Rev.1:13 – and in the middle of the lamp-stands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash.
This is one of the life changing moments in the New Testament only rivaled by Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus. John had known Christ in His humanity and even saw Him several times after the resurrection but had never seen anything like this. Jesus appeared in His glory dressed in the robes of His heavenly High Priestly office. This was an unveiling of the glory of Christ and an unveiling of His work in heaven and on earth in the latter days. John was about to experience heaven in a way no one else ever has before they actually died and went to their eternal reward. Here are some comments from Irenaeus, one of John’s disciples, about this appearance of Christ to John.
“John also, the Lord’s disciple, when seeing the priestly and glorious advent of his kingdom, says in the Apocalypse: “I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And, being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks, and in their midst One like the Son of man, clothed with a garment reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden girdle. His head and his hair were white, as white as wool, and as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like fine brass, as if they were forged in a furnace. His voice [was] like the sound of waters. He had in his right hand seven stars. Out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. He looked like the sun shining at full strength.” For in these words he sets forth something of the glory [which he has received] from his Father, as the head. He sets forth something of the priestly office, as in the case of the long garment reaching to the feet.”
The heavenly ministry of Jesus is not something we hear that much about in today’s preaching. Apparently not many have a revelation of what Christ is doing today or more would speak about it. Jesus serves today as our Heavenly High Priest which John saw in his encounter with the Lord. He serves as our Mediator, Intercessor, as well as our Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. One moment in His immediate presence will change everything. Look to Him today and you may be rapt in His presence like John.
