+DEV+ Jesus Holds the Keys

Date: December 17, 2012 11:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Jesus Holds the Keys

Jesus Holds the Keys

 "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."  (Revelation 1:18)
Scripture Focus: John 14:18-29

When Jesus revealed Himself to John, He reminded him that once He was alive, then He was dead, and now He is alive forever. John needed that reassurance. Jesus is alive and active right now, no matter where we are. Not only is He eternally alive, He has ultimate authority, even over the death of those who follow Jesus, and that would include John.

At the time of Revelation, all the disciples, even Paul, had died martyrs' deaths. John had outlived them all. Why? Jesus knew why. He would not allow any of His sheep to die without His consent. He held the keys to John's death. Martyrs were dying all over the Empire. Jesus not only knew, but was mysteriously turning those keys for His ultimate, loving purpose.

What a vision! What a Jesus! John was satisfied. He saw Jesus, and now - come what may - he would proceed without fear. Scene after scene would open and unfold to John, some of it unsettling, some lyrical. But John was prepared because he believed in Jesus all over again. Won't you do the same?

Insight: May we never forget, even for a moment, that Jesus is alive and at work forever and ever.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.