He is Near

Children ask excellent questions. When we tell them about God, they naturally want to know where He lives. Where is Jesus right now as I sit in my chair and type these words? After He ascending to heaven what has He been doing?  What is He like?

The next two chapters of Revelation pull back the curtain and lets us see. Jesus desires to speak to His people, the church.   

These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. (Revelation 2:1)

Jesus walks among the churches. He is not absent, but near. He is aware of what is happening in a way no one else can be. It is said that there are three sides to every story: your way, my way and the right way. Jesus sees all of it clearly without partiality. He sees not only our actions, but also our thoughts and motivations. Nothing is hidden from Him whose eyes are like blazing fire. He is not far away in heaven. He is right here with us. 

Jesus is in control. He holds those who lead and teach in His churches in His right hand. In a mystery I believe yet will never understand, He give us freedom and controls outcomes at the same time.  

These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8) 

When we are about to suffer for our faith, Jesus assures us He understands our fears and our pain. He went first. He is the Lord of Life and He promises eternal life to those who stay faithful. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Revelation 2:11b) Although Jesus speaks to the churches, the responsibility is to each individual to remain faithful. 

These are the words of Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. (Revelation 2:12) 

A baby lying in a manger is helpless. Jesus standing before Pilate did not speak in His own defense. Now Jesus speaks to us with power like a double-edged sword. He is not silent. His words have power to change hearts, to convict of sin, to motivate us to serve Him. We can read His words to us today because His faithful followers recorded them for us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Today we are blessed because His words, all of scripture in a multitude of translations and languages, are in our pockets.

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. (Revelation 2:18)

Jesus sees all. There is nothing secret from Him. He will judge all of us, understanding our frailties as well as our selfish desires. He tells us that if we are faithful, in eternity we will also have authority. He has given us free will, and we must choose to have Him rule us, or not. 

While Jesus walked the earth, He was limited as we are in time and space. Now, through the Holy Spirit, He is with all of us. He is comforting and convicting all of us. He hears every sigh. He saves every tear. Even His rod and staff protect and redirect us. Those who trust Him know His redirection, which often is contrary to our desires, is designed to protect us. Those who do not trust Him and reject His word, also reject His protection and the intimate relationship He desires to have with us. 

When Jesus was born, the wise men who came to worship Him were led by the star. Now Jesus holds the stars in His right hand. He is power and authority. All of creation obey His command. 

At the first Christmas, Jesus became Immanuel, God with us, in the flesh. He died and ascended but Revelation reminds us that He never left us. Even today, He walks among His people. He is near.

Beloved, let me trust You and obey, even when I am unsure, even when I am afraid. Allow me to see Your power, even Your judgment, as protection. You are near. You are good. I can trust You.