When God Showed Up For John

When God Showed Up For John at Patmos

Revelation 1:9–18

John knows Jesus.

He leaned against His chest at supper. He stood near the cross and watched His last breath. He outran Peter to the tomb. If anyone could claim familiarity with Jesus, it is John.

And then John sees Him.

Not as the teacher who walked the roads of Galilee, but as the Risen and Reigning Lord. His hair is white like wool. His eyes burn like fire. His voice roars like rushing waters. His face shines with the brilliance of the sun.

And John falls. Not in worship — but in collapse. It happens instantly. Familiarity gives way to fear. Intimacy bows before majesty and John can’t speak or even stand. This is what happens when God shows up in glory.

And then Jesus moves closer. He lays His hand on John.

“Do not be afraid.”

The same hand that shaped galaxies touches a trembling man. The same voice that thunders like many waters speaks peace.

“I am the First and the Last … I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.”

Jesus does not diminish His glory to comfort John — He brings comfort from within His glory. What is God revealing about Himself?

That closeness does not eliminate holiness. That love does not lessen awe. That the One who overwhelms us is also the One whose touch comforts us.

The change in John is unexpected. The one who was once the best friend of the earthly Jesus now falls flat on his face before the glorified Jesus. It’s here that he learns to worship Him.

When God shows up, familiarity falls away — but fear is met with His touch. And the glory that humbles us is the same glory that holds us fast.

When God shows up, the heart that has been with Him cannot help but pour everything out. Because once we see Him for who He really is, in all of His glory, nothing else compares.