To open the Apocalypse, (aka, Revelation), John poetically and powerfully describes Jesus Christ with a seven-fold vision (there are six other visions of Christ in this book).
“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire.” He is both pure and purifying.
“His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters.” His foundation and presentation are magnificent.
“In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.” He runs the cosmos!
“His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” We are not a spectator to Christ-we are invaded by Him!
Then we see Christ in the midst of the seven churches. God set Jesus among the flawed and the common; this is still the context in which we know him. The revelation of Christ is not embarrassed or compromised by His association with His people, the church. Quite the contrary, this perspective is foundational to our faith. Each of the churches is given only one facet of the original Christ-vision.
No local assembly, or people group, or denomination has a complete understanding of the person and ways of Jesus Christ. It is therefore imperative that we have a global perspective to our faith. “May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and the whole earth is full of His glory!”
In the following posts we will examine some of the objections to international faith-based relief and restoration efforts. We will also explore what global conversation and participation look like.