WEDNESDAY

Revelation 1:9-18

Sometimes things like anxiety or fear can be tied to specific things we have done or been a part of that we regret. However, there are also times when we can be overwhelmed by the sense of something so huge, awe-inspiring, or even beautiful that we feel somehow diminished in comparison, and those same feelings emerge again. Sometimes a powerful sense of awe simply generates feelings of joy and wonder, but at other times, perhaps because of the impact sin has had on us, we also experience anxiousness and fear. We see echoes of this all throughout Scripture, from the experience of Isaiah in Isaiah 6, to Peter’s response to a truly miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5, to today’s passage. In each case, we assume that, having seen what we have seen and being as f lawed as we are, we don’t belong there. While one can argue that there is a healthy sense of “unworthiness” that we should always feel in the presence of a God who is so completely and overwhelmingly genuinely good (a good kind of “fear” or “awe” that does not carry with it the need to depreciate), it is worth noticing that when these moments in Scripture happen, the response of God seems to be to alleviate, not exacerbate, our fear. As you reflect on John’s response in today’s passage, consider the following:

• What do you think was going on inside of John as he responded to the amazing picture of Jesus he was shown?

• How does Jesus’ response to John give us insights into both what was happening in John’s heart and what the heart of Jesus is like?

• What was it about Jesus’ response that would have been most reassuring to the part of John that was prone to respond in fear?

• In what ways do you identify with the way John responded?

• In what ways do you, or can you, embrace the words of Jesus here as if they are being spoken to you? What speaks to you the most powerfully here?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what you are hearing in this passage.