Introduction
Imagery of Revelation rich/powerful, filled w/truth, based very much on OT. 1st vision perfect example of this. My task is simple: I want to try to open up the imagery of vss 12-16 and use verse 17a to apply it all. My main point, drawn from the text is this: Jesus is someone you ought to fear! May seem strange to you to think that way, but our text definitely teaches us this. Jesus is someone you ought to fear! (Be prepared to hear a lot of Scripture, have to do this to explain/interp text-turn if you can or listen).
Points of the sermon:
Some explanations of the Images in the Vision (12-16)
Based upon the Old Testament: Analogy of Faith; John given/uses images familiar to audience-shows fulfillment of OT prophecies/types. Isolate Old/NT, lose understanding/ability to interpret Revelation. Must tie together. Method-follow unfolding revelation through Scripture, then give basic meaning of each image. (To get main pt of each image, listen for these words:
The meaning of this image is- when I say that, you will know the point of each symbol).
Seven golden lamps: (12) Ex 25:30-31-note context of bread of the presence; rep God present w/his people; Zech 4:1-6, rep the power of the HS present to build the temple; Matt 5:14-16, rep the church's light bearing function; Rev 1:20b, rep the seven churches/church universal.
Meaning of this image- The lampstands rep the church built up as it fulfills its HS empowered work of bearing witness to Christ (the task of the church, preach the gospel)
In the midst of the seven lamps someone like a Son of Man: (13a) Daniel 7:13-14, one given authority, glory and sovereign power over all nations; Matt 8:20, Son of Man=Jesus; Matt 28:18, he has all authority/power given to him.
Meaning of this image- Jesus present in the midst of his church-has all authority/power over her/all nations (imp. for persecuted church to know this).
The appearance of this Son of Man: (13b-16)
Dressed in a long robe w/a golden sash-Ex 28:1-8, the sash is priestly clothing, Dan 10:4-6, comb w/Dan 7:9-14, the long robe is kingly garb; Zech 6:11-13, both priest/king joined in one office; This Son of man is a warrior king who fights against the wicked/a holy priest supplying the salvation/seeking the purity of his people.
Meaning of this image- Jesus holds both offices-priest/king-who goes forth to war against evil both on behalf of his people (a comfort to the church in tribulation) and against his sinning/compromising people (note the letters of chs 2 and 3).
His head and hair white as wool, as snow, and his eyes as flames of fire- white in Scripture is a symbol both of purity and authority by reason of age (Christ is the Ancient of Days); eyes as flames of fire taken fr Dan 10:5,6, rep his judgment.
Meaning of this image- Christ is the judge of all the earth/church (ag see letters chs 2 and 3).
His feet like bronze/burnished brass glowing/burning as from a furnace-(15a) Dan 10:5,6; Ezek 1:25-28, rep Christ as the Divine Warrior dressed in bronze armour.
Meaning of this image- the Son of God goes forth to war. Meant to strike terror into the hearts of the sinful/unrepentant in the church lest he wage war against him.
His voice as a voice of many waters-(15b) Ex 19:16,19; Dan 10:5,6; Ezek 1:25-28, loud sounds assoc w/voices rep authority-Christ has all authority and speaks w/that authority-this revelation John sees carries weight of Divine authority.
Meaning of this image- Christ is the final authority in the Church/speaks by his Word.
Seven Stars in his hand-(16a) Easy-these are the angels of the seven churches (20b); 2 choices, either rep ministers (angelos=messengers) or angels as heavenly rep of the churches/saints. Hard to be dogmatic here.
Meaning of this image- Christ holds the churches/their reps in his hand-Christ rules the church, det who will lead her/preach/destiny.
Out of his mouth came a double-edged sword-(16b) The sword is his Word (Heb 4:12) and by it he judges the church (chs 2 and 3) and fights against the nations who oppose him (Rev 19).
Meaning of this image- Christ is the dread judge of all the earth and of the church as well. You cannot oppose/contradict/disobey him safely.
His face was shining like the sun- Isa 60:1-3,19,20; Dan 10:5,6; Ezek 1:25-28, this is the glory of the Lord, n.b. also present in the tabernacle/temple.
Meaning of this image- Christ is the majestic/glorious king over all.
Putting all of this together: John sees Christ glorious/holy priest, king, judge, and warrior who is at once beautiful and fearsome.
John's response teaches us something of how we ought to think of and relate to Christ (17a)
John's reaction both typical and natural/right: Typical for one commissioned as a prophet: Isa 6:1-7; Dan 10:7-21. Natural and right: he had every reason to be afraid, should have been afraid! The same Christ he lived w/for 3 years now glorified as John saw him once before (Matt 17:2)-and he fainted then as well. Sees mighty/holy/warrior Jesus, too much to take in! So John is afraid/should be.
Contrast this with modern concept of Christ: Hell insurance, Co-pilot, buddy, on America's side. Name used in prayer for all kinds of frivolous/covetous desires. lack of reverence, little, no fear. We have lost sight of his glorious and dread majesty-solemnity of being in constant fellowship w/him. Why else do we think so little of our sin? Have so little fear of sinful thoughts/attitudes/emotions, all of which this Jesus sees in us. Psalm 139:1ff Nothing can be hid from God!
Conclusion
More to this first vision- will examine further. For now this simple app. by way of ques: Do you fear Jesus? Yes, as we shall see, he is our friend-no question. But do you take him for granted and fail to appreciate the awesome nature and majesty of Jesus, the king, judge, warrior who opposes everything that offends God. And he sees you as you are, what you do, what you say, what you think. Do you fear Jesus? You should! And if you do, then seek his priestly intercession for your salvation and to be made holy.
Rev. Arthur J. Fox, Pastor
10 Spruce Street
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 944-5835