Revelation Part 05
Understanding the image of God is essential, especially in a world where humans naturally long to worship something beyond themselves.
In the opening chapter of Revelation, Jesus the Christ introduces Himself with powerful and timeless words:
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come’” (Revelation 1:8).
This declaration, stretching from Genesis to Revelation, reveals Christ’s eternal existence, sovereignty and divine nature. In Revelation 1:11, He instructs John, “What you see, write in a book,” initiating a vision that would unveil the glorified Christ and provide deep insight into the image of God. When John turns to see the voice, he beholds a vision of "One like the Son of Man" among the lampstands, symbolizing Christ's intimate presence with His churches and His role as the eternal High Priest and King (Revelation 1:13).
Understanding the image of God is essential, especially in a world where humans naturally long to worship something beyond themselves. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “[God] has put eternity in their hearts,” affirming that we are created with a yearning for divine purpose. The Expositors Dictionary reflects this truth: “We must try to bring these units into a meaningful whole. This is an aspect of our likeness to God, who alone embraces the whole. By cutting themselves off from God, they were without clear direction, no longer living in the light of God’s whole plan. In this fallen world the believer must ask, ‘Lord, what would you have me to do now? I know my life has an eternal purpose, and I desire to understand how all things work together for good.’” As believers we live with the constant awareness that we are part of an eternal purpose and seek God's will in the midst of a fallen world.
This longing for divine truth is often misdirected. In the absence of the true God, counterfeit gods rise up like Zeus, Odin, Poseidon and others. They each bear human flaws such as jealousy, anger, lust and deceit. These false deities are demonic distortions, offering nothing but hollow imitations of power. In Acts 17:16–31, Paul confronts this proliferation of counterfeit gods on a trip to Athens in his message from Mars Hill, where the Athenians eagerly welcomed new ideas. Paul introduces them to the unknown God, explaining that we are all made by Him, and that there is one true God who will ultimately judge the world in righteousness.
Unlike the flawed gods of mythology, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom and power. Colossians 2:3 tells us that in Him are hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Ephesians 1:9–14 confirms that God is orchestrating all events according to His will. We do not worship a weak or passive deity. Christ was not merely a baby in a manger or an emaciated man hanging on a cross. As Philippians 2:5–11 reveals, He “humbled Himself,” but even in arrest, His divine authority was evident, “when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground” (John 18:6).
Revelation presents Jesus as more than a man. His description in Revelation 1:14 echoes Daniel 10:5–6 and Daniel 7, connecting Jesus to the Ancient of Days and affirming His deity. “Hair . . . white like wool” reflects both divine wisdom and eternal nature, a symbol of honor and reverence. Leviticus 19:32 teaches, “Rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God.”
“Eyes like a flame of fire” (Revelation 1:14; Daniel 10:6) represent Christ’s insight and penetrating judgment. He sees through appearances and knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart. As Hebrews 4:12 affirms, His Word discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. “His feet . . . like fine brass” signify triumphant judgment and divine presence, reflecting the glory of the occupied throne (Revelation 1:15). Bronze, when burnished, becomes durable, radiant and unique, symbolizing Christ’s refining judgment and authority.
In tomorrow’s lesson we will finish our look at the image of God in the Book of Revelation.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
