The Presence of the Living Christ

Revelation 1:9-20

The Presence Of The Living Christ

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 was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 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.”

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 wool, as white as 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.

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, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.[1]

E

aster is, for the most part, a stunning admission that the vast majority of the inhabitants of this fallen world are afflicted with a form of spiritual schizophrenia. School boards change the name of the observance, municipal councils call the fête by other names, and yet almost the entire population of the world pauses to acknowledge an event that the cultural and political elite seems intent on rejecting. Almost two millennia past something momentous occurred in Jerusalem—something so significant that the world was forever changed.

An armed guard watched over a tomb situated within a garden on the outskirts of Jerusalem. In that tomb lay the body of a man, who though without sin had nevertheless been condemned and crucified as a common criminal. The guards were present to ensure that no one tampered with that tomb, yet they were powerless to halt the events that dramatically unfolded one morning following an otherwise common celebration of the Passover. Though the most powerful empire the world has ever known had sealed that crypt, vainly attempting to separate the dead from the living, the tomb was opened and the lone occupant walked forth into the first rays of the morning sun.

Because of that singular event, hearts were transformed and hope entered the world. Lives were forever changed—cowards became bold and bold men were reduced to blustering in a hopeless attempt to halt the knowledge of those events. Jesus of Nazareth, thought to be a prophet and considered to be a good man, was demonstrated to be the Son of God with power by bursting forth from the grave. Rising from the dead He demonstrated that He was indeed very God in human flesh.

Singular though that event was, in a sense it has been reproduced repeatedly throughout the nearly two thousand years which have passed since that resurrection. Dead men and dead women continue to be made alive; and ruined, broken lives continue to be transformed by His life. Were it somehow insufficient to consider that He has the power to set aside condemnation and guilt, were it somehow insufficient to know that He has power to bring men and women into a living relationship with God, people would nevertheless be transformed by the knowledge of His presence. For Jesus the Son of God is a Living Saviour—the One who conquered death and brought life and immortality to light. Jesus Christ is alive and His presence with His people still transforms lives today.

Almost sixty years after that dramatic resurrection, the last surviving member of that initial band of disciples, a man who had intimate knowledge of the details of Jesus’ brief ministry, was banned by imperial decree; he was exiled to a barren rock in the Ægean Sea. Those who followed Jesus—people known as Followers of the Way, or Christians—were despised and hated because they would not—indeed, could not—compromise with the moral, ethical and religious views of the fallen world about them.

None were spared persecution, as acknowledged in the opening words of the text. 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 [verse nine]. As an old man of over ninety years, John shared in the suffering of God’s people, being banished to live out his days in lonely exile—but he was not alone.

Among the initial affirmations found in our text, is that which is discovered in verse ten: I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. I would not have expected this declaration. If experience of this day is any indicator, I would have anticipated that the old man would be confused, embittered, angry. He was suffering because of righteousness, banished because of his convictions, punished for doing good.

People punished unjustly react with choler, respond with anger and vituperation—that is the experience of most of us. Yet, John, alone and isolated, remembers that it is the first day of the week—the Lord’s Day—and he worships the Lord. How strange that someone should worship under such conditions. How odd that someone should find joy and exalt in worship despite oppression and injustice. How perplexing!

In the account of American fighting men incarcerated in the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, immortalised as the Hanoi Hilton, a familiar theme is discovered. Many of the stories of those who survived speak of worship—individual and corporate—as a regular practise.[2] Prohibited from worship, many of those fighting men nevertheless worshipped, and on the Lord’s Day they would recite Scripture from memory, softy sing hymns of worship and encourage one another through a code developed to permit communication. Because the Spirit of God resides within, we who are Christians worship.

Separated by the centuries from the first blush of the establishment of the Faith, we tend to take for granted the impact the Resurrection of Jesus had on the first disciples. John saw the Master die. He saw Him condemned before the Sanhedrin. He witnessed Him carry his cross despite having been beaten and battered. He saw Him, exhausted, collapse on the way to Golgotha, the Place of the Skull where prisoners were executed.

John had seen Jesus pinioned to the rude cross, perhaps shuddered as the spikes tore through the flesh in His wrists and ankles to insure that He would not tear Himself free in His agonised writhing. John had stood close to the cross together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary the wife of Clopas (who was Jesus’ aunt), and with Mary Magdalene. He had heard the few words spoken by the dying man—words of compassion and concern, words of mercy. John had doubtless winced as he witnessed the spear driven deep into the side of the Master, proving that He was indeed dead. There had been no reaction, no movement, no involuntary spasm—He just hung there, sagging against the spikes that held Him fast to that rough wood. John knew Jesus had died.

However, John had also been one of the first to enter the tomb after the resurrection. He had outraced Peter and arrived at the tomb first, but he had held back until Peter entered and spoke in wonder at what he saw. John had been present when the Risen Jesus had appeared to His disciples, passing through a locked door without opening it. John had seen the cruel marks on the Master’s hands and feet; he had seen the deep wound in His side, the angry reminder of the spear plunged into His heart.

John had heard his Lord’s promise of power to all followers and he had listened on several occasions to the commission given to all disciples. John had witnessed Jesus ascend, riding on the Shekinah Glory into the heavens. Later, perhaps remembering all these events and words he had witnessed, John had written his first epistle, which begins with his testimony. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us [1 John 1:1, 2]

Some fifty days after Jesus had risen from the dead, ten days after Jesus had ascended into the glory, John had participated in the first proclamation of the Good News following Jesus’ Resurrection. John had been filled with the Spirit of God and had, together with other disciples, he boldly proclaimed in the centre of Jerusalem the message of life. That event was but evidence that Jesus had spoken truthfully when He had promised His disciples earlier, I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you [John 14:18].

Now, more than sixty years had passed since the Resurrection, and John was the last of the faithful Apostles. All the others had died violent deaths, tortured and executed because of their faith in this Risen Christ; and John was now exiled to live out dull, lonely days until released from his sorrow by death. I iterate—he was not alone! Throughout the long years he had known the presence of this Jesus, the Lord of Glory; and now he would have another evidence that he had never been alone as Jesus revealed Himself to His faithful servant. Listen again to those stirring words of John the Apostle.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 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.”

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 wool, as white as 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 [Revelation 1:10-16].

What dramatic evidence that despite the passage of years, Jesus was still present with His disciple! What dramatic proof that the Master had not deserted His servant, despite the pressures John experienced! What was true for John is equally true for each Christian to this day. Christ Jesus is alive and dwells with His people.

The Presence of Christ is a Source of Comfort to His Servants — Ours is an unusual generation in many respects, especially considering the pressure we Christians may well experience because of our faith. Our situation, when compared to our forefathers and compared to many of our brother and sister believers in other lands, is serene and undisturbed. Though the threat of persecution hangs ominously over the head of the people of God in this day, we remain blissfully undisturbed for the most part.

Viewing the Christian Faith in a yet broader context one becomes convinced that The Servants of Christ Exist in a Milieu of Suffering and Patient Endurance. Consider the opening words with which the Apostle endeavours to identity with the readers of this Apocalypse. I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus … [Revelation 1:9]. Think of that: your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus! John is quite specific that it is the tribulation that is ours in Jesus. In other words, because we are Christians we inherit tribulation—qlivyei—trials or suffering we might say.

Most of us readily focus on the most visible aspect of our divine inheritance—sharing in the Kingdom that is ours in Christ the Lord. We long to reign with Him and to be recognised as those who are among the redeemed of Christ. Indeed, I do not wish to depreciate the fact that we shall reign with Him; this is undoubtedly one of the most precious promises to be found in all of Scripture.

There is, however, in Paul’s second letter to the young Ephesian theologue, Timothy, the citation of an ancient hymn. That citation reminds us, in part:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us.

[2 Timothy 2:11, 12]

Reading the words of the hymn that Paul quoted, it is quite easy for us living in this day to focus on the promise that we shall reign with Him. However, take note that this is a conditional clause.

The promise that we shall reign with Christ is based upon the condition that we endure. Endure what? We are called to walk with Christ, to live for Christ, to honour Him. We are to resist evil and to demonstrate holy lives. We are to endure the opposition of sinful people, and we shall do so in His strength.

We live with Christ only as we have died with Him. This is understandable, because we know that we are called to count ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ, so the first conditional clause is readily acceptable. However, we cannot escape the fact that the second conditional clause expects that we will endure despite difficulty.[3]

Philippians 3:8-11 details the Apostle Paul’s goals in life. Those convictions are recommended for adoption by every Christian. I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Especially note Paul’s determination of becoming like [Christ] in His death as recounted in verse ten. The words of the Apostle speak of something foreign to too many of us in this day—suffering because of our faith.

Listen again to the words of Peter found in his first letter. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [1 Peter 5:6-11].

The fellow believers of those reading the letter were suffering and those reading could expect similar treatment. They would be enabled to endure through the strength of Christ. Then, when they have suffered a little while—perhaps throughout the whole of their lives—Christ will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish them.

I say these things, not to frighten you or to intimidate you, but to prepare you for what must be inevitable—suffering, opposition, vituperation. Because of our faith in Christ the Lord, the world cannot love us. I must cite one further word of warning from Scripture. The words were spoken by Jesus immediately prior to His crucifixion. The caution given to the first disciples yet stands for disciples to this day.

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours [John 15:18-20].

The servants of Christ know that He is always standing in among the lampstands, and that He holds the stars in His hand. This is John’s description of what he saw when he turned to see who was speaking to him. 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 wool, as white as 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.

I must first take note of John’s expression, which is unusual in the Greek tongue. Hearing the voice behind him, John says he turns to see the voice. Usually, we are looking at the wrong person or thing. However, when we hear the voice of Christ, we who are alive in Him will turn to see Him. Listen for Him, and you will see Him.

What I want you to take special notice of is where the Risen Lord was standing. John notes seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands stands the One whose voice John heard. He also takes note that the One speaking holds in His right hand seven stars. Where He stands and what He holds is significant.

We need not wonder what the meaning of the seven golden lampstands might be. Neither need we wonder at what the seven stars might be. In verse twenty, John informs us, As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches [Revelation 1:20].

Without belabouring the point, the word seven expresses completeness. In other words, the Living Christ was standing among the churches and He shall ever be among His churches. Indeed, the churches named were actual churches then in existence, but they represent and are symbols of all of the churches of Jesus Christ throughout all the centuries; and Christ has ever stood in the midst of His people. Today, He walks among us and stands among us observing us as we worship.

The seven stars are the angels [aggeloi] of the churches. The Greek word refers to “a messenger.” Frequently, it does speak of an angel as we think of angels, but they obtain their name because they are the messengers of God. Most of the time, the angelos [a[ggelo~] was a man. He is a prophet, an apostle, a preacher, an evangelist, a missionary. He is a man of God entrusted with a communication from the courts of heaven. The term refers to that man.[4]

Our Lord is saying that He holds the messengers of the churches in His hand. Christ our Lord holds His shepherds, His preachers, His prophets in His hand. When the man of God presents the Word of God in the power of the Spirit, it is not His eloquence that convicts and converts, but it is Christ the Lord working through that man. This assists us to understand why Paul would speak of himself as a fellow labourer with Christ [see 1 Corinthians 3:9].

Wherever there are stars, there are lampstands. Wherever there are preachers, there are churches. The background may be dark, but Christ shines through His spokesmen and He walks in the midst of His people. Thus are we empowered and thus are we enabled to do all that He calls us to do.

The servants of Christ know that He is strong and able to deliver them from their sorrows. Carefully consider the glorious words that the Living Christ spoke to His servant, John. Fear not. Who would not tremble before this awesome God? John fell at His feet as though he were dead. Here is the proper attitude for worship! Perhaps the reason we fail to worship is that we attempt to stand before God. However, Manoah [cf. Judges 13:20], Ezekiel [cf. Ezekiel 1:28], Daniel [cf. Daniel 10:9] and John [Revelation 1:17] all fell on their faces when confronted by the presence of the Living Christ. The fact that we fail to fall on our faces is presumptive evidence that we also fail to truly worship. For if the Living Christ actually walks among us and reveals Himself in our presence, how can we yet stand? The only answer is that we have failed to see His glory because we are blinded by our own desires, or that He no longer reveals His glory among His people.

When Christ is seen, we will fall on our faces; and not until we have fallen on our faces will we hear His words of comfort, Fear not. We need not doubt that Christ yet comforts His people. He has promised, repeatedly promised, that He would be with us.

Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age [Matthew 28:20b], is the Master’s promise. Again, our Lord invites us with these words. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him [John 12:26]. One of the most precious promises in all the Word of God is that found in John 14:18, 19. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

One of the most comforting passages of the Word, in my estimate, is that which tells of Paul when he was opposed in Corinth. Assailed by religious leaders, Paul was perhaps considering moving to the next city, when he had a vision of the Risen Son of God. The Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people” [Acts 18:9, 10]. We may be assured that if God had many people in Corinth, He also has many people in our community. We must stand without fear and serve in His strength, for the work is not yet complete.

As He prayed for us who are His disciples, Jesus made this glorious statement. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world [John 17:24]. Where Christ is, His people are. Where God works, His people will be found. Let us, then, be courageous and stand firm in the Faith we have received, for God is able to deliver us from our sorrows and enable us to be victorious over every opponent. Amen!

The Presence of Christ is a Source of Hope to His People — I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Christ has conquered death. Because He lives, we also shall live. His awesome power is pledged to benefit His people. The One who conquered death now gives life and power to those who are His.

One of the great Psalms that has often comforted me is the 31st Psalm. I have often reminded myself of the fourteenth and fifteenth verses in my hour of distress.

I trust in you, O Lord;

I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in your hand!

[Psalm 31:14, 15]

My times are in His hands. What can man do to me? Will he take away my wealth? I have treasures laid up in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Not even the Canada Revenue Agency can touch those treasures. Will he take away my friends? I have one who sticks closer than a brother. Will he remove my family? I have mothers and brothers and sisters and children and lands beyond anything I might have ever known outside the Family of God. Will he threaten my life? My life is hidden in Christ and I cannot die, for my times are in His hand. Man cannot touch me, for I am immortal until Christ calls me home.

This is the heritage of the people of God. So long as we live for Him in this life we walk in His presence; and where Christ is, there is His power. Therefore, we need not fear. We need but stand firm and continue to serve as He has called us. Now, tell me, is there not hope in this promise? Though my legs are growing weak, I now rise up on the wings of an eagle and soar where Christ has gone before. Though my eyes are growing dim, I see with clearer vision than ever before. Though my tongue fails me on occasion, I speak with greater certainty of His might than ever I spoke in years past. What I say of myself is the testimony of all God’s people. Hallelujah and Amen.

The Presence of Christ is a Source of Understanding to His Churches —Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Christ reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Our Lord does not present a vision to us and then leave us to puzzle over that vision. If we are willing to look, we will see that He has always provided an explanation of His purpose. To John, He revealed what the symbols meant. This was so that we who live in this day would be able to know the grand design of God. It was so we could draw courage and strength from the knowledge that He is yet at work in this world.

We have already seen that our Lord was making a statement to John that He ever stands in the midst of His people and that He directs the voice of His preacher. That preacher may not always wear the livery of the church. Sometimes that preacher may be a carpenter, or a salesman, or a nurse, or a mother, but that preacher will always speak of the grace of God and the might of Jesus. That preacher may not have a pulpit from which to preach each week, but that preacher will live the Faith day-by-day and speak to all whom the Lord his God gives to him.

As the message of life is proclaimed, some will come to faith and Christ will be glorified. As the Gospel of grace is offered, there will always be some who respond. Among the great doctrines of the Faith are the teachings of God’s gracious election. Because He elects whom He wills to faith, I know that whenever I speak, some will believe and that comforts me. I know that my preaching is never in vain, but rather I know that God is powerfully at work in me. While I am of no great account, the message I preach is powerful to save those who hear and believe. I also know that the Christ whom I present is able to save. When He is preached, some will believe and be saved.

I also know that those who respond to the invitation to life will live forevermore. That comforts me, for the salvation I proclaim in Christ is an eternal gift to those who receive it. Those who submit to Him and thus receive the precious gift of life in Christ will never be separated from His love. They will forever live with Him and their sins will never more be remembered.

This is the message we proclaim. Christ has died because of your sin. He has conquered death, rising from the dead and ascending to Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father. To all who believe this message and accept Him as Master of life, He extends the gracious gift of life—the forgiveness of sin and adoption into the Family of God. You need but believe this message and receive Christ as Lord of life and you, also, will be accepted into His Family, receiving the forgiveness of sin and His life.

This is the message of life. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” [Romans 10:9-13]

I would that we could recite those words together—in unison, knowing that each of us believed them and that each one had embraced this Saviour. This is my prayer for each of you, that you will believe and be saved. Do so today. Do so to the glory of the Living Christ. He is now among us, walking in and out before us, calling some to life and enabling all to honour Him. Amen, and amen.

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[2] See Geoffrey Norman, Bouncing Back: How A Heroic Band of POWs Survived Vietnam (Houghton, Mifflin, Boston, MA 1990)

[3] James Swanson, A Dictionary of Biblical Languages: Greek New Testament (Logos Research Systems, 1997)

[4] Note the following representative instances when the Hebrew or the Greek refer to a man as the messenger of God. Haggai 1:13; Malachi 2:7; 3:1; Luke 7:24; James 2:25