“He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, 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.” Rev. 1:17-18
Lord Jesus, there’s no better image with which to begin 2021 than the one captured in this passage. Like the Apostle John, we live in fear-fueling, faith-stretching days. Like John, what we need more than anything is your hand and your words.
The right hand that created the cosmos and sustains every atom, opened blind eyes and expelled evil spirits, was nailed to the cross and rolled back a huge stone—that hand is your hand, Lord Jesus. No hand is filled with more mercy and might.
Just as surely as you placed your hand on John, you now hold us with the same hand. As you have promised, nothing and no one can snatch us away (John 10:28). We don’t know what 2021 will hold, but we do know who holds us; and you will “hold us fast.” Hallelujah.
There’s gloriously more. “The keys of death and Hades” are also in your hand. Only you are sovereign, Lord Jesus. You are alive, and death is doomed. You are alive, and demons tremble. You are alive, and that’s the biggest reason we can “Fear not.”
Secure in your hand, we lift ours in praise. Hidden in your heart, we will seek to live and love 2021 to your glory. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.