Welcome back to Morning Meditation with Missionary Joe Consford. Yesterday, in Psalms Chapter 1, we learned about the blessed man — planted, steady, and fruitful. Today, we open the final book of the Bible, Revelation Chapter 1, where the veil is lifted, and Jesus is revealed in His glory — radiant, powerful, and eternal. This isn’t the Jesus of Galilee walking dusty roads — this is the risen Christ walking among the golden candlesticks, holding the stars of the churches in His hand. Let’s read together from the King James Version. 📖 Scripture Reading (KJV) (Read the narration-ready KJV text provided below this script.) 📜 Story – Polycarp of Smyrna: Faith Unto Death In the second century, long after John wrote the book of Revelation, there lived a man named Polycarp — the pastor of the church in Smyrna, one of the very churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. Polycarp had been a disciple of the Apostle John himself. The words of Revelation were not ancient history to him — they were fresh, living truth. He believed with all his heart that Jesus was alive and reigning. When persecution arose under the Roman Empire, Polycarp was arrested and brought into the crowded arena. The proconsul told him, “Swear by the genius of Caesar. Deny Christ, and you shall go free.” The old man stood tall and said, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” When they threatened him with fire, he answered calmly, “You threaten me with fire that burns for an hour and is soon quenched, but you know nothing of the fire of the judgment to come.” History tells us that as the flames rose, Polycarp prayed aloud, thanking God that he was counted worthy to share in the sufferings of Christ. The eyewitnesses said the flames curved around him like a sail catching the wind — and his face shone with peace. The same Jesus John saw in Revelation 1 — the One with eyes like fire and feet like brass — was the Lord who received Polycarp that day into glory. 💭 Reflection – The Christ We Serve 1. The Voice — “As of a trumpet.” John heard the voice of Jesus, bold and unmistakable. In every age, God still calls His people to stand unashamed. 2. The Vision — “His eyes were as a flame of fire.” Those eyes see all — not to condemn His followers, but to strengthen them in holiness and courage. 3. The Victory — “I am He that liveth and was dead.” The heart of Revelation is not destruction — it is resurrection. The same Savior who conquered death still walks among His people today. Revelation chapter one reminds us that our King is alive, watching over His church, and worthy of our faith — even in the face of fire. 🙏 Outro Maybe today you face trials that feel heavy — isolation, fear, or uncertainty. Remember this: the Jesus of Revelation is not distant. He is walking among the candlesticks — right there in the middle of His people. The same Christ who stood with Polycarp stands with you. Thank you for joining me today on Morning Meditation. Tomorrow, we’ll open to Proverbs Chapter 2, where we’ll seek the treasures of wisdom that guide and protect those who walk with God. Until then, keep your heart open, your Bible nearby, and your hands ready to serve. To follow our family’s journey to Ghana or connect with our ministry, visit consfords.com/connect.