Joel M Bradshaw

17When 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. 18I 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.–Revelation 1

“This is what the LORD says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42:2)

“The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.” (1 Samuel 2:6)

I [Jesus] and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)

1. John saw a heavenly vision of Jesus.
2. Since John was present when Jesus ascended into Heaven after His resurrection (Acts 1), this is the Risen and Exalted Lord Jesus.
3. Paul met this Jesus in Acts 9.
4. Jesus used titles previously only used by or to describe Yahweh in the Old Testament.
5. Even life and death are in His hands. Jesus is alive forever.
6. Jesus was clearly claiming to be God in Revelation 1.
7. And yet this very God told John to not be afraid. Have a correct theological understanding about who Jesus is, but trust Him and approach Him in faith during whatever difficult matter you face.–JMB