The Royal Prerogatives of the Living Redeemer
J. H. Hill. Revelation 1:17-20 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand on me, saying to me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:… I. HE HAS ABSOLUTE POWER. 1. Christ's power is co-extensive with creation. Inorganic as well as organic substances are the Redeemer's servants, and He is "able to subdue all things unto Himself." 2. This power extends over the invisible world. II. HE POSSESSES THE HIGHEST LIFE. 1. This is life attained subsequently to dying. He poured out that last drop of life-blood to atone for sin, but He rose a Conqueror, and the King of glory. 2. This life is enjoyed in the most glorious destiny. He is above the tumult of sinners, and is the object of angelic rapture. 3. This life is endless. "I am alive for evermore," is the utterance of a Sublime Conqueror. The immortality of Christ's life, is the pledge of ours. III. HIS PREROGATIVES AS THE LIVING REDEEMER ARE EXERCISED FOR GLORIOUS PURPOSES. 1. They constitute Him a magnificent character. He is the most glorious Representative of power, life, and mercy to the universe. 2. This character He achieved by His work on earth. Enthroned in pomp and power, He does not forget Calvary; He connects His crown of life with His execution — "I am He that liveth, and was dead." 3. This character so achieved is a mighty power for good. As the life of Titian, or Michael Angelo enters the soul of the student, so does the exalted life of Christ enter man's heart, and elevates him from the dust of sin to the fellowship of God; for "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ, the righteous." 4. The influence of this character is felt in every event that takes place. Our lives are in Christ's hands. There is no chance work about life or death: we are dependent for either upon the will of our exalted Redeemer, who has "the keys of death and Hades." 5. This character attracts to the highest distinctions. The exalted Saviour has not only "opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers," but He attracts them to it by the beauties of His life. "To be with Christ, which is far better" than dwelling on earth for ever, is the experience of all genuine Christians. (J. H. Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: WEB: When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last,