Our first two sermons helped set the stage for the study of John's apocalypse. Sermon 1 introduced one of the major themes: "the avenging of suffering saints for the vindication of God's glory." John reminds us that Jesus "loves us and has freed us from our sins," (1:6). In addition, we're told to "fear not" because He is the "first and the last," (1:17). This is good news for a church facing severe persecution. We're also reminded that "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him," (1:7). In other words, Jesus second coming will be marked by a triumphant bravado, not the meekness of His first advent. Repentance and reverence are the only appropriate reactions to such a glorious and powerful vision!
And what will our Savior look like upon his return? That is the primary focus of Revelation 1:9-20. It is a glimpse via John's "flash forward" style of prophetic writing, where details often lack a consistent chronological order. With that said, here's the exegesis:
v.9 "I, John"
This is the third time in nine verses that the author has identified himself (MacArthur). This serves to remind us that John is not a zany, space-cake eating apocalyptic. Unlike those mostly anonymous writings, John wants his audience to know his identity. He is an apostle and is writing "prophecy" (1:3).
v. 9 "your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom"
John lays out two chief concerns of the book: the church's patient endurance during impending tribulation and it's hope of a soon to be consummated kingdom (Ladd).
v. 11 "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches"
The Seven Churches were literal, historical churches in the Roman world. They were probably chosen, on one level, because they represented the seven postal districts in which Asia was divided. This would have made the dissemination of their message much easier (MacArthur). In addition, the symbolic use of the number seven (which stands for completeness) is sure to also apply this message to the universal church throughout history (Mounce).
v. 12-16 "Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
Now we get to see a picture of the One whose return is imminent. This is the One who is the source of the revelation. He stands among seven lampstands, again, seven being symbolic for completeness. The lampstands themselves stand for the seven churches (v. 20). Jesus is dressed with the attire of the High Priest (MacArthur, Mounce). His white hair is an anthropomorphic representation of Christ's diety and references Daniel 7:9. (MacArthur). His flaming eyes symbolize his ability to see truth and justice clearly. He is, therefore, a perfect judge (Beale). His feet as bronze represent his moral purity (Beale). His voice "like the roar of many waters" is reminiscent of the crashing surf upon a rocky shore. It is a voice of supreme authority and power (MacArthur). Verse twenty eventually tells us that Jesus' "seven stars" of verse sixteen refer to "angels of the seven churches." This serves to remind us of God's perfect control and care over the Church (Mounce). The double-edged sword protruding from His mouth is a consistent sign of judgement.
v. 17 "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last"
In contrast to our often light-hearted, vain, and blasphemous treatment of Jesus - consider the response of John! And he is in good company. It is identical to every other biblical encounter with God. I am thankful, as John was, for the reassuring hand of God in the midst of His power!
v. 18 "I have the keys of Death and Hades"
We should tremble, not at the feet of those who hold the keys to life and death, (physical rulers) but the One who holds the keys of Death and Hades! This reminds us of Jesus' own advice in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
v. 19 "Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. "
There is no better example of the "now and next" nature of biblical prophecy than given here. John is to write about things seen, in other words, the precise revelation. He is to deliver this vision to "those that are" in his present time, the seven literal, historical churches in Asia. And he is to write what is to "take place after this." There is a prophetic future, predictive sense to the message. This is one of the clearest presentations of the fact that the Revelation of Jesus to John, keeping with the consistent nature of biblical prophecy, exists on multiple layers of time and eternity. It is now (to John's time and people) and it is next (to us today and the future church).
Application:
1. Pastor John Piper likes to say that one of his primary pastoral roles is to prepare his people to joyfully endure suffering. How is the joy and hope of Jesus' return helping you to be ready?
2. Pause and meditate on the vision of the Son of Man from verses 12-16. In what ways do you need to fall down at his feet and tremble? In what ways do you need his reassurance?
3. Jesus is your great High Priest. He has perfectly and permanently atoned for your sins. Spend some time in worship and thankfulness over the reality of your forgiveness!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment