Wednesday Sept. 2, 2025

Revelation, Hope for The Present

Scripture: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.’” — Revelation 1:17–18

Reflection: When we hear “Revelation,” many of us think of beasts, battles, or the end of the world. But the book doesn’t begin with fear. It begins with hope. John, exiled on the island of Patmos, cut off from his community and suffering for his faith, suddenly encounters the risen Christ. But what’s amazing to me is where John meets Jesus: not after his exile ends, not when life becomes easy again, but right in the middle of his suffering. That’s what Revelation reminds us, Jesus doesn’t wait until the struggle is over to draw near. He walks with us in the hard places. John sees Jesus standing among the lampstands, a reminder that He is present with His Church. The lampstands both comfort and challenge us: comfort, because Jesus never leaves His people; challenge, because the church must keep His light shining. And then comes the most important moment: John falls down in fear, but Jesus places His hand on him and speaks the words we all want to hear, “Do not be afraid.” This is hope for the present. No matter your exile, loneliness, illness, grief, uncertainty, Jesus meets you there. He is alive forevermore, and He has your back.

Consider This:

• Where do you feel “exiled” or cut off right now?
• How can you trust that Jesus is present in that place?
• In what ways is your life (your “lampstand”) shining His light to others?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with me in the hard places. When I feel weak, remind me of Your words: “Do not be afraid.” Help me to trust that You are alive, that You hold me in Your hands, and that You are with Your Church even now. May my life shine Your light today. Amen.