White, White Hair

TO READ: Revelation 1:12-20

His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow.

Revelation 1:14

The word white is used to emphasize great importance. Christ’s hair was “white like wool,” said John. When shepherds sheared the sheep in those days, two sorts of wool were gathered. One sort was an ordinary off-white wool used for everyday garments; the other sort was the pure white wool kept to make the most expensive clothes. When Daniel had his vision of the Ancient One, he noted the white, white hair as well: “I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire” (Daniel 7:9).

White hair speaks of eternity, of Christ’s agelessness, of the dignity of his endless days. It gives a feeling of security. Just knowing he’s been around that long helps when I feel very young, inexperienced, and unsure of myself! White hair says, “I am wise. I understand many things because I have lived forever.” Christ’s age was no ordinary “off-white” age like yours and mine. His white, white hair tells us he existed before the ages themselves and lives outside of time, wise beyond measure, knowing all things.

He promises us white, white hair too, one day. That’s the sort of hair we shall have in eternity. As he said to John, “I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever!” (Revelation 1:18). Because he lives, we shall live also. The disciples in the persecuted churches needed to hear that!