July 12 THE KEEPER OF THE KEYS "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18, NIV). In this impressive picture, Christ stands holding in his hand the "keys of death and Hades," as he victoriously announces, "I am alive for ever and ever!" (Revelation 1:18, NIV). This is a ringing shout of victory for all God's people on our planet. In the Bible, keys are symbolic of authority, honor, and jurisdiction. When someone of importance makes an official visit to a city, he is often given a symbolic key to the city as a mark of recognition. In the book of Revelation, Christ appears on the celestial stage holding keys. In Revelation 1:18, He holds the keys of death and Hades. This is descriptive of His ultimate triumph over death and the grave. In this scene, Christ's victory over death and the grave is final and decisive. The battle at Calvary ended the war in a resounding victory for Christ. Hence, He is seen holding the victory keys! The apostle Paul says it with finality: "Death has been swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54, NIV). Because the victorious Lord holds the keys, we too can triumphantly exclaim, "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV). Our victorious Lord and Saviour by virtue of His stunning victory over death is also vested with full royal authority. John sees Him holding the royal "key of David" (Revelation 3:7, NKJV). This is a symbol of royal authority and the sovereign right to rule. Christ's possession of the key of David represents His royal jurisdiction over all things. In this capacity, He shall reign forever and ever. "And there was given Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. To Him God has delegated His power; He has the keys of death and the grave."--The Bible Echo, p. 9. My Prayer Today: Lord, because You hold the keys, I can face the future with confidence. Amen.