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The Sanctified Life
A Vision of Christ
John calls to remembrance the wonderful incidents that he has
witnessed in the life of Christ. In imagination he again enjoys the
precious opportunities with which he was once favored, and is greatly
comforted. Suddenly his meditation is broken in upon; he is addressed
in tones distinct and clear. He turns to see from whence the voice
proceeds, and, lo! he beholds his Lord, whom he has loved, with
whom he has walked and talked, and whose sufferings upon the cross
he has witnessed. But how changed is the Saviour’s appearance! He is
no longer “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (
Isaiah 53:3
).
He bears no marks of His humiliation. His eyes are like a flame of
fire; His feet like fine brass, as it glows in a furnace. The tones of His
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voice are like the musical sound of many waters. His countenance
shines like the sun in its meridian glory. In His hand are seven stars,
representing the ministers of the churches. Out of His mouth issues a
sharp, two-edged sword, an emblem of the power of His word.
John, who has so loved his Lord, and who has steadfastly adhered
to the truth in the face of imprisonment, stripes, and threatened death,
cannot endure the excellent glory of Christ’s presence, and falls to the
earth as one stricken dead. Jesus then lays His hand upon the prostrate
form of His servant, saying, “Fear not; ... I am he that liveth, and was
dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore” (
Revelation 1:17, 18
).
John was strengthened to live in the presence of his glorified Lord,
and then were presented before him in holy vision the purposes of
God for future ages. The glorious attractions of the heavenly home
were made known to him. He was permitted to look upon the throne
of God, and to behold the white-robed throng of redeemed ones. He
heard the music of heavenly angels, and the songs of triumph from
those who had overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of
their testimony.
John’s Humility
To the beloved disciple were granted such exalted privileges as
have rarely been vouchsafed to mortals. Yet so closely had he become
assimilated to the character of Christ that pride found no place in his
heart. His humility did not consist in a mere profession; it was a grace
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