WEEK 3
“Vision of the Son of Man”
Date: May 29, 2002
Place: Allendale Baptist
Text: Revelation 1: 9-20
Introduction
We continue our study of the book of Revelation this week in chapter 1 verses 9-20. Remember the word Revelation means a complete uncovering or unveiling. In the book of Revelation Jesus is clearly revealed.
Look at verse 9…
I John- John tells us he is the writer not the author; the Holy Spirit is the author.
He is the last living apostle probably about 95 years old at the time.
Brother & companion in tribulation - this is similar to the words found in 1 John 3:13 “Do not be surprised my brothers, if the world hates you.”
This message is written to the 1st century church that was suffering persecution. The apostle John was a partner in their suffering.
Tribulation here is not referring to the “great tribulation”; this is referring to persecution.
For the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus- John tells his readers again he has been exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the Word of God, faithfully.
** Practicing Christians will experience tribulation & persecution…
2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, & all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
** It was not easy being a Christian then and it is not easy being a Christian now…
AD 96 pastor of the church at Smyrna, Polycarp, was burned at the stake for refusing to bow down to the Roman emperor, and would not stop preaching Jesus
All throughout church history men like Martin Luther, John Wycliff & John Bunyon (author of the Pilgrim’s Progress) gave their lives for the Word of God…
Verse 10
I was in the Spirit – this was not a dream. John was supernaturally transported out of this material world to an experience beyond normal human senses.
This phrase refers to being in fellowship with God
Some have said by John making this statement he must have previously been out of the Spirit.
We must understand we cannot hear from God or worship God outside the Spirit of God.
On the Lord’s Day- by this time this had been Christian’s way to refer to the first day of the week, our Sunday, in honor of Jesus’ resurrection. John is actually saying “I was in the Spirit one Sunday morning and I heard a loud voice.
Loud voice like a trumpet – The vision begins not with a sight but with a sound, compelling not to be ignored. John will use this many times in the book of Revelation.
Verse 11
What the voice says… “I am” again, the first and the last… The unchangeable God
What the voice says to do - write and send this message to the seven churches.
Verse 12
Then I turned to see the voice- out of the great silence on this island John hears a voice like a trumpet. He hears the voice of the universe. He hears the voice that spoke everything into existence…
Over 60 years had gone by since John had heard the voice of the Lord Jesus. I just picture John recognizes that voice and turns to see the one He so loves…
Seven golden lamp stands –Now here is the first of those hard to understand things to come out of the book of Revelation…. Look at verse 20 “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, & the seven golden lamp stands; The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands which you saw are the seven churches.”
We see the Location of Jesus
This is one of the most beautiful illustration in the book of Revelation; Jesus is in the midst of His churches
These candles are lit, representing the church is to be the Light to a dark world
Here we see a picture of the Son of Man…
The shape of Jesus
like the Son of Man - This identifies Jesus as maintaining His humanity even in His exalted state. In the gospels we do not have an image or any examples of what Jesus looked like…
Helen Howarth Lemmel was a British – born daughter of a Methodist pastor who moved his family to the U.S when Helen was just a child. She became a famous singer & songwriter & taught voice lessons @ the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. In 1918 a friend gave her a pamphlet containing these words: “So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look into His face & you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness.”
Can you guess the name of the song she wrote… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”
The clothing & appearance of Jesus
Clothing – “Robe reaching down to His feet & with a golden sash around His chest.”
This refers to the dress and appearance of a high priest
Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy & find grace to help in time of need.”
Hair – Like wool, as white as snow In the ancient world, white hair symbolized the respect due to the aged for the wisdom of their advanced years. (Proverbs 16:31, “The silver-haired head is the crown of glory. If it is found in the way of righteousness.”) This may point to His omniscience. He knows what is best for His people even when they are suffering.
Eyes – Like flame of fire This may refer to His omnipresence. Someone has said “like two lasers, the eyes of the Lord look with penetrating gaze into the depths of His church.”
Feet – Like fine brass Brass is a reference to divine judgment. Jesus is seen with feet of judgment moving through His churches to exercise authority and punishment of sin.
Voice – the sound of rushing waters Have you ever heard the sound of rushing waters, they are deathing. That’s all you can hear.
The voice of Jesus is the Word of God, which must be constantly heard & obeyed.
Hands – held the seven stars these stars are in reference to the pastors or messengers of the churches. The application is Jesus holds the pastor of the church in His divine protection and care.
Weapon – out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword
Some one told a preacher his message was like a long knife. The preacher said you mean a long sword; sharp & to the point. The person said no a knife; long & dull.
Hebrews 4:12 “for the Word od God is living & powerful, & sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing even the division of soul & spirit & of joints & marrow, & is a discerner of the thoughts & intents of the heart.”
The sword stands for Jesus’ power to judge & conquer His enemies & to protect His people.
Face – like the sun shining in its strength again this is the fullness of all His glory; Shikinah glory
Verse 17-18
“I fell at His feet as dead”
This is a common response to being in the presence, He fell down as dead.
I like WHAT someone said about the book of Revelation; it is one sermon given by Jesus to one man John. And Jesus is not going to preach a sermon to a dead person, even though there is a lot of dead preachers preaching dead sermons to a bunch of dead people…
