Bright as the Sun

The sun, the largest object in our solar system, has a surface temperature of around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,600 Celsius). A scientist once calculated that it would take 22 septillion 22-watt LED light bulbs to match its brilliance! On Earth, the sun is at its brightest at noon, as John describes it in today’s verse, “shining in its strength.”

Jesus’ physical appearance to John was as light: “a flame of fire” (Revelation 1:14), “fine brass” (v. 15), “the sun.” Our Savior is all light (1 John 1:5). In Scripture, light is equated with truth. “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me” (Psalm 43:3). Truth, the Bible tells us, is God’s Word (John 17:17). Additionally, “[His] word is a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105).

Thus, it is only fitting that John sees Jesus as having “a sharp two-edged sword … out of His mouth,” for, as the Scriptures say, “the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is “two-edged” because God, our Creator, is the final Judge. His Word convicts through the power of the Holy Spirit; and our response to that conviction either cuts sin from the life (Acts 2:37) or the sinner from life (7:54).

The Word of God is also as the breath of God, which is “the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). Said Jesus, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Scripture assures us that when the Life-giver “[upholds] you with [His] righteous right hand,” we should “be not dismayed, for …. [He] will strengthen you, yes, [He] will help you” (Isaiah 41:10). In Revelation 1:20, we will learn about the “seven stars” in Jesus’ “right hand.” But for now, know what the Bible affirms: “Those who turn many to righteousness” will shine “like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Lord Jesus, I long for the day when my eyes can be opened to see Your full beauty and righteousness face to face.

For Further Study: Ephesians 6:17; 1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 19:15

Key Bible Texts

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:16 KJV)