Living in the Last Days (2)

When Life is Tough

Revelation 1:4-20

I. Intro

John now addresses the recipients of this letter-the seven churches which are in Asia Minor. These are the seven literal churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Revelation is addressed to them, so it could be read and passed on by people traveling the main Roman road clockwise around Asia, which is now western Turkey. Coming from Patmos, the letter first arrives in the port city of Ephesus. Now, there were other churches in Asia at the time, such as Troas and Colossae. Why did the Lord direct John to write to these particular churches? Probably because the condition of these particular churches represents all types of churches throughout the church age, even until today. They also represent the seven types of Christians. One of which is much like you or I. Also, the number 7 signifies completeness. These seven churches were enduring severe persecution; therefore, we will discover what to do when life is tough. Why did John use symbolism? For one thing, this kind of “spiritual code” is understood only by those who know Christ personally. If any Roman officer had tried to use Revelation as evidence against the Christians, the book would have been a puzzle and an enigma to them. John was able to draw on the great “images” in God’s revelation and assemble them into an exciting drama that has encouraged persecuted and suffering saints for centuries. However, you must not conclude that John’s use of symbolism indicates that the events described here are not real, because they are very real and literal. John also used symbols not only to convey information, but also to impart values and arouse emotions. John could have written, “A dictator will rule the world,” but instead he described a beast. The symbol says much more than the mere title of ‘dictator’. instead of explaining a world system, John simply introduced “Babylon the Great” and contrasted the “harlot” with the “bride.” The very name ‘Babylon’ would convey deep spiritual truth to readers who knew the OT. In understanding John’s symbolism, we must be careful not to let our imaginations run wild. Biblical symbols are consistent with the whole biblical revelation. Some symbols are explained, some are understood from OT symbolism, and some symbols are not explained at all. This means that we must anchor our interpretations to what God has already revealed, or we will misinterpret this important prophetic book. Even though this book was originally written for the seven churches, John makes it clear that any reader may read it and profit from it.

II. Remember the Trinity

John writes to his readers, ‘Grace be unto you and peace.’ Only after experiencing God’s saving grace can we know His peace. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John continues : ‘from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come.’ This refers to the first person of the Trinity- God the Father, the eternal God who transcends time. The seven spirits which are before His throne refers to the Holy Spirit. There is only one Holy Spirit, but the number seven signifies His completeness. The seven Spirits probably refers to the seven titles given to Him in Isaiah 11:2 “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and might, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;” He is first called the Spirit of the Lord. Then, in this verse He is also called the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear. The Hebrew word translated “fear” (yira) refers to reverential fear. Next, John writes ‘And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness.’ All three persons of the Trinity are included in the greeting. Jesus is called the faithful witness because not only does He always speak the truth, but also He IS the truth. John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus is also the first begotten of the dead. He is not the first person to be raised from the dead. the first recorded resurrection is Elijah’s raising of the widow’s son in 1 Kings 17. However, Jesus is the first to be raised and never die again. Romans 6:9 “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” The word translated ‘first begotten’ refers to priority and preeminence. Jesus also loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood through His death on the cross. He did this to make us kings and priests unto God and His Father. A priest has direct access to God and is chosen to serve God and share His Word. Because of this privilege, John writes ‘to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.’ Jesus is coming with the clouds: and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him. Even the dead will see Him. The high priest, Caiaphas, who had Jesus condemned to death, is now dead and in Hades. But what does Jesus say to him before His death in Matthew 26:64 “Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” This refers to the Second Coming, in contrast to the Rapture of the Church. At the Second Coming, all kindreds of the Earth shall wail because of Him. Unbelievers who have refused to repent will mourn because they are facing divine judgment later described in this book. Next, the Lord declares, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega.’ Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. This means God is the beginning and the end of all things. He further describes Himself, ‘which is, and which was, and which is to come, the eternal God.’ He is also the Almighty. He is all-powerful; therefore no one can resist Him. When life is tough, remember the Trinity, each of whom is on your side and,

III. Reflect on Christ’s Power

John tells his suffering readers he is their brother, and companion in tribulation. We have already discussed the persecution by Domitian and John’s exile to the isle of Patmos. John is sharing in their suffering. John also shares with them in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. He next tells his readers he was exiled to the isle of Patmos for declaring the Word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. John is suffering because he is faithfully preaching the Gospel. John receives the visions in the book of Revelation when he is in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, or Sunday. On that day, John hears a great voice, as of a trumpet, which is the voice of the Lord Jesus. He tells John to write what he sees in a book, or scroll, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicia. When John turns to see the One speaking to him, he sees seven golden candlesticks, which represent the seven churches. Standing in the middle of them is one like unto the Son of man. Jesus is referring to the time during which He will be present with us through His Holy Spirit, not in His body. Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of man more than eighty times in the gospels. It refers to necessity of Him becoming a man who will suffer and die. John sees Jesus clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. This identifies Him as the High Priest. Today, He is our merciful and faithful high priest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow. This represents wisdom and purity. His eyes were as a flame of fire, which reveals the all-penetrating, all-knowing intelligence of Jesus. His eyes can penetrate the very depths of a person’s thoughts and heart. His feet were like unto fine brass, as if they were burned in a furnace. Feet of brass represent strength and stability. This describes an all-powerful Victor. The phrase ‘burned in a furnace’ denotes His red-hot, glowing feet symbolize the judgment. His voice was as the sound of many waters. Like the roar of Niagara Falls, His voice will drown out all other sounds. He had in His right hand seven stars, which are the angels, or pastors of the seven churches. Being held in His right hand could symbolize their Divine calling. Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, which is the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 “ For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength. Jesus is described the same way at His transfiguration. Matthew 17:2 “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.”

IV. Repel Fear

Seeing the glorified Christ causes John to fall at Jesus’ feet as if he is dead. Jesus lays His right hand on John and says, “Fear not.” For those who know Christ as their Saviour have no reason to fear Him. Jesus says, “I am the first and the last.” In other words, “I started everything, and I will end it all.” Christ explains He is the One that liveth, and was dead, and is alive forevermore. Holding the keys refers to Christ’s access and authority. The dead will remain dead until His key opens the door of death. The word translated ‘hell’ is the equivalent of the Hebrew word ‘sheol.’ It is an intermediate state of those who die without Christ and are awaiting judgment. It is hell’s waiting room until the degree of eternal punishment in hell is pronounced at the Great White Throne Judgment. Jesus tells John to write what he sees and what he sees what will happen later. Jesus explains, “the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.” Both the churches and its leaders are symbolized as light bearers. When life is tough, remember the Trinity, reflect on Christ’s power, and repel fY