Month: May 2025

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Revelation 1:17,18

Do Not Be Afraid

Daily Devotion – May 2, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:17,18


See series: Devotions

Have you ever seen one of those surprise homecoming videos? A soldier steps into a school gym, and suddenly, his child drops everything and runs into his arms. That moment—tears, relief, pure joy—feels like the world has been made right again. Dad is finally home.

Something similar happens in the first chapter of the book of Revelation. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, sees Jesus—not as humble as he was, but glorious as he is now. The sight causes John to collapse to the ground in fear.

But what does Jesus do? He reaches out, places his hand on John, and speaks the most repeated command in the Bible: “Do not be afraid.”

Here is why—Jesus isn’t just alive; he holds the keys to death and the grave. The two things that frighten us the most. Keys signify ownership and control. Death tried to hold Jesus down, but he walked out of the grave holding the keys in his hand. That means death doesn’t have the final say anymore. Jesus does.

If Christ has conquered death, then what do we have to be afraid of? Not our past; his blood covers it. Not our future; he’s already there. Not even death, because those who belong to him will rise as he did. For the believer, death is not the end. It’s just the beginning of a life that never ends.

This means that fear—about money, health, the world, or your failures—does not own you. Jesus does. He bought you with his blood. He conquered the grave so you can live free. And when fear creeps in, listen to his voice: “Do not be afraid.”

He was there for you in the beginning. He will be there for you at the end. And he is with you always to the very end of the age.

Prayer:
Jesus, keep me safe in your hands because you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Revelation 1:12-16

The Risen Christ is by Your Side

Daily Devotion – May 1, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:12-16


See series: Devotions

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, a pivotal moment occurs when Gandalf, once thought dead, reappears. He is transformed—radiant, authoritative, and victorious. The sight of him brings hope to his friends and terror to his enemies. This transformation reminds us of the infinitely greater glory of Christ revealed.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle John turns to see someone that the world thought was long dead. His eyes behold Jesus—not as the humble carpenter or crucified Savior—but as the risen and reigning King. His appearance is breathtaking. His snow-white hair and fiery eyes remind us that he is the eternal God who constantly looks out for his people and watches out for his enemies. His bronze feet and thunderous voice remind us that he is the King of kings who rules over everything for the good of his people, with whom he is always present.

What does this mean for you?

It means that Jesus has not and will never abandon you. No matter what chaos or challenges you face, Jesus is with you. You are more than a conqueror through him who lived, died, and reigns for you. He cares about you and is in control of your daily life. He knows your needs and sympathizes with your weaknesses. He is always there with you and for you, in his Word, to give peace and rest to your weary soul.

So, when the world overwhelms you, when doubts creep in, or fear grabs hold, remember this image of Jesus—blazing, brazen, braced, and boss. With you. For you. Always.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, be with me and bless me with your presence, power, and peace, today and always. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.