Are We Looking Ahead?

Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, the distinguished British pastor said, I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death, I am looking for Him.

Church, that is the way we ought to be living our lives—in the constant anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ. If we could live every day as though it might be the very last one before the Lord initiates the final days, what a difference we could make here on earth!

Sadly, we don’t often think in that manner. We don’t like to consider that our carefully made plans, our long-range goals, may be interrupted by the trumpet call of God. Far too many would rather find themselves saying, Oh well, the end of the world hasn’t come yet. Why think about it. After all, it’s probably at least a thousand years away.

My question for all of us today is, To what are we looking ahead? Do we find ourselves so busy gathering information, purchasing goods, accumulating money, making a name for ourselves, that we merely give lip service the the coming of our Lord?

As Christians, we must live in anticipation of our Lord’s return.

As we get ready to look into the first vision John is given, it is helpful to know that John was probably in his 80’s or 90’s at this time. The book of Revelation was probably written around 95 or 96, which is about 60 years since Jesus ascended into heaven. My guess is that John’s thoughts were probably already quite centered on being with Jesus in glory.

Christ Is Seen In Our Sharing. - 1.9-11

Revelation 1:9–11 (NASB95)

I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because 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 the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Write in a book what you see, 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.”

John identifies himself as a brother to those reading this letter. Logically, it would seem that this book is to be read by believers. Unbelievers trying to understand or teach this book would make no sense whatsoever.

John speaks of three things which he shares with other Christians. First of all, he speaks of suffering. You and I are able to share in that area. Because of faithfulness to Christ, we can expect distress and persecution. Remember Jesus’ words, No servant is above his master.

Secondly, there is a share in the kingdom. Even now, you and I reign in ultimate victory. We are part of the kingdom of God. There will also come a day when we shall reign without suffering. John knew that even though he was in exile, Christ allowed him to be there in order to use him in his situation. In other words, he could still reign in ultimate victory.

Thirdly, we share in patient endurance or perseverance. Because we know who we are in Christ, we can rise up with a certain nobility and dignity above the fray of the world. We are able, by faith, to rest in the big picture, and not be thrown about or discouraged by the immediacy of today.

Tying this all together, is the fact that these three things we share have their basis in Jesus Christ. No matter how much we may be self-disciplined, we need to be reminded that we are complete only because of Christ.

John goes on to describe himself as being exiled on Patmos. The reason was not for the purpose of preaching the Word, though he more than likely did so whenever the opportunity presented itself. His exile was because of the division and hostility that arose from the presentation of God’s Word. I wonder if we could be accused, found guilty and then sentenced because of our presentation of God’s Word by our speech and our actions?

By the way; this island was not some Caribbean resort with tropical temperatures surrounded by wonderful warm sea breezes and fruit. It was actually only 10 miles long and 6 miles wide, containing volcanic hills and rocky soil.

Another bit of trivia is that this was a Sunday when this vision began to be unveiled. This was not some weird dream or hypnotic trance. God was supernaturally speaking directly to John, just as He did to the prophets of the Old Testament. This vision was introduced by an incredibly clear and powerful voice; as ringing forth like a trumpet, with some very clear instructions.

Christ Is Seen In His Glory. - 1.12-16

Revelation 1:12–16 (NASB95)

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

At this point, we once again need to be reminded that chapter divisions and verse divisions are not divinely inspired, but were developed centuries later to enable us to more easily find the various Scriptures. This particular part of the vision goes to the end of chapter three.

As we look at verses 12-16, it is quite incredible to observe the connections between Revelation and several Old Testament concepts and passages. Here we see seven golden lampstands. In Exodus, we see a 7-branched lampstand which symbolized Israel. Zechariah, the prophet, had a vision of a similar lampstand. However, in Zechariah, the lampstand refers to the Lord. Though there are indeed some connections and similarities, we want to allow the passage to explain itself. It would seem that these are individual lampstands, not a 7-branched lampstand. It is more than just the fact that the word is plural; it is because of the language and wording following which describes the Lord standing in the midst of them.

Let’s take a moment and look more closely at the description of the One from whom John heard speaking. Son of man, even though the description is introduced with the word, like, could very well parallel Daniel 7.13; both referring to the Messiah, the One Who is heavenly and human. He was seen clothed in a robe down to His feet, along with a golden sash across His chest. The priests also wore the same type of garments. We know Christ is often referred to as our High priest with authority.

His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow . . .This is almost identical to Daniel’s description in Daniel 7.9. In eastern countries, especially, white hair brings respect and shows the wisdom of age. Christ is worthy of honor and is all-wise.

Christ’s eyes were like a flame of fire. This description is also seen in Daniel 10.6. Scholars suggest this signifies His ability to penetrate into our minds and hearts, as well as His fierce judgment. Most certainly, you and I know what it’s like for someone to be able to look right through us, as it were. With Christ, it’s even more so.

In verse 15, the description of Christ’s feet can carry two different meanings, depending on whether we compare this to Ezekiel and Daniel, or to Revelation 2.18ff. The Old Testament references lend themselves to the appearing of God’s glory. Yet even further back in the Old Testament, we recall that the burnished bronze is the metal of the altar, known as the place of judgment. Revelation 2.18ff carries the picture of triumphant judgment. His glory will be revealed as He executes His righteous judgment.

The last part of verse 15 states that Christ’s voice was like the sound of many waters. This describes the majesty and glory of God. Our family had the privilege of going on The Maid of the Mist. This is a boat that brings you right up as close to the base of Niagara Falls as one can possibly go. The roar was so thunderous, you not only had to shout to make yourself heard, you could actually feel the forceful power of the Falls in your chest. For me, this provides a wonderful mental recording of what the power of God’s voice might be.

In His right hand He held seven stars. Just the use of the right hand gives an indication of the place of power and safety. These seven stars are later identified as the seven angels of the seven churches. The use of stars to symbolize angels is quite common to the Old Testament and throughout Revelation.

Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. Knowing that Christ is also referred to in the Bible as the Prince of Peace, makes this seem somewhat out of place. Yet, John mentions this phrase several times in Revelation.

The sword is usually seen as a weapon used in war and battles. We would also think of a sword as being gripped by ones hand. The mouth seems a strange place for a two-edged sword. Think about this, however. The means by which Christ’s enemies will be conquered will not be by the normal methods of warfare and military power. Christ’s victory comes through the message of His death and resurrection. His Word bears witness to God’s saving purposes as well as the judgment upon those who disbelieve.

The Bible also reminds us in the Old Testament, that it is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.

Do you see how easy it is to get caught up in the world’s way of thinking? We’re taught by our culture that when you get knocked down, pick yourself up, even if it means pulling the other fellow down with you. Our society recommends that when someone speaks ill of you or mistreats you, then do whatever it takes to put them in their place, making sure they will never hurt you again.

Yet, the Bible makes it clear that we are to turn the other cheek. The Bible teaches that when someone demands of us our coat, give them a second garment, as well. When persecuted, expect it; they did the same to Jesus. When life itself is crashing down all around you, remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. He fights our battles. That means that we are on the side of victory.

It would seem that the sword is more than likely God’s Word, as the book of Hebrews would suggest. His Word, the Bible, presents to us the reality of why Jesus came into the world. He came to suffer and die for humanity. He gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we would not have to pay the penalty for sin, if we would simply believe upon His Name. He rose from the dead, proving that His death was sufficient to pay the price for you and me. He is right now at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. This is how death and judgment are conquered—by God’s Word.

Christ Is Seen As Lord and Savior. - 1.17-20

Revelation 1:17–20 (NASB95)

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. “Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. “As for the mystery of the seven stars which 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.

It would seem from these verses that Christ is fully identified here to John, so there should be no mistake. By how Christ identifies Himself, it is quite obvious that He take upon Himself titles reserved for God alone, as seen in various places throughout the Scriptures. The reality is that Christ, is in fact, God!

He is unchanging. He alone can speak and act, in contrast to the false gods of the world systems. He also shows Himself to be fully man as well by referring to His death. Even in view of this revelation, all that Christ is, has as a focus, the opportunity for redemption of humanity. You see, only through Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, could He control eternity, (have the keys of death and of Hades).

We have already gone over verse 19 last time in Revelation. Again, it’s a very simple breakdown or outline of the whole book—past, present, and future.

The mystery described in verse 20 refers to that which used to be secret, but is now made clear or revealed. Here, the seven stars are the angels—each representing one of the churches. We should not think of this as strange or bizarre; for there are angels that are even responsible to oversee certain nations, which we see in Daniel. God has His angels serving Him, doing what He tells them to do.

Conclusion

I ask the question which is the title of this message, again—Are We Looking Ahead? It seems like we can easily get distracted and start focusing on the fury of the times today. Sometimes, we get caught up with an earthly way of thinking. As a result, we can easily be distracted form the reality of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Do we live in anticipation of our Lord’s return? If we are, then we should be able to see God working in all of our situations. Sometimes, we can became caught up in the negative, unfairness of life, not recognizing that sometimes, we are where we are because God has allowed it to happen. And He is going to use the situations in our lives and mold us into the image of His Son.

If we are living in anticipation of our Lord’s return, we should at least have a glimpse of Christ’s glory, figuratively speaking. How is this possible? We should recognize Him as the One Who is lifted high and exalted. We should see Him as the One who is going to make the final call. We should realize He is the One who knows our inmost thoughts and feelings.

And the only way in which we can live in anticipation of our Lord’s return, is if we see Him as our Lord and Savior. if Jesus is not your Lord and Savior, then you ought to be trembling in fear.

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, when He comes to judge mankind, you will not hear your name listed in the book of life. But the good news is, if Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then you should be living in anticipation of His imminent return, because your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.