17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Rev 1:17-18

These verses describe what transpired with the Apostle John when He saw the vision of Jesus. Jesus introduces Himself in a spectacular way. Following this He gives John messages for 7 churches (lampstands), that over the last 7 devotionals we have taken snippets from. These are 7 different Churches, each going through 7 different sets of circumstances, but they all had something in common, The One who is sending these messages to them. What we haven’t looked at in the last 7 sessions is how Jesus introduces Himself each time. Today, I would like us to consider this. As you read through them, meditate a little and allow your heart to get a glimpse of His magnificence. And then take time to worship Him in your own words…or borrow some of these!

To Ephesus: Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands
To Smyrna: Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again
To Perganum: Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword
To Thyatira: the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze
To Sardis: him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars
To Philadelphia: him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David
To Laodecia: the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation

Finally, whatever your situation, know that God is with you and He will always start off by introducing Himself. Once you hear His introduction, you see your situation and your life in a completely new light. As you take time to adore Him, take courage in Him as well. After all, if we are the Bride, He is our loving Bridegroom!

Hallelujah!

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