“Jesus Christ—who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:5)
Dear Jesus, I’ll never forget the day when I uttered these words, “Don’t give me theology, just give me Jesus.” Insufferable with new-believer arrogance, I had no clue what I was saying. But then, as today, you were longsuffering with your mercy, grace, and kindness.
There’s always more to you, Lord Jesus… always. This one verse, alone, shows you to be more than I could have imagined or hoped. I would have settled for a “Jesus” that would get me to heaven when I die. But you are…
The only Prophet we need—the “faithful witness” to God’s glory and all things. God’s final word to us (Heb.1:1-3)—the meaning of the entire Bible (Luke 24:27) and the “Yes” to every promise God has made (2Cor.1:30). Everything you say can be trusted.
The perfect Priest for whom we are desperate. What a glorious title—“the firstborn from the dead.” By your death, Jesus, you offered the one sacrifice that has eternally reconciled us to our Father. By your resurrection, you ever live to serve us as our great and grace-full high priest. Thank you!
The unrivaled King in whom we trust—sovereign over all kings, every crisis, and each day in the history of the cosmos. Hallelujah! You “love us and have freed us from our sins by your blood. You have made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and Father—to you be glory and power for ever and ever” (Rev.1:6).
Jesus, with you as our Prophet, Priest, and King, how can we keep from loving and serving you with everything we have and are? “Just give me Jesus,” indeed—the Jesus that you actually are. So Very Amen.