11-18-2018 What in the Patmos?! Revelation 1:9-16
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction:
I want to introduce this morning’s topic with a quote within a quote. Philip Yancey, a Christian author, took the daunting task of writing a book that might answer the seemingly unanswerable question: why does a good God allow pain and suffering with the book: Where Is God When It Hurts. I do not want to mislead you, this is not our topic this morning but an introduction to the topic. In this book, Philip records an interaction between an elderly lady and her pastor. He says:
“J. Robertson McQuilkin...was once approached by an elderly lady facing the trials of old age. Her body was in decline, her beauty being replaced by thinning hair, wrinkles and skin discoloration. She could no longer do the things she once could, and she felt herself to be a burden on others. “Robertson, why does God let us get old and weak? Why must I hurt so?” she asked.
After a few moments’ thought, McQuilkin replied: “I think God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we’ll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty which is forever. It makes us more eager to leave behind the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave!”
This puts into perspective for us the eternal, and how with an eternal perspective we are changed. When we see how beautiful is the spiritual and how ugly is this life our outlook changes and hope flourishes in tremendous strides.
Transition:
I think perhaps this is what the Apostle John is doing with our passage this morning. With the book of Revelation written for struggling churches by a man of God in a struggle himself, a right perspective is in order for them and for us here today.
Scripture Reading:
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 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. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 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.
John again gives his name as the author of the letter and described his whereabouts and why he was there. Next he explained his commissioning to write this letter to the churches. Then he described his vision of the exalted Christ, leaving no mistake as to Christ’s true identity—theses are all things already introduced in the first 8 verses—it is almost as if he is rewording his introduction from the first 8 verses. Then, his vision he starts describing in verse 12 makes some wonder if he is loosing it from perhaps malnutrition or dehydration from being on an island alone too long. But then we will see that this description has much in common with Isaiah 6, Daniel 10, and Ezekiel 1 - which vindicates John’s sanity and also highlights our need to understand the O.T. in order to understand this book. So, later on, I plan to review with you what was going on in those books and what is the connection here.
Transition:
This morning, I want to see with you what John is really trying to tell us with these curious words and pictures in these 5 verses:
I. THE REALITY OF THE REVELATION (v.9)
I. THE REALITY OF THE REVELATION (v.9)
John seems to be using this first portion as a striving to prove the validity, the veracity, the truthfulness of what is about to follow
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
“I, John, your brother and partner”
in other words he is saying, “it’s me guys, the same John that you’ve always known—we’re family” Although John was an apostle and an elder of the church, he described himself as their brother in Christ because he and the persecuted believers were partners in suffering as persecution against believers began to escalate at the end of the century. They were partners in God’s coming Kingdom because they were already its citizens. And they were partners in patient endurance as they awaited the arrival of God’s coming Kingdom. This identity buys the Apostle John more credibility.
Historical tradition indicates the Apostle John was exiled by the Roman Emperor Domitian to the isle of Patmos about a.d. 95, then released after Domitian’s death in 96. The Romans used Patmos, a small rocky island about ten miles long and six miles wide in the Aegean Sea, about fifty miles offshore from the city of Ephesus on the Asia Minor seacoast (see map), for banishing political prisoners essentially to die on this island.
John had paid for his faithfulness of preaching the word of God and speaking about Jesus by this exile to Patmos. Although John was away from the churches and unable to travel, his exile did not stop what God would do through John, nor did it stop God’s message from getting to his churches.
Transition:
John was not living a cozy life that the prosperity Gospel promises—especially at this time when he’s writing this letter, but now he has a new job to do:
II. THE COMMISSION OF THE REVELATION (v.10-12)
II. THE COMMISSION OF THE REVELATION (v.10-12)
Now John sets the scene to when he recieved his instruction to write and share
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet
It is difficult to imagine what life was like for the apostle on the Isle of Patmos. It must have been a monotonous, hard existence, with each day being about survival very much like the one that preceded it.
Even though the days were bland and blended together, John still knew when it was the Lord’s Day, and he kept it holy even in his lonely isolation.
How do we know he kept it holy? Because John was worshiping in the Spirit, which refers to a visionary experience given to John by the Holy Spirit. On this day, John heard a voice that sounded like a trumpet blast. If John, given his circumstances, could be in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, how much more should we Americans, in better circumstances, seek to observe the Lord’s Day and be ‘in the Spirit’ everyday! however our circumstances do not dictate our ability and privilege to worship our Lord—and John is proving it here.
What we see here is Spirit-led worship transforms us, motivating missions and ministry
Illustration:
Quote: Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin. Calvin once wrote that:
“man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself.”
In other words, when we see YHWH, we come to understand ourselves better, opening the door to repentance, inspiration, and transformation. Worship opens our eyes once again to the wonder and majesty of the God we serve. Like nothing else, a vision of the Lord can move us out into mission.
John is with the Lord in his spirit, but is now in person right when he heard a insanely loud voice, as if a presence of a king. The trumpet heralds the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4). The voice claimed a divine kingship, as it commanded, with the authority of a king, to “Write” (v. 11).
saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
We already mentioned last week how the seven local churches listed were not the only churches in Asia Minor at that time. These churches were likely chosen as examples of what was happening in their midst at the time and because they were located on the connecting roads of a circular postal route that would make the letter spread more efficiently.
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,
Jesus tells us what the lampstands are symbolizing a few verses later in verse 20—the churches. But this is not the first that we hear of churches being symbolized as lampstands: God’s people are as seven lamps in Zechariah's 5th vision from YHWH:
1 And the angel who talked with me came again and woke me, like a man who is awakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it, with seven lips on each of the lamps that are on the top of it. 3 And there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” 4 And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” 6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. 7 Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ”
So now we have this picture again of 7 golden lampstands.
Transition:
so he has this commission to write and we have the circumstances in which he was writing so the third thing I want to look at this morning is:
III. THE MAJESTY OF THE REVELATION (v.13-16)
III. THE MAJESTY OF THE REVELATION (v.13-16)
In a vision John saw Christ, the resurrected, glorified, eternal King. In symbols John tells us what caliber of king he is--one totally different from any Caesar.
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 long robe pictures Jesus as a leader. From the O.T., we can gather that the gold sash across His chest reveals him as the high priest who goes into YHWH’s presence to obtain forgiveness of sin for those who have believed in Him. In the first century secular realm, wearing a sash, especially across the chest, indicated leadership and authority. Hebrews 2:17 identifies Jesus as the final high priest.
17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
13 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.
More than that, He is among the churches. He holds them, their leaders, and their destiny in his power. No matter what the churches face, Jesus is in control and protects them with his all-encompassing love and reassuring power.
The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,
His snowy white hair indicates his wisdom and divine nature (see also Daniel 7:9). His blazing eyes symbolize judgment of all evil (see Daniel 10:6) and deep insight, not only over the churches and the believers but over the entire course of history.
his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.
The feet like bronze picture an exalted person with great power (also from Daniel). Bronze usually symbolized the might of Rome—bronze shields and breastplates were used by the Roman army. Again, this is a picture of an all-powerful Victor (see also Ezekiel 1:13, 27; 8:2; and Daniel 10:6). The voice like mighty ocean waves evokes the image of a huge waterfall roaring over a high cliff. Thus, the voice is powerful and awesome. When this man speaks with authority, nothing else can be heard.
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.
In his right hand, Christ holds seven stars, explained in 1:20 as “the angels of the seven churches” to whom this letter is addressed (1:11). That Christ is holding the stars implies his protection of these churches as he walks among them.
We learn from this then: He is holy; he cannot be deceived, for he sees (knows) all; his power cannot be broken; his authority cannot be resisted; his judgment cannot be avoided; and his majesty cannot be imitated.
This is what picture we might get taking John literally
{show picture}
however, while still maintaining a literal interpretation, we see that John uses the word “like” (Greek: ὡς) which tells us readers that it is not literal fire in Jesus’ eye, nor is there literally a sword coming from His mouth, but that is how John can try to describe what he sees—we must pay careful attention to the small words “like” or “as” in order to properly interpret what John and Jesus are communicating. Nonetheless, this is the picture that we are encouraged with.
The sword here is the sharp two-edged sword. This type of sword, invented by the Romans, represents invincible might. The double-edged sword was light and sharp on both edges. These swords gave such a great advantage in hand-to-hand combat that the Roman army was called “the short swords.” It made them virtually invincible. This sword is coming from Jesus’ mouth, symbolizing the power and force of his message. Jesus’ words of judgment are as sharp as swords; he is completely invincible.
This shining brilliance of his face probably describes Christ’s entire being. The same sort of picture is described in the Transfiguration, an event that John himself had witnessed
But Has John ever seen Jesus like this?? He certainly has never seen anyone else like this
John had seen Jesus Christ in a similar glorified state at His transfiguration (Mt 17:2),
2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
and he had seen His resurrection body after He was raised until the ascension (Jn 20; Acts 1:2–11). BUT in this vision, it is a bit different-- the Glory was full and John saw the One he had known in the flesh. Even though John had been as close as any of the disciples to Jesus, John had not begun to comprehend the majesty of the One with whom he had walked during Jesus’ three years of ministry. I fear many of us here today, me included, fall into this trap of not realizing the glory of the One who saved us.
Illustration:
Many Christians mistakenly believe people in our culture have a problem with Jesus. Actually, they don’t! That is, they have no problem with their Jesus. For instance, people embrace the peace-loving Jesus of Gandhi. They adore the self-actualizing Jesus of Oprah. A few years ago, many people made a fashion statement by sporting a “Jesus is my homeboy” T-shirt {(You can find a picture of the T-shirt online.)}. People love the “right” Jesus that fits them. As long as Jesus conforms neatly into our comfort zones and helps improve our life as we see fit, Jesus is cool enough. But John brings us face-to-face with the real Jesus, and He is much more terrifying and Glorious than we could have imagined. He is God with us.
Over the years, different methods have been developed to share the gospel. Each can have its strengths and weaknesses. One popular method, used to reach many, began with “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” Understood in context, this is a perfectly true statement. However, in our pleasure-seeking, self-oriented culture, such a statement could be understood to mean, “Come to Jesus and all your dreams will come true!” If people think that’s what they’re getting when they become Christians, they will be sorely disappointed, confusing a philosophy of self-actualization with God’s epic plan to glorify his name.
The impact of Jesus’ true appearance is startling, overwhelming, and this description in Revelation has a specific purpose. We know that it is the case as we look into chapters 2 and 3.
Descriptions of Jesus are for the Seven Churches (and, by extension, for us)
These exact descriptions of Jesus here in our passage are scattered through the O.T. and are purposed to the churches in Revelation 2–3
Revelation 1:13—“someone like a son of man” Rev. 2:18 (“Son of God”)
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Symbolism of Deity from Dan. 7:9–14; 10:5–19; Ps. 2:7
Then the white head/hair symbolizing Dignity, wisdom, purity Dan. 7:9 (Ancient of Days)
then in Rev. 1:14—fire blazing eyes
14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,
Rev 2:18 again
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Dan. 10:6 eyes like a flame of fire --Penetrating insight
Rev. 1:15—glowing feet
15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.
back to REv 2:18
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Dan. 10:6; Ezek. 1:7, 27 Strength, stability, purity
Then in Rev. 1:16—seven stars in right hand
16 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.
is with the Ephesians
1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
& also Sardis
Rev 3:1
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
“ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
and finally, Rev. 1:16—sword coming out of his mouth
16 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.
for Pergamum Rev 2:12, 16
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.
Isa. 49:2; 11:4 = sword to picture Truth and judgment
This is my God!
So What? (v.17a)
So What? (v.17a)
From what John saw with Jesus, he could not do anything else, but fall in fear
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,
Isaiah had a very similar experience in Isaiah 6:1–8, Daniel fell on his face in Daniel 8, Ezekiel fell on his face in Ezek 1:28
when you contrast us to Jesus—especially in all His glory, this is it: we are dead, He is alive! We are nothing, He is everything. We are not worthy, yet He is! We too should fall to Jesus’ feet and worship Him just as John shows here, proclaiming the real Jesus!
Conclusion:
John’s introduction gives us at least 4 significant points
Jesus is God. John’s vision portrays Jesus as a glorious ruler and judge. He is dignified, wise, strong, insightful, majestic, powerful, sovereign, and true. Above all, he is one with God and is God (cf. John 1:1). The connection between the Ancient of Days and the one like a son of man in Daniel, along with the titles used for both God and Jesus, affirm Jesus’s deity (e.g., “First and the Last” in 1:17 being equivalent to “Alpha and Omega” in 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). In the midst of our cultural confusion about Jesus, the church is called to proclaim him as the divine-human being that He is. The symbolic language used here communicates Jesus’s character and ability which is synonymous with the Father, YHWH.
We are in the best position to hear from God when we are regularly in Spirit-led worship. John receives his revelation when he is in the midst of Spirit-guided worship (v.10). John’s first audience was also receiving this message in the a similar way. The book was most likely read as a part of worship in the early church. Worship prepared John to receive the message, and worship plays a crucial role throughout the book. Corporate worship is not optional or unessential since genuine discipleship flows out of a heart cleansed and made full in Spirit-empowered worship. It makes sense that we are best able to hear from YHWH, to receive an eternal perspective, and to experience a foretaste of heaven when we make Spirit-led worship a priority.
We live in the reality between living in a hard, unforgiving place and holding on to YHWH’s promise to make all things new. John was on the island of Patmos for being a faithful witness to Jesus. He was a fellow partner with his listeners in the suffering that is a necessary part of membership in God’s kingdom. We should not try to mask this suffering partnership with faithfulness. We must help people adjust their expectations about what the Christian life is really like. Too often, people expect are are promised to a certain extent that becoming a Christian will guarantee some measure of material prosperity and avoid unpleasant, uncomfortable hardship. But this is simply not true. We are new people, but we live in a fallen world. Believers need realistic expectations about the difficulties and promised blessings connected to following Christ. As a commentator once said, “en Patmō [in Patmos] we suffer; but en Pneumati [in the Spirit] we reign.” We need to adjust expectations about the realities of the Christian life.
Jesus promised his followers that they would suffer for him. Consider what the Apostles underwent (rejection, stoning, beating, crucifixion, death by sword). Consider what many Christians are facing right now in the persecuted church around the world. The “all your dreams will come true” prosperity version of the gospel does not allow for these experiences. But the Savior revealed in Revelation is one who has gone before us on the road of intense suffering and walks with us in the midst of ours.
Finally,
We receive hope not only from Jesus’s promise to return but also from his presence now among us. Revelation promises God’s future intervention to judge evil, resurrect his people, and transform his creation. While our hope is grounded in this promise, we are also comforted and empowered to endure by Jesus’s presence with us now. The one who is returning soon is already present among us. Jesus commissions John to write to the churches as he walks among the churches, and he holds them in his right hand (1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1). This truth offers an opportunity to communicate how we can experience God’s presence now in deeper ways (e.g., through the Holy Spirit, through Christian community, through his Word).