January 10, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
On the one hand,… but on the other…
a Progress Report from Jesus.
#1. A Vision of Jesus.
In His “progress reports” to the 7 churches of Asia Minor (and to the churches today), Jesus has some good news and some bad news. We are eager to hear “atta boys” and accept commendation. However, we are not so thrilled at having our shortcomings exposed. Human nature being what it is, criticism is easier to take from someone in charge. Our task, like John’s, is to “see” Jesus as the Lord of Heaven and earth so that we can “hear” what He has to say to us.
- The Timeline of Revelation.
“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now
and what will take place later.”
Revelation 1:19
On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit,
and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet…
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me.
And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,
and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,”
dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet
and with a golden sash around his chest.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow,
and his eyes were like blazing fire.
His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace,
and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.
In his right hand he held seven stars,
and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.
His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.
Then He placed his right hand on me and said:
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
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 1:10, 12-18
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus,… Smyrna, …Pergamum,
…Thyatira, …Sardis, …Philadelphia, …Laodicea write…”
Revelation 2 & 3
- “…and what will take place later.”
After this I looked,
and there before me was door standing open in Heaven.
And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said,
“Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
Revelation 4:1
- The Significance of the Vision.
“The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches…”
Revelation 1:20a
- we usually think of “angels” as spiritual beings sent to minister and help the believers in the congregations.
Are not all angels ministering spirits
sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14
- The word “angel,” however, takes its simple definition of “messenger.” Here, the word refers to the human leaders of the local congregations. These “angels” are called, along with the rest of the church, to repent.
“… and the seven golden lampstands are the seven churches.”
Revelation 1:20b
*** the church is not the Light.
It is, however, where the Light is expected to shine.
- The church is through whom the Gospel of salvation is _OFFERED_
- The church is through whom the love of Jesus is _SHARED_
- The church is through whom the truth is _TAUGHT_&_OBEYED_
- The church is through whom the majesty of God is _PRAISED_
- “Son of Man”- a term used by the Old Testament prophet Daniel to refer to Messiah. Also a way Jesus identified Himself in the Gospels.
“In my vision at night I looked,
and there before me was one like a son of man,
coming with the clouds of Heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power;
all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away,
and His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:13, 14
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
- among the lampstands- His continuous _PRESENCE_
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
- the robe and sash- the wardrobe of the _PRIEST_
Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters
that they are to make garments for Aaron,
for his consecration, so he may serve Me as priest.
These are the garments they are to make:
a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash.
Exodus 28:3, 4
- head and hair white- a reference to _HOLINESS_
As I looked,
“thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.
His clothing was white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool.
… The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
Daniel 7:9, 10
- eyes like blazing fire, feet like bronze glowing in a furnace- Eyes _SEE_ all, fire _PURIFIES_, and to be under the feet is to be _IN_SUBMISSION_
Nothing in all Creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare
before the eyes of Him to whom we must all give account.
Hebrews 4:13
- voice like the sound of rushing waters- indicative of _MIGHT_&_POWER_
“After that comes the sound of His roar; He thunders with His majestic voice.
When His voice resounds, He holds nothing back.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
He does great things beyond our understanding.
Job 37:4, 5
- the double edged sword coming from His mouth- the ability and right to _JUDGE_
For the Word of God is living and active,
sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
- face as brilliant as the sun- an expression of His _PURITY_&_GLORY_
There He (Jesus) was transfigured before them.
His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:2
- holding the keys of death and Hades- _CONTROL_
“I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven;
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.”
Matthew 16:19
Taken as a whole, the impression we get of the Risen Jesus is not that of a Shepherd, or Lamb, or other soft and comforting figure. He is now the Mighty King, the Righteous Judge and the Holy Priest. As such, He has every right to speak to us, and we have every reason to listen! |
