March 21: CATCH THE VISION

His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire. Revelation 1:14

This is not the first time that our brother John saw a preview of the Savior in His glory. The unforgettable event known as the transfiguration had occurred some sixty years prior (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-9) when John was a very young man. Compare the above description to what Daniel saw of God the Father:

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool… Daniel 7:9a

The resurrected Jesus has the same characteristics as His Father. Because our nature is so tainted with sin, it is difficult to conceive of the absolute purity of God. But He is able to visualize each of us as pure and sinless, so consider, beloved, His poignant offer to cleanse and to restore His unmarred image in us. The words that the Spirit led Isaiah to pen are stunningly beautiful:

Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (see also Psalm 51:7)

We should try to “catch the vision” for ourselves that God has for us. This cleansing of past sins (justification) is followed up with the Creator’s power to re-create our hearts for a glorious future with Him. It requires the process of sanctification, that we may learn to “go, and sin no more” as Jesus bade the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11). This is a realistic goal to set our sights upon, because with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Each moment brings with it the opportunity to live for Him!

His eyes like a flame of fire. The Lord sees all! This description of Christ also appears in His letter to the church in Thyatira (2:18) and in John’s vision of the conquering Christ coming to judge His enemies (19:12). For those submitted to Him, He is like a refiner’s fire (Malachi 3:2). He has the most wonderful way of putting His finger on the very shortcomings that we must ruthlessly put out of our lives. Beloved, if you willingly subject yourself to His gaze, you will see the fire of His love for you. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it… (Song of Solomon 8:7a) These eyes like a flame of fire signify to us that He has the ability and the perfect right to rule and to judge!

The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:13,15,18,19

For further study: 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 11:4; 51:7,10; Hebrews 4:13