May 13, 2004

THE WORD OF GOD

"He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God" (Revelation 19:13, NIV).

In our third meditation of Christ as the Word, we will shift to a celestial scene and focus on the glorified Word. Here our Saviour is described as the "Word of God."

In vivid figurative language, Christ is portrayed as fresh from battle with His garments drenched in the blood of His defeated foes. He is no longer administering free salvation, but justice. Following in His triumphant path are the armies of heaven staging a celestial victory parade. What a grand description of the ultimate triumph of good over evil!

In this setting the Word of God is engaged in the execution of justice against those who have rejected God's mercy and grace. At the first advent, He was the incarnate Word who came in love to demonstrate God's grace for the fallen race (see John 1:14). As the Word of life, He was the embodiment of the abundant life He came to give. In both roles, Christ is the gracious Redeemer who came to seek and to save the lost (see Luke 19:10). But in this final scene, He is the Word of God who comes to execute judgement and to eradicate sin forever from the universe.

While this is very bad news for the impenitent, it is very good news for those who look for the appearing of God's beloved Son (see Hebrews 9:28). To the redeemed, Christ is Saviour and Lord; to the impenitent, He is the Judge. The divine conqueror is on His way with ten thousands of His saints. This victorious, soon-coming conqueror is the One of whom Ellen G. White wrote: "He was the Word of God, --God's thought made audible."--The Desire of Ages, p. 19.

My Prayer Today: Lord, when Christ, the Word returns as righteous judge, help me to be on good terms with Him. Amen.