constantly telling His people to not be afraid. They are not to be afraid of anything in this world or of God Himself. God is perfect love. It is written that perfect love casts out all fear.
Jesus is the perfect love for every person. He is the perfect one because He is the First and Last. Jesus was there when the heavens and earth were created. He will also be there when the heavens and earth will be destroyed.
The person who has been through something from the beginning and all the way through to the end, is usually the one who is an expert in something. He understands every step of the way. It is that person who you can trust in that type of situation.
Jesus is above every person. He can be trusted more than any other person that ever existed. Since He can be trusted this much, you do not have to be afraid.
Jesus holds absolute power. Power that is greater than any man has ever held or ever will hold. He holds greater power than the nuclear bombs, or the terrorists can show.
You do not need to be afraid of anything. You do not need to fear Him, because Jesus is there to help you, not destroy you as a terrorist would. He is there to build you up and give you everything you need. He does this because He loves you and you see it in the statement to not be afraid.
Are you trusting Jesus today?
What are you afraid of? Give it to Jesus. He is the First and Last and is there for you.
I pray today that you will know the love Jesus has for you; that you will trust the power that Jesus has; that you will not be afraid; that you will know that God is for you and not against you if you follow Jesus; and that God will bring you to heaven some day.
Fantastic insight here, Tom! I never thought about it in that way before. First and Last. He was there when there was nothing else. He will there when it’s all gone. Why SHOULD we ever fear, knowing this? WOW! Thanks for this encouraging, enlightening word!!
To be honest I never really thought of it that way before. It was something I felt God led me to as I wrote this. Afterwards it also hit me on how amazing it was. Thanks for your thoughts on it.
Isn’t it great when he does that? That’s what I love most about blogging. The Lord teaches ME so much through it! I’ve often said I blog mostly for me – because of what God in my life through it. He is so good!
Amen! I agree.