KO’d by Jesus

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Some of you have been singing that song for as long as you can remember. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus—you know the name, have heard the stories, and could probably lead your own VBS class this summer. Isn’t there anything new? Always!

Join me today as we look at the apostle John. Not John the Baptist, but John, the disciple, brother of James, fishing partner of Peter and Andrew, and the one called “the disciple that Jesus loved.” Few people knew Jesus better in His time on the earth. In the following passage from the book of Revelation, John has been exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel. While there, he has a vision:

“I (John) turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.  His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 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. 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: 12-18 (NIV)

Check it out. Not only is John speechless when he sees Jesus, but he passes out, KO’d by the glory of Jesus.

It is easy to get familiar and chummy with Jesus, and sometimes, that’s okay, but we must never forget that He is Lord and that we must treat Him with the respect He deserves. Seeing Jesus in His true form overwhelmed John, someone who knew Him well, to the point of unconsciousness. Jesus is our friend and He loves us, but He is also Almighty God. What can you do differently in your time with God today to show Him respect? Get on your knees? Choose your words more carefully? Ask rather than demand? Stop asking and say “Thank you” instead? Give respect a try today.