S – When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, ¹⁸ and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. 

Revelation 1:17–18 CSB

O – Commentary:

John stated, When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Paul was struck to the ground in a similar way when he saw Christ in His glory (Acts 9:4). Previously John had put his head on Jesus’ breast (cf. John 13:25, kjv). But now John could not be this familiar with the Christ of glory.

John received reassurance from Christ in the words, Do not be afraid. Christ stated that He is the eternal One, the First and the Last (cf. Rev. 1:8; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13), and the resurrected One, the Living One, who though once dead is now alive forever and ever! Here Christ affirmed that He alone has the keys of death and hades that is, authority over death and the place of the dead (cf. John 5:21–26; 1 Cor. 15:54–57; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 20:12–14). Though the glorified Christ is to be reverenced, faithful believers like John can be sure they are accepted by the Son of God. The Christian’s death and resurrection are both in His hands.

 John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 931.

A – The glory of God is overwhelming throughout the Bible.  Even one of Jesus’ closest disciples couldn’t stand it.  Then, to see he holds the keys to death and the eternal should draw us to him as our Lord and Saviour.  The fear of the Lord is dread and terror to some.  To those who believe in Jesus, it brings awe, reverence and a desire to be in relationship with him.

 R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you alone.  You are the Alpha and Omega and we reverence you for who you are.  We desire to know you more and to align our words, thoughts and actions to bring you honor today.