“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man…‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’”Revelation 1:17-18

The vision was unexpected. It came on a day John had designated to focus on the Lord, but it had been a difficult time, a time of “tribulation…because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” But one thing distinguished John on that day. He was “in the Spirit.” His whole being was consumed by the Spirit. In this moment of spiritual sensitivity, John heard a loud voice and “was told to write what he would see and then send this message to seven churches.” John realized that Jesus was speaking to him. Yet his first response was to be overwhelmed and afraid. But Jesus assured him that He was sovereign over the past, present, and future. He was not just an observer of events. He was “the Alpha and the Omega…who is and who was and who is to come.” He was “the first and the last.” He knew how all events would be worked out. He was the “the living One” who was dead but now was “alive forevermore.” And He had “the keys of death and of Hades.” John had nothing to fear. For even death itself was in His hands. As you think about the year to come, remember that Jesus still is the first and the last. The Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. Brothers & Sisters if your heart is troubled, seek to be “in the Spirit.” As you are “in the Spirit,” you can lay aside issues that plague your heart and mind. You can trust in Him.