“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,” (Revelation 1:12 ESV).

None of the gospel writers tried to do it. They could have, but Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John never attempted to describe Jesus' outward appearance. Jesus' words, actions, and passion all elicited full detail, but not his looks. We might try to imagine him, and many ancient and contemporary artists have rendered him, but it is all speculative, and usually quite off.

But there is one moment Jesus' physical appearance is recorded. In the first chapter of Revelation, John had a vision of the exalted and glorified Christ. It is the book of Revelation after all, and Jesus is the one whom it reveals. And when John saw him, he fell at his feet as dead (Revelation 1:17). He was astounded at the power and beauty of King Jesus. Zechariah said, "How great is his goodness, and how great his beauty!" (Zechariah 9:17). John would agree.

We are often tempted to paint a caricature of Jesus, our own little version of him, one subservient to our designs and desires. But he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. In majestic glory, he transcends all things. He is worthy of worship, real worship, the kind filled with allegiance.

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers joy, peace, love, and acceptance. Through the blood of Jesus, we have hope, including the confidence of a coming and eternal utopia where all wars cease, and his eternal peace dominates the scene.

The thing is, many today want the benefits of his kingdom without the King. It is right for us to thirst for love, peace, and righteousness. It is good that we long for acceptance and community. But it is wrong for us to want these things without the King (or think we could attain them without him).

We must fall on our face and submit to the splendorous God-Man-King who came for us. He shed his blood that he might install his New Covenant and secure future glory for all who believe in him. Let us, like John, be overwhelmed at his transcendence. Let us serve our King. A new humanity is not possible without his grace and blood. True righteousness, peace, and joy cannot be ours without him.