We see it occasionally: Someone collapses to the floor upon hearing sudden and shocking news. But in the Bible, people sometimes had the same reaction but for a different reason: an encounter with the glory and majesty of God.

The prophet Daniel collapsed at the sight of a “certain man” who came from heaven to answer his prayers (Daniel 10:5). Daniel was rendered unconscious, facedown, until the man revived him (Daniel 10:4-10). Likewise, when Saul of Tarsus encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, the glory of the Lord forced him to the ground and rendered him temporarily blind (Acts 9:1-9). When Christ appeared to the apostle John on the isle of Patmos, John “fell at His feet as dead” (Revelation 1:17). Throughout the book of Revelation, the glory and majesty of God are revealed through John’s version of heaven. “Throne,” “king,” “power,” and “authority” are mentioned scores of times.

The book of Revelation may be the closest we come to seeing the majesty of God until we see Him “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Thank God for how He reveals Himself to us through His Word.

My God, how wonderful Thou art! Thy majesty how bright!
Frederick W. Faber