Revelation 1:9-20 Church, experience Jesus who is to come

Revelation 1:9-20 Church, experience Jesus who is to come

As we live as a believer, we should know Jesus more deeply and experience Him. John 17:3 says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” In this text, ‘to know’ means ‘to experience.’ May God bless you to experience Him as John experienced the Lord.

1. Companion in the suffering! (9-11) John introduces himself as brother, companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance.

Verse 9 shows that John is enduring hardship, he is exiled to the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. He encourages those who are enduring suffering and facing persecution. In the midst of affliction, on the Lord’s Day, when John was in the Spirit, he met the Lord. He received revelation from God, wrote on a scroll what he saw and sent it to the seven churches. Through God’s Word and His revelation, John comforts and consoles those in despair and gives hope to those who are hopeless. May God bless our worship so we may experience His comfort and restoration.

2. See the glory of Jesus who is to come (12-18) (reference image) This shows the image of Jesus.

In verse 12-13, when John turned around to see the voice that was speaking to him, he saw seven golden lampstands. A son of man was among the lampstands. Leviticus 26:12 says, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” How wonderful is this? He was dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest with all the saints’ names on it. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire (14). He is pure. The Word of God is sharp, penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit. Hebrews 4:12 writes, “For the word of God is alive 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.” His feet are not weak though they were nailed on the cross. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters (15). In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (16). When John saw the glory of the Lord Jesus, he fell at his feet as though dead. When we stand in the glory of the Lord Jesus, we experience death of self. But then Jesus placed his right hand on John and said, “Do not be afraid… Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” Jesus comforts John and encourages him to get up. Let us also experience the Lord’s glory and serve Him faithfully. Jesus lived, died, and rose again. He was dead, but now alive. He is eternal God. Revelation 20:14 writes, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.” Let us see the glory of the Lord and have courage even in the midst of suffering and hardship.

3. Encounter Jesus who helps and aids His church and his servant (19-20)

Jesus commands John to write what he has seen (ch. 1, the past), what is now (ch.2-3, the present), and what will take place later (ch.4-22, the future) (19). This means that we should see the glory of the Lord Jesus, see the church in affliction, and see the world, the future of history. Believers in the early church were courageous and bold even when they faced persecution and martyrdom. How was it possible? It was because they experienced the glory of the Lord. John saw the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands, the seven starts are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. He helps and aids his servant, pastor, and angels. He is among the seven lampstands, the churches (20). He comforts us and strengthens us.

Dear Saints, let us read the Book of Revelation and ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand His Word. Through His Word, encounter Jesus and experience the Holy Spirit deeply. Tell the world about Jesus as His servant and take hold of His Word. Be prepared to meet the Lord who is to come, wait expectantly and live as His holy bride, shining like the sun. Amen.