The Son of Man Vision (pt 2)
The Son of Man Vision – Part 2
I will explain each aspect of John’s vision of the Son of Man. Read Part 1 for more information.
John goes on to describe Jesus’ hair as white like wool. This is not a sign of age but a sign of purity. Isaiah 1:18 prophecies to this saying, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Jesus’ eyes were like blazing fire and his feet were like brass. Fire is generally associated with judgement. His eyes displayed the sentence which was to come, and his feet showed how He Himself had been through the fires of judgment and had come forth purified and refined.1 His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. A powerful waterfall can be heard from a great distance and Jesus was making sure His voice would be heard by all.
John then states in Jesus’ hand were seven stars. These stars are explained just a few verses later as representing the angels of the seven churches and He was demonstrating how they were under His control. These were not literal angels but ministers, pastors, and those who hold authority in the local churches.2 Coming out of Jesus’ mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. The sword of His mouth is one of the most powerful symbols in this vision. The voice of Jesus created the world, calmed storms, and stilled waves; it is capable of creating and destroying.3 His Word is a weapon which will be used to defeat Satan, the same weapon He called His followers to use in Ephesians 6:17. Lastly, John described Jesus’ face as shining like the sun in all its brilliance. The glory of Jesus is so magnificent it was difficult to gaze upon Him. Every part of this description speaks of Jesus’ strength, majesty, authority, and righteousness.4
John saw Jesus in all His glory and became so overwhelmed he fell at His feet. Jesus, tender and loving, reached out His hand and touched him. He said, with the same compassionate voice John had heard many years ago when Jesus walked the earth, to not be afraid. Jesus is always comforting and affectionate towards His disciples. He announced that while He once was dead, He is now alive for all eternity. He has had victory over sin and death! He then added the most critical statement of all time, “I hold the keys of death and Hades”5. Jesus triumphed over the forces of Satan in His death and resurrection, stole the keys, and rose victorious.6
Many people believe the book of Revelation is one of doom and gloom. This vision makes it apparent that it is about the glory of Jesus Christ and His triumphal victory over Satan. Jesus plans to use John to unveil the sequence of events that will lead to the end of the current world and to the eternity believers get to spend with Him. It is a reassurance in who He is and an encouragement to keep persevering. Jesus was a conqueror, and His followers will be as well!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Revelation 1,” The Enduring Word Commentary, March 10, 2017.
2 Hindson, Edward. The Book of Revelation. Clifton, TX: AMG Publishers, 2010.
3 Hindson, Edward. “The Date, Provence, and Authorship of Revelation.”
4 Lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, March 21, 2020.
5 Liberty University, Liberty Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc Publishers, 1982.
6 Willmington, Dr. Harrold L. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc).
