November 2023
by DeQuana Quarles

Here Comes the Glory of the Lord.

Coming soon to theaters is a motion-film, The Book of Clarence, created by Sony Pictures. This movie is [notably] produced by hip-hop artist Jay-Z (husband of Beyonce) and took the internet (well, social media) by storm. According to Google, the film synopsis is this; "a down-on-his-luck man embarks on a misguided attempt to capitalize on the rise of celebrity and the influence of the Messiah for his own personal gain." However, based on the trailer, this fluffy description doesn't begin to touch on the true blasphemy of the movie. In the trailer, Clarence is a black man growing up in biblical times, specifically during Jesus' earthly ministry, who wants to become the next "messiah" after observing the power Jesus had. He crafts a plan to imitate Jesus [and pursues it] by falsely performing miracles, being baptized by someone who appears to be John the Baptist, falsely prophesying, and speaking to crowds in synagogues. The entire cast is seemingly African American, even the man portraying Jesus, which caused a great debate on social media regarding the historical accuracy of depicting Jesus as a black man (or even a white man).

As I read through the comments, I lost track of how many African Americans or people of color referred to Revelations 1, where there's a description of Jesus' appearance that seemingly [that is, to the carnal mind] describes the features of a black person or person of color. If you're wondering if this newsletter will debate Jesus' skin tone, I assure you it will not. I will, however, be discussing Revelations 1 and the description of Jesus' appearance. Let's look at Revelations 1:9-16, focusing on verses 13-16. 

"9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."

As I meditated on these verses, I asked the Holy Spirit for the wisdom to see what I may be missing. He revealed to me that not only is Scripture being misquoted, but people have missed the point of why it's there. Revelations 1 and the description of Jesus' appearance therein do not testify of his earthly/human body; no, our brother John was testifying about something greater! He had seen and given testimony to the Glory of Our Lord Jesus, the soon-coming but already-risen and exalted [majestic] King! John used similies to describe just how radiant, pure, and glorious King Jesus is - hair white like wool, even as white as snow; eyes as a flame of fire; feet like unto fine brass; and a countenance as bright as the sun's ray. That is our risen Sovereign King. That is the Lord of Lords.

When Jesus ministered on Earth, His ministry centered around servanthood, humility, and obedience. In fact, in Isaiah 53:3 [AMP], Isaiah tells us: "For He [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender shoot (plant), And like a root out of dry ground; He has no stately form or majestic splendor that we would look at Him, Nor [handsome] appearance that we would be attracted to Him." Why is this important? Isaiah is saying that when Jesus put on humanity, He also put on humility by fashioning himself in a vessel that wouldn't persuade people to listen simply because of His attractiveness - which is important because history shows, even in the Bible, that people often listen to (and are easily swayed by) people they find attractive, even if their leadership is misguided. So instead, Jesus drew people with the truth of God's Word; He drew them with His true self. And those with ears to hear and hearts that would believe witnessed the Glory of the Lord even before He died and rose again. And it is the same for us today. We have yet to see Jesus, but we have received His Word, and it's up to us to believe what He has told us. Therefore, let us read the Word of God for ourselves as written, not clinging to what we've heard or even as we *may* want to see it, so that we too may witness and testify of His Glory.