Rev. 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
In this verse Jesus is ascribed the name "Son of man." We must remember that Matthew depicts Jesus as King; Mark depicts him as Servant; Luke depicts him as Son of man; and John depicts him as Son of God.
As Son of man, Jesus relates to human beings, he being the Kinsman Redeemer for those who trust him. Study the story of the "near kinsman" in Ruth Chapter three. Jesus, in order to redeem us from our sins, had to be inherently related to us; so he came to us in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3). He did not come to redeem animals or plants to his kingdom; he came to redeem human beings like you and I.
When he left Heaven, he left his glory there. Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: This he did that he might be our substitute for sins, to take on the curse of the law and become a curse for us. Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: What a tremendous transaction that Jesus paid upon the cross when he was hanged there in the place of sinful men and women, boys and girls!
Although Jesus was a man, he was much more than a mere man; he was God incarnated in the flesh. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. He came from Heaven, being in the likeness of God, but he humbled himself, being in the likeness of man; thus, he is the Son of man.
He was clothed with a garment down the foot (or from head to toe, we would say), and he had on a golden girdle. This garment is the righteousness of God. Jesus is completely righteous, not having committed any sin at all. Therefore, we can be made righteousness by the imputation of Christ's righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
His hair was as white as snow, signifying his wisdom from God, since age signifies wisdom and honor (Lev. 19:32; Prov 16:31). Jesus is the all-wise God. 1 Tim. 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. See also Jude 1:25.
His eyes are a flaming fire, meaning that in his eyes dwells judgment for all men. Rom. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. God is the ultimate Judge of all men, and this is symbolized here in the fiery eyes of Jesus Christ, for Jesus is the Son of the Great Judge, and Jesus himself has a measure of judgment (Psalm 96:13). His feet were like fine brass, which also symbolizes judgment.
Jesus' voice was as the sound of many waters. The waters of the sea represent the peoples of the world. Jesus speaks to all men alike. He does not have one rule for this race or country and another rule for another race of country. Jesus' teachings are the same around the world. He is the Son of man, the Word for every nation. His death has saved men of every tribe and tongue. Thus, his commission is to all the world (Mark 16:15).
In his hands Jesus holds seven stars, and he stands in the middle of seven golden candlesticks (or lampstands). This portrays Jesus as the administrator of his churches. He is the head of each and every local church, and his message goes out to the entire world through the auspices of these local churches; thus, he is the Son of man, his message being from man to man, the message of the Gospel. Jesus is ultimately the Son of God, but he is also the Son of man. If this were not so, we would all still be in our sins. Thanks to a God who has a Mediator (Jesus) to do the reconciling work of God to bring us to God through faith in this Son of man, for he is also the Son of God, yea, God himself.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #5
Rev. 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Jesus here is called the Alpha and Omega, which, of course, are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The meaning is apparent in this verse: "the beginning and the ending," or "the first and the last" (1:17). He is the Alpha and Omega in at least three ways.
Alpha and Omega in Contrast. Jesus is many times in the New Testament compared to other things, showing his superiority to all. Here he is compared to the mortality of man. Verse eight tells us that Jesus is and was and is to come. This is quite different from any other human being on the earth. No one has ever lived forever in this life. Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: and, although two did not die, they did leave this world and were taken to Heaven without any resurrection on their own power. The mystery of Jesus is expressed in 1 Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. This is a unique quality in Jesus. That is why he is our Savior.
Alpha and Omega in Command. As our Great Commander, Jesus has the authority to give command to his servants. In verse 11 of this chapter, Jesus gives commandment to John and says, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia . . . . Thus Jesus is said to have authority to give his commission in 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Alpha and Omega in Comfort. In verse 17 John is taken with grief as he sees and hears the Lord Jesus. But the Lord comforts him with the same thought before us. He laid his right hand upon John and said "Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:17-18). Jesus is a great comfort to all who come to him by faith. He does this in part so that we may comfort others in the name of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Remember that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). He is contrasted to all other human beings with superior qualities (Acts 4:12). He can command his children with commandments which are not grievous (I John 5:3). He also comforts us with a comfort that only he has (2 Cor. 1:3). What a great Savior we have!
Jesus here is called the Alpha and Omega, which, of course, are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The meaning is apparent in this verse: "the beginning and the ending," or "the first and the last" (1:17). He is the Alpha and Omega in at least three ways.
Alpha and Omega in Contrast. Jesus is many times in the New Testament compared to other things, showing his superiority to all. Here he is compared to the mortality of man. Verse eight tells us that Jesus is and was and is to come. This is quite different from any other human being on the earth. No one has ever lived forever in this life. Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: and, although two did not die, they did leave this world and were taken to Heaven without any resurrection on their own power. The mystery of Jesus is expressed in 1 Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. This is a unique quality in Jesus. That is why he is our Savior.
Alpha and Omega in Command. As our Great Commander, Jesus has the authority to give command to his servants. In verse 11 of this chapter, Jesus gives commandment to John and says, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia . . . . Thus Jesus is said to have authority to give his commission in 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Alpha and Omega in Comfort. In verse 17 John is taken with grief as he sees and hears the Lord Jesus. But the Lord comforts him with the same thought before us. He laid his right hand upon John and said "Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:17-18). Jesus is a great comfort to all who come to him by faith. He does this in part so that we may comfort others in the name of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Remember that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). He is contrasted to all other human beings with superior qualities (Acts 4:12). He can command his children with commandments which are not grievous (I John 5:3). He also comforts us with a comfort that only he has (2 Cor. 1:3). What a great Savior we have!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Jesus Revealed in Revelation #4
Rev. 1:5 . . . Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
What a grand salvation is ours! Jesus here is revealed as our ransom, our mediator, our High Priest, our Lord and King. No grander love can be expressed than that expressed from our Lord as he went to the cross to shed his precious blood for our sins. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We are his friends, if we do what he commands us. He is my friend, and he loves me. I know this, because he died for me. When he was on the cross, I was on his mind.
him that loved us. This is the greatest love that any one can experience. It is not a flippant or frivolous love; it is a love that only God can express, and he did express it when he died on the cross for those who will repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ, that he paid for their sins completely on the cross.
No one ever loved me like this, even though I had the greatest parents anyone could have, even though I have great brothers and sisters, even though I had the greatest wife in the world, even though I have Christian people all over the world who love me and pray for me. Jesus loved us so much that he stretched out his arms and died. He loved his Father so much that he stretched out his hands and died. Then he resurrected from the dead, because it is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have our hope.
Jesus loved us in timeless eternity past, but he expressed that love here within the veil. He expressed his love and manifested it when he gave his own life a ransom for many. In that "many" was I. I was poor and wretched. I was lost and undone. I was dead in my sins (Eph. 2:1). I was blinded by the wisdom of the world (2 Cor. 4:4).
washed us from our sins in his own blood. How could anyone be washed in blood? The only person who can be washed in the blood is the one who will come to Jesus Christ, call upon his name, trust him for salvation and know him as personal Savior.
Jesus has washed us from all of our sins, past sins, present sins, and future sins. All of my sins were future when Jesus paid for them. He washed them as clean and white as the new-fallen snow Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He washed us in his own blood. This is a very important phrase, because this was not just human blood; it was the personal blood of Jesus Christ. It was the only pure and innocent blood that God would accept for payment of our sins. Peter calls it "precious blood." 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. This is the symbolism of the Lord's Supper. What a great symbol to show that Jesus' blood is perfect and that this is a periodic reminder of what he has done for his people! We should always be thankful for Jesus Christ, for his death, burial and resurrection, and for his precious blood that paid for our sins. We should thank God for being satisfied with that payment so that we would not have to stand before him with eternal blame and guilt. Thank God for his unspeakable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
What a grand salvation is ours! Jesus here is revealed as our ransom, our mediator, our High Priest, our Lord and King. No grander love can be expressed than that expressed from our Lord as he went to the cross to shed his precious blood for our sins. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We are his friends, if we do what he commands us. He is my friend, and he loves me. I know this, because he died for me. When he was on the cross, I was on his mind.
him that loved us. This is the greatest love that any one can experience. It is not a flippant or frivolous love; it is a love that only God can express, and he did express it when he died on the cross for those who will repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ, that he paid for their sins completely on the cross.
No one ever loved me like this, even though I had the greatest parents anyone could have, even though I have great brothers and sisters, even though I had the greatest wife in the world, even though I have Christian people all over the world who love me and pray for me. Jesus loved us so much that he stretched out his arms and died. He loved his Father so much that he stretched out his hands and died. Then he resurrected from the dead, because it is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have our hope.
Jesus loved us in timeless eternity past, but he expressed that love here within the veil. He expressed his love and manifested it when he gave his own life a ransom for many. In that "many" was I. I was poor and wretched. I was lost and undone. I was dead in my sins (Eph. 2:1). I was blinded by the wisdom of the world (2 Cor. 4:4).
washed us from our sins in his own blood. How could anyone be washed in blood? The only person who can be washed in the blood is the one who will come to Jesus Christ, call upon his name, trust him for salvation and know him as personal Savior.
Jesus has washed us from all of our sins, past sins, present sins, and future sins. All of my sins were future when Jesus paid for them. He washed them as clean and white as the new-fallen snow Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He washed us in his own blood. This is a very important phrase, because this was not just human blood; it was the personal blood of Jesus Christ. It was the only pure and innocent blood that God would accept for payment of our sins. Peter calls it "precious blood." 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. This is the symbolism of the Lord's Supper. What a great symbol to show that Jesus' blood is perfect and that this is a periodic reminder of what he has done for his people! We should always be thankful for Jesus Christ, for his death, burial and resurrection, and for his precious blood that paid for our sins. We should thank God for being satisfied with that payment so that we would not have to stand before him with eternal blame and guilt. Thank God for his unspeakable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #3
Rev. 1:5 . . . and the prince of the kings of the earth.
It is not evident to the lost world, or even to the saved world in an apparent way, that Jesus is the Prince (head and leader) of the kings of the earth; for we all see, first, from our human eye before we see from the spiritual eye. Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the rulers of America? Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the kings of other countries both good and bad? Of course, it is not.
But you and I as God's children can rest in the comfort that, no matter who rules from the president's desk in America, we have a greater ruler than he. Jesus, the prince of the kings of the earth, is in charge of all things. He has predetermined the end of all things and has prescribed their purpose to bring him ultimate glory.
The kings of the earth are mainly proud and have a measure of arrogance. We have seen this in our recent American primary elections. One would think that the destiny of our country lies in the talents and wisdom of our earthly leaders, but Christians know better. We are to pray for them, encourage them when they are right, and rebuke them when they are wrong; but we know that no one but Jesus is our Great Prince, not simply of our souls but also of the kings of the earth. Matt 22:21 Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Each of these earthly kings is responsible before the God of Heaven, which one day will be brought to reality when Jesus returns. They must give an answer to him for the way they ruled his earth. Many of them will fall prostrate before him in fear due to their disobedience to him. Rev. 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Would it not be a wonderful thing if every king of this earth would see Jesus as the Great Prince of the kingdoms of the earth? One day, of course, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of Jesus. Rev. 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. The sooner the kings of the earth realize this, the nearer we will be to having peace on hear. But the sad fact is that they will not understand this concept, because they are blinded by sin. Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed . . . .
The only thing believers can do is to pray for them who have earthly rule over us. 1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Then, we need to preach the Gospel to every creature that God's grace will be evident in our country and world (Mark 16:15). Within the keeping of the Great Commission, we are to also baptize believers and teach believers the truths of the word of God. This is paramount in our witness for the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
It is not evident to the lost world, or even to the saved world in an apparent way, that Jesus is the Prince (head and leader) of the kings of the earth; for we all see, first, from our human eye before we see from the spiritual eye. Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the rulers of America? Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the kings of other countries both good and bad? Of course, it is not.
But you and I as God's children can rest in the comfort that, no matter who rules from the president's desk in America, we have a greater ruler than he. Jesus, the prince of the kings of the earth, is in charge of all things. He has predetermined the end of all things and has prescribed their purpose to bring him ultimate glory.
The kings of the earth are mainly proud and have a measure of arrogance. We have seen this in our recent American primary elections. One would think that the destiny of our country lies in the talents and wisdom of our earthly leaders, but Christians know better. We are to pray for them, encourage them when they are right, and rebuke them when they are wrong; but we know that no one but Jesus is our Great Prince, not simply of our souls but also of the kings of the earth. Matt 22:21 Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Each of these earthly kings is responsible before the God of Heaven, which one day will be brought to reality when Jesus returns. They must give an answer to him for the way they ruled his earth. Many of them will fall prostrate before him in fear due to their disobedience to him. Rev. 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Would it not be a wonderful thing if every king of this earth would see Jesus as the Great Prince of the kingdoms of the earth? One day, of course, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of Jesus. Rev. 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. The sooner the kings of the earth realize this, the nearer we will be to having peace on hear. But the sad fact is that they will not understand this concept, because they are blinded by sin. Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed . . . .
The only thing believers can do is to pray for them who have earthly rule over us. 1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Then, we need to preach the Gospel to every creature that God's grace will be evident in our country and world (Mark 16:15). Within the keeping of the Great Commission, we are to also baptize believers and teach believers the truths of the word of God. This is paramount in our witness for the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #2
Rev. 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
First begotten according to his promises. Jesus is the first begotten of the dead in that he is the first to resurrect from death on his own power. We see in 1 Cor. 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. Jesus is the exemplar of the truth of resurrection of which Paul said he was appearing in judgment before the people of Israel. Those who slept are those who have already died and are still in their graves. They will, if they trusted Christ, be resurrected according to his promises. He promised Abraham a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). Job knew that in his flesh he would see God (Job 19:26).
First begotten accord to his purpose. John Gill says on this verse, "This character supposes that he died, as he did, for the sins of his people; and that he rose again from the dead, as he did, for their justification;" Therefore, he became the firstfruits of his purpose, for he came to die that we might live (Mark 10:45). He laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:15).
First begotten accord to his prospect. Jesus is the first begotten of all those who have trust in him, whether they are dead or alive. He promises that we will be with him prospectively. The prospect for the thief on the cross was Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43). The prayer that Jesus prayed to his Father was Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). In John 14 Jesus tells us that he will return one day and receive us unto himself that where he is there we will be, also (John 14:3).
First begotten accord to his principles. Therefore, shall we always preach this same message of the resurrection to the lost; for Jesus came, not just to redeem us from our sins, but that he may teach us through the apostles and through his church to teach others the true principles of Christian doctrine, which is at its base the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that he is truly the first begotten of the dead. He resurrected first; therefore, we may also be resurrected by the power of God.
Let us be as the apostle Paul and say as he did in 1 Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
First begotten according to his promises. Jesus is the first begotten of the dead in that he is the first to resurrect from death on his own power. We see in 1 Cor. 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. Jesus is the exemplar of the truth of resurrection of which Paul said he was appearing in judgment before the people of Israel. Those who slept are those who have already died and are still in their graves. They will, if they trusted Christ, be resurrected according to his promises. He promised Abraham a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). Job knew that in his flesh he would see God (Job 19:26).
First begotten accord to his purpose. John Gill says on this verse, "This character supposes that he died, as he did, for the sins of his people; and that he rose again from the dead, as he did, for their justification;" Therefore, he became the firstfruits of his purpose, for he came to die that we might live (Mark 10:45). He laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:15).
First begotten accord to his prospect. Jesus is the first begotten of all those who have trust in him, whether they are dead or alive. He promises that we will be with him prospectively. The prospect for the thief on the cross was Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43). The prayer that Jesus prayed to his Father was Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). In John 14 Jesus tells us that he will return one day and receive us unto himself that where he is there we will be, also (John 14:3).
First begotten accord to his principles. Therefore, shall we always preach this same message of the resurrection to the lost; for Jesus came, not just to redeem us from our sins, but that he may teach us through the apostles and through his church to teach others the true principles of Christian doctrine, which is at its base the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that he is truly the first begotten of the dead. He resurrected first; therefore, we may also be resurrected by the power of God.
Let us be as the apostle Paul and say as he did in 1 Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #1
In this study we will see Jesus in the book of Revelation. Sometimes
we get so involved in the prophecies of this great book of the Bible
that we fail to see Jesus Christ himself. I intend to take many of the
words and phrases which either name Jesus or describe him and have
some simple devotions pertaining to Jesus himself in the book of
Revelation.
The first of these will be taken from Rev 1:1 where we read The
Revelation of Jesus Christ. We will take up, first of all the name
Jesus Christ. This denotation is mentioned six times in the book of
Revelation. In Rev. 1:1 we see that a revelation has been given to
Jesus Christ so that he can give it to John the revelator.
John bare record or witnessed of the message that God gave to Jesus
Christ to give to John. This gives us assurance that the message in
this book has good authority and is correct whether we understand it
or not.
The second time the expression Jesus Christ is used in this book is
in Rev. 1:2, which speaks of Jesus’ testimony. All the time he was
here on earth, he was a testimony of his Father; but now he is a
witness of things that must shortly come to pass. John is the
recipient of this testimony and must give it true.
Notice Rev. 1:5 where we are told that Jesus Christ is the faithful
witness, who witnesses what the Father tells him (John 8:28). He
sees what the Father sees, and he hears what the Father hears; and he
gives his prophets this witness so that we can hear it from the
apostles and prophets. We will speak of the other names in verse
five later.
In Rev. 1:9 we read this appellation again, Jesus Christ. He speaks
here of the “patience of Jesus Christ.” This is patience that Jesus
Christ had as the Son of God, and it was also the patience of the
believers that Jesus gave to them when he saved them by his grace.
This patience is shown in John in stating that he was in the isle of
Patmos for the word of God (I think for preaching the word of God),
for the testimony of Jesus Christ. If it had not been for the grace of God, John
would never have made it off the isle of Patmos, and we would never
have known the wonderful blessings of this precious book. It is all
of God’s grace and to his glory.
Rev. 12:17 uses this name again, Jesus Christ, and again the idea of
“testimony” is mentioned. He speaks of the saved, who have the
testimony of Jesus, the believers who believe what Jesus says and
depend upon his word rather than the word of men.
The last time we see this appellation is in Rev. 22:21, the closing out
of the book of Revelation, where John desires that the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with those who read the book. Certainly Jesus
is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2); he is the medium
of grace from God our Father.
Jesus is the Messiah (the meaning of the word Christ). He is the
promised One, and it is only by him that we can have eternal life. He
is the only mediator between men and God (1 Tim. 2:5). In this title
we see Jesus, the man, who came to earth and was made like unto
sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3), lived and died that we might have life (Matt.
20:28) , and promises to take us to Heaven to live with him eternally
(John 14:2-3; John 6:44).
Jesus, the man, and Christ, who is God. This makes our salvation
worthy of thanksgiving to God through his grace and mercy. This
makes us love Jesus the more because of what he has done for us (1
John 3:16). The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are the children of
God through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26).
we get so involved in the prophecies of this great book of the Bible
that we fail to see Jesus Christ himself. I intend to take many of the
words and phrases which either name Jesus or describe him and have
some simple devotions pertaining to Jesus himself in the book of
Revelation.
The first of these will be taken from Rev 1:1 where we read The
Revelation of Jesus Christ. We will take up, first of all the name
Jesus Christ. This denotation is mentioned six times in the book of
Revelation. In Rev. 1:1 we see that a revelation has been given to
Jesus Christ so that he can give it to John the revelator.
John bare record or witnessed of the message that God gave to Jesus
Christ to give to John. This gives us assurance that the message in
this book has good authority and is correct whether we understand it
or not.
The second time the expression Jesus Christ is used in this book is
in Rev. 1:2, which speaks of Jesus’ testimony. All the time he was
here on earth, he was a testimony of his Father; but now he is a
witness of things that must shortly come to pass. John is the
recipient of this testimony and must give it true.
Notice Rev. 1:5 where we are told that Jesus Christ is the faithful
witness, who witnesses what the Father tells him (John 8:28). He
sees what the Father sees, and he hears what the Father hears; and he
gives his prophets this witness so that we can hear it from the
apostles and prophets. We will speak of the other names in verse
five later.
In Rev. 1:9 we read this appellation again, Jesus Christ. He speaks
here of the “patience of Jesus Christ.” This is patience that Jesus
Christ had as the Son of God, and it was also the patience of the
believers that Jesus gave to them when he saved them by his grace.
This patience is shown in John in stating that he was in the isle of
Patmos for the word of God (I think for preaching the word of God),
for the testimony of Jesus Christ. If it had not been for the grace of God, John
would never have made it off the isle of Patmos, and we would never
have known the wonderful blessings of this precious book. It is all
of God’s grace and to his glory.
Rev. 12:17 uses this name again, Jesus Christ, and again the idea of
“testimony” is mentioned. He speaks of the saved, who have the
testimony of Jesus, the believers who believe what Jesus says and
depend upon his word rather than the word of men.
The last time we see this appellation is in Rev. 22:21, the closing out
of the book of Revelation, where John desires that the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with those who read the book. Certainly Jesus
is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2); he is the medium
of grace from God our Father.
Jesus is the Messiah (the meaning of the word Christ). He is the
promised One, and it is only by him that we can have eternal life. He
is the only mediator between men and God (1 Tim. 2:5). In this title
we see Jesus, the man, who came to earth and was made like unto
sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3), lived and died that we might have life (Matt.
20:28) , and promises to take us to Heaven to live with him eternally
(John 14:2-3; John 6:44).
Jesus, the man, and Christ, who is God. This makes our salvation
worthy of thanksgiving to God through his grace and mercy. This
makes us love Jesus the more because of what he has done for us (1
John 3:16). The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are the children of
God through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26).
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A Prayer For Preachers
We pray today, Oh God Almighty
That preachers stay involved
With reading scripture, praying oft,
And therefore be resolved
To stay the path and not turn back
From all that has been given
Them to guard and preach and tell
So men can go to Heaven.
Give strength to them, Oh Lord Divine
And give them what they need
To preach the word and not withhold
The everlasting seed.
Give them joy in God’s own word
And fill them with your love.
Show them how to preach with power
The truths down from above.
And if we can, who older be,
Encourage them to stay
In God’s firm word and in His will
And never stray away.
Amen.
That preachers stay involved
With reading scripture, praying oft,
And therefore be resolved
To stay the path and not turn back
From all that has been given
Them to guard and preach and tell
So men can go to Heaven.
Give strength to them, Oh Lord Divine
And give them what they need
To preach the word and not withhold
The everlasting seed.
Give them joy in God’s own word
And fill them with your love.
Show them how to preach with power
The truths down from above.
And if we can, who older be,
Encourage them to stay
In God’s firm word and in His will
And never stray away.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
