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Revelation 1:14,15
“His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow: and His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto brass, as if they burned in a furnace: and His voice as the sound of many waters.” Rev. 1: 14,15
In the previous verse we saw, in the description of Jesus, clothing describing His role as priest. The present text reflects upon His physical appearance. In line with other prophets, such as Ezekiel and Daniel, a head of pure woolen hair, eyes of fire, and feet of burnished brass are common images of the Almighty. Consistent with Jesus as the alpha/omega is His portrayal of the Ancient-of-days. The respect of the elder in Eastern thought is still prevalent in many cultures; the gray hair symbolizing age and wisdom. How much more wise and ancient would hair thick and pure white represent? The omniscient and perfect judge is Jesus, Himself. Contrast this image with that seen by Moses at his encounter with the Almighty on Sinai. In Ex 34, God reveals Himself in a different context: to give His name. The merciful, compassionate, righteous One, whose name is known by His acts, is typically seen in His temple setting as the most-wise, eternal elder of His people.
To look into the eyes of such a God as the “I AM”, is to gaze into the very being of His existence. How accurately flames of fire describe His essence of purity, and His glance sufficient enough to purge the dross from those who seek His presence. As the psalmist said, “Neither shall evil dwell with Thee. The proud shall not stand in Thy sight.” Jesus said that the eyes are the window of the soul. How much more so do God’s eyes see into the very thoughts of humankind as flames of fire?
Why mention the feet of the Savior? Peter says (1Pet 2:21), “Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example. That you should follow His steps.” The feet of Jesus, whose tracks we are to follow, support His whole being. They are solid, not like iron that can only crush and has no value; or like the soft metals of gold or silver that collapse under such a weight. But brass represents a sure foundation, a brilliant and shining example of the feet of Jesus, whose purified walk glows brighter than the sun and outlines the path we need to follow in our lives.
Finally, we come to the voice of Christ. The sound of many waters reminds us of Psalm 29: “The voice of the Lord is power . . . full of majesty . . . breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.” God speaks and it happens. He spoke the world into existence. He is in control. Like a mighty flood that washes away the forest, God’s word carries the force that brings down the kingdoms of this world (represented by those mighty cedars). The imagery here is the power of Jesus word. His wisdom, His purity, His foundations, and His word: all are sufficient for our faith in overcoming the world and all its false pride. Jesus, in this book, is soon to outline the powers against whom we fight. Certainly we find assurance, simply by His appearance and His word, that He is our Sovereign God. Home | About Us | Bible Study | Billerica Blog | Bible Commentary | Devotional | Online Giving | Ministries | Prayer | Media | Bookstore | News | Calendar | Contact Us | Sermons
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