A Big Deal!
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Intro:
Intro:
Good morning. Welcome to TRC.
How many of us are excited about the potential tolls in Connecticut? Yea, me neither.
Every now and then, I travel to Massachusetts for training and once I cross that Connecticut-Mass border, it’s like, “Let the tolls begin!” It’s not that the fees are super expensive, but it’s just “another thing” to pay for.
It’s not that the fees are super expensive, but it’s just “another thing” to pay for.
Not too long ago, Massachusetts got rid of their toll booths and began to charge either by EZPass or by taking a picture of your plate and sending you a bill. Because I don’t travel there too often, I don’t have an EZPass; so, the other day, I was sent a bill. Has anyone noticed what is written on the outside of the envelope? It’s kinda like a warning...
Yes, it says, “Do not ignore.” They are kindly - but aggressively - warning you, “Do not forget to pay your toll. You owe us!” It’s a big deal.
So, I always open it right away and pay it online so I don’t forget. I mean, it sorta is a big deal. Anytime you get a letter from a government entity, it’s a big deal.
Early in our marriage, Janelle and I were young and stupid. Now, we’re older and stupid. One of the stupid things we did is ignore envelopes coming to us from Federal Student Loan Agencies, even though they had on them, “Do not ignore. Do not throw away!” But we’re stupid, so we ignored them because we didn’t have money and didn’t take the warning seriously.
Then one day, we came to our senses. We decided to reach out to the student loan department and handle our delinquent payment situation. And I’ll never forget what the lady told Janelle. She said:
“Oh, Janelle Lim. Funny that you’re calling. You’re file is literally on my desk. I was about to process the order to levy your bank accounts for delinquent payments!”
By God’s grace, we were able to work that out and get current, but moral of the story, when someone important (like a government agency) sends you a letter and it says, “Do not ignore,” heed the warning! It’s a big deal!
This morning - and for the Summer - we are starting an exciting series! We are going to study the Book of Revelation! Now, I want to be clear about a couple of things upfront:
This is going to be an “introduction” to Revelation. Revelation is an intense and complex book. And it’s long - 22 chapters. And it’s probably not the right season in our young church’s life for a complete study of this book. Plus, I like what Jackie Owens said a couple of months ago, “In school, when I begin to study a difficult subject, there’s always an introductory course to take first.” I like that. Hopefully, that’s what this will be for many of us.
This study will not be aimed at creating arguments. If you’ve been part of the church for a while, you’re probably familiar with the fact that there are a lot of different schools of thought on this book. While it’s okay to have differing opinions on the interpretation of this complex book, what’s not okay is to act like a jerk about it. There are foundational things in Christianity that we can’t bend on (Salvation through Jesus, the Trinity, the truth of the Bible) and then there are secondary things for discussion. For Revelation, the differing camps of interpretations are important, but secondary. Plus, there are godly, highly intelligent, followers of Jesus in each camp. Therefore, we’re not going to pretend we have it figured out. Theologian Grant Osborne says we should study Revelation with a “hermeneutic of humility.”
So, an immediate question might be, “Why even study this book?” Some of you may have even tried to read this book on your own and thought, “What the heck?!?” And then stopped reading.
Why study this book? Because it’s a big deal! We see this right off the bat, as the introduction is filled with “big deal” language. If you have your Bible/app, turn with me to . Before we begin, let’s pray.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
And so John’s letting us know that what he’s writing about is a “big deal.” When his audience heard this was apocalyptic, they would’ve paid attention.
Furthermore, look at how this revelation is passed down. It started with God, went to Jesus, who gave it his angel (possibly Gabriel - an important angel), and then to John. That’s a pretty impressive Olympic relay team, right? And although the first three listed are obviously great, John is no push over.
This was John the apostle. He was one of the twelve disciples that followed Jesus. He was known as the “one whom Jesus loved.” He was likely the closest to Jesus. He was the only disciple at the Cross. He was a leader in the church, and many of his writings are in the Bible. Furthermore, by this time he was the last apostle alive - and faithful to the end. Tradition has it they tried to get John to deny Christ by throwing him into boiling oil and stepped back out of it like it was a Jacuzzi. John was the man, but here’s what we need to hold onto for this verse: John is included in this list because God knew John would be faithful to deliver it and treat it like a big deal.
Because it was! That’s why John goes on to say:
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
Someone say, “big deal!” This message was a big deal. There was a blessing for those who read it aloud. There was a blessing for those who heard it and obeyed it. This was John’s way of saying, “What I’m about to talk about is a big deal! Take it seriously.” This verse is John’s way of writing on the envelope: Do not ignore.
Exegesis:
Exegesis:
The word “revelation” is actually the word we get our English word “apocalypse” from. And it describes a type of literature that used very symbolic language to reveal hidden truths. And it’s purpose was to show God was completely in control, even if it didn’t seem like it. With a further goal of encouraging God’s people to have hope, persevere, remain faithful, and be ready, because God is going to soon make everything right!
And so John’s letting us know that what he’s writing about is a “big deal.” When his audience heard this was apocalyptic, that’s what they would’ve hear. And they would’ve paid attention.
And speaking of “big deals,” just look at how this revelation is passed down. This adds to the importance of this message. It started with God, went to Jesus, who gave it his angel (possibly Gabriel - an important angel), and then to John. That’s a pretty impressive relay team, right? And it’s obvious the first three are big deals, but what about this guy John?.
This was John the apostle. He was one of the twelve disciples that followed Jesus. He was known as the “one whom Jesus loved.” He was likely the closest friend to Jesus. He was the only disciple at the Cross. He was a leader in the church, and many of his writings are in the Bible. Furthermore, by this time, he was the last apostle alive - and faithful to the end. Tradition has it they tried to get John to deny Christ by throwing him into boiling oil and stepped back out of it like it was a Jacuzzi. John was the man, but here’s what we need to hold onto for this verse: John is included in this list because 1) People knew John was a big deal and would’ve received this message from him; and 2) God knew John would be faithful to deliver it and treat it like a big deal.
Because it was! That’s why John goes on to say:
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
Someone say, “big deal!” This message was a big deal. There was a blessing for those who read it aloud. There was a blessing for those who heard it and obeyed it. This was John’s way of saying, “What I’m about to talk about is a big deal! Take it seriously.” This is John’s way of writing on the envelope: Do not ignore.
Before we move on, I think there are a few points of application:
First, there is a blessing available for us. This verse served as a motivation for the original audience to both read and spread its message. It should do the same for us. What we are going to study is a big deal. Be excited. Be motivated to show each week to receive that blessing.
Second, the blessing is not just in reading or hearing, but in obeying what we hear. Paul says:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
I think that verse is helpful in understanding what John is saying. God’s word is never meant to be heard and ignored. It’s too important! It’s meant to be heard and then obeyed. It’s meant to transform our life, so that we become more and more like Jesus. When we live that way, there is a blessing in store for us.
Finally, although verse 3 is specifically talking about this apocalyptic letter, it is applicable to the entire Bible. Do you want a blessed life? Then, read AND obey the Word of God. It’s a big deal.
John goes on to write:
John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
So, John tells us his specific audience: the seven churches in Asia. We will see the list of these churches in chapters 2 & 3. Here’s the thing… there were more than 7 churches in Asia. So why give such an important message to only a few churches? Well, answering that involves understanding the type of literature this is.
Remember, this literature involved the use of symbols. And while John is truly writing to seven REAL churches in Asia, he’s actually writing to the entire church, which is represented by these 7 churches. You see, the number 7 symbolically represents completeness. When John addresses this to the seven churches, it is very likely its symbolic of the entire church - including us!
And here’s something I found amazing. We will see there are a lot of problems in these churches that Jesus wants corrected. But how does he begin? He begins with “grace and peace” to you.
Just to remind you: Grace is God’s undeserved favor and Peace is what we have with God. Grace is God’s loving attitude towards us. And even though we are sinners, because of Jesus, we have peace with God. He’s not mad at us, as if we’re enemies. We are at peace. Furthermore, He gives us His supernatural peace. And I just thought that was interesting because it helps me have God’s perspective on the world.
The world may be falling apart around me. I may be struggling to follow God with all my heart. I may be going through the hardest time of my life. But God’s message to me isn’t, “What’s wrong with you dummy? Get your act together!” Rather, because of Jesus, He starts with, “Grace and peace to you.” It’s like God is saying, “What I’m going to talk about is a big deal (serious stuff), but I want you to know upfront: I love you.”
And John doesn’t just say this “grace and peace” come from “God,” but he gives us this rich Trinitarian description. We could spend a long time on breaking this down, but I’m just going to focus on how this listing of the Trinity also describes some of the main themes of Revelation.
First, he describes God the Father as the One “who is and who was and who is to come.” He’s basically saying the One who is in control of the past, present, and future. He’s kinda a big deal! And we will see that God’s sovereignty is a major theme of this book.
Second, he describes the Holy Spirit as the “seven spirits who are before the throne.” John’s using a little bit of Old Testament language to describe the Spirit. Additionally, he may also be using the number 7 to once again describe the Spirit in a perfect and complete way. Nevertheless, the Spirit’s perfect work is a big deal in this book.
Finally, he calls Jesus the “faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of the kings on Earth.” All major themes of Revelation. Jesus is a big deal in Revelation.
But look what happens next… John all of sudden breaks into worship. He says, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Once again, a major theme is presented in this introduction. The worship of Jesus is a big deal and throughout the book there will be whole shifts of reality where intense things are happening on earth, but all of sudden, we shift to a heavenly worship service. Worship is a big deal and part of the important message God has for us in this last days.
And I know “worship” involves much more than music, but in Revelation, there seems to be a focus on worshiping through song. Worship using the tool of music is a big deal. It’s a big deal in this book, in the last days, and it’s a big deal here at The River Church.
I’m personally thankful for the worship team God has given our church. They are not only gifted, but they are pastoral. They don’t entertain us, they minster to our souls with their musical gifts. I’m not sure what you’re experience is, but in mine, that’s not always the case. I’ve sat under some ridiculously talented musicians in church. But there is something special when the worship leader cares for your soul using music. Again, we are blessed with both musically talented worship leaders and people who love Jesus and care for our souls. And if worship is a big deal to God, it should be a big deal to us. Let’s take advantage of the opportunities we have to worship God through song on Sunday mornings!
But here’s something else I notice… John is still taken back by the gospel. As he’s describing God, his heart starts pounding. As he talks about the Spirit, it begins to build and fill up. But when he gets to Jesus and what He did for us on the cross, he can’t contain it anymore. He bursts out in worship!
When he thinks about how God loves him - its a big deal! When he thinks about the seriousness of his sin - its a big deal! When he thinks about how through Jesus’ perfect work on the cross, He freed us from the chains of sin - it’s a big deal! 60 years later, the gospel is STILL a big deal to the apostle John! Isn’t that both beautiful and instructing?
Imma give love to worship leader today, because it reminds me of something Jon (not the apostle, but still awesome) said to me on Friday morning. As we were talking, he said, “The older I get, the more I realize I need Jesus.” I think John the apostle and Jon our worship leader are onto something. It’s principle we all need to learn from: The gospel never gets old. Jesus is always a big deal in our life!
And as John wraps us this introduction, he writes:
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Three “big deals” to pay attention to here:
Jesus is coming back. This is a big deal! John even says, “Behold!” He’s saying, “Pay attention!” One day Jesus will come back just like He said He would. And when He comes back, He’s going to make everything right. He began that work at the Cross, but He will finish that work at His return. But here’s a related theme that’s also a big deal. Jesus is coming back SOON! In Revelation, there is a theme of urgency throughout the entire book. As Christians, we are called to live as people READY for Christ’s return!
We are also people called to live on mission. You guys here me talk about this all the time. Why? Because it’s a big deal! And it’s found in this book too. When John says, “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him,” the sense is, when Jesus comes back - time’s up. The gospel has a time limit. Jesus came the first time as a Savior, next time He’s coming as the Judge. That’s sounds harsh, but it’s true. It’s a big deal! Therefore, we have to be on mission bringing the gospel to the world because the time is short! We don’t want the people we know and love to be those “wailing” when they see Him.
Finally, the source of the message is from God. The Alpha and Omega. That’s the first and last letter in the Greek Alphabet. And when God uses it this way, He’s saying, “I’m in control of the beginning and the end and everything in between.” That’s why the “Lord God” also describes Himself as the One “who is and who was and who is to come.” The Lord God Almighty is in complete control. The sovereignty of God is a big deal in the book of Revelation. And because this message is from Him, we can trust it and take is seriously! It’s a big deal.
Response:
Response:
As we close, I’m going to call the worship team up… and I want to leave us with three questions.
How do we treat God’s message?
Do we believe it? Do we read it? Do we obey it? Do we share it?
How do we treat God’s mission?
Do we take it seriously, like John did? Do we realize that time is short? That Jesus is coming back soon - it could happen at any time. Are we ready? When He returns, what will He find us doing?
How do we treat the Master?
Are we anxiously awaiting His return? Do we treat Him as the Lord of our life? Does the thought of Him stir us to worship? Do we believe He is in absolute control? Does our life choices reflect that? Do we trust Him in trials and times of suffering?
How do we treat the Master, His message, and His mission? Are they a big deal to us?
Let’s pray.