The One Who Holds the Keys of Death and Hades

Revelation 1:17-18

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Jesus Christ saying that He is the first and the last confirms His role in our time based world.  He brought our world into existence and He will usher it out when He brings in His eternal kingdom. By saying that He holds the keys to Death and Hades, He is confirming His proper deity and His covenant of grace and salvation for all.

When we have a relationship with Jesus Christ who created the universe and still controls every minute detail of its existence, how could we lack the confidence that He will overcome any person or evil in the universe that comes to harm us.  It just does not make sense to question His power and sovereign rule.  He is the head of His own house by Whom and for Whom all things were created.  He will keep His house in perfect order according to His will and perfect plans.  Fear not!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we fall at Your feet in utter awe of who You are.  We proclaim Your Name above all other names.  We praise You and we surrender to Your power in our lives.  We exalt the name of Jesus.  May He lay His hand upon us in love and not in wrath or anger.  We pray that You will show us Your power in the struggles that we are currently experiencing.  May we find joy in our circumstances knowing that You have already settled the matters for our good for all eternity.  We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Hope and Assurance.