Revelation 1:17–18 (ESV)
“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
DEVOTIONAL
The apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith, suddenly encounters the risen and glorified Jesus in a vision. This is not the gentle rabbi walking the dusty roads of Galilee. This is Christ in His heavenly splendor—His face shining like the sun, His voice like the roar of many waters, His eyes like flames of fire (Revelation 1:14–16). Overwhelmed by such glory, John falls at His feet as though dead.
And yet, what does Jesus do? He lays His hand on John and says, “Fear not.”
The same Christ who holds all authority in heaven and earth speaks to His beloved disciple with tenderness and reassurance. Why should John not be afraid? Because Jesus is “the first and the last”—eternal, sovereign, and unchanging. He is “the living one”—not a distant historical figure, but a risen Savior who has conquered death. He is the one who died for our sins and is alive forevermore, holding “the keys of Death and Hades,” meaning He has complete authority over life, death, and eternity.
This vision reminds us that the Jesus we worship is not weak or uncertain. He is the reigning Lord of glory. And yet, He is also the Shepherd who comforts His people, telling us not to be afraid.
When life feels chaotic… when the future seems uncertain… when death or loss threatens our peace… we can rest in the fact that our Savior has already faced the worst enemies we will ever know—and He has overcome them. The One who is first and last has written the first and last chapters of our lives, and He stands with us in every moment in between.
So take courage. The all-glorious Christ is not only Lord over the universe—He is Lord over your life. He is alive, and because He lives, you can face today and tomorrow without fear.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the First and the Last,
I worship You as the eternal, victorious, and all-glorious Savior. You have conquered death and the grave, and You reign with all authority. Thank You that in Your majesty, You still speak tenderly to Your people and tell us, “Fear not.”
Forgive me when I let fear rule my heart. Help me to keep my eyes on You—alive forevermore, holding the keys of life and death. Remind me that no enemy, no trial, and no uncertainty is beyond Your power and control.
Fill me with courage today, not because I am strong, but because You are. And let my life reflect both awe at Your majesty and trust in Your unfailing care.
In Your name I pray,
Amen.