Sermon 174

📖 Sermon 174 — Revelation 1:9–20

Dates: 1-10-50, 2-23-64, 3-29-70
Text: Revelation 1:9–20
Preacher: G. S. Kok
Subject: Jesus in the Midst of the Candlesticks

I. HERE HE REVEALS HIS GLORY

A. John identifies himself

1. He is a brother of those who are in Christ Jesus.
2. He is a partaker with others in tribulation, kingdom, and patience — enduring.

B. While John is an exile on the island of Patmos

1. A rocky, treeless island off the coast of Asia.
2. No doubt because of his faithful preaching of the Word of God.
3. Persecuted on account of his testimony to Jesus Christ.

C. While John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day

1. It was Sunday.
2. John experienced a very special spiritual preparation.
3. No doubt as he was worshipping his Lord on this day.

D. With a mighty voice

1. Great, as of a trumpet — penetrating, clear, no uncertain sound.
2. It instructed him to write what he should see.
3. It told him to address the letter to the seven churches in Asia Minor.
   Not meaning that the vision was only for them.
   They represent the entire church of all ages.

II. HIS APPEARANCE

A. John turned to see the speaker

1. In the words of the charge, an invitation to see was implied.
2. Perhaps there was something familiar about this voice, reminding John of his Lord.
3. The vision unfolded before him was so glorious that John no doubt afterward praised God for bringing him to this island — for this glorious privilege.

B. Like unto the Son of Man

1. This describes Jesus, who called Himself the Son of Man.
2. John sees the One with whom he once walked on the paths of Palestine, upon whose bosom he had leaned, who had been crucified, but who also rose again and whom he had seen ascend to heaven.

C. He appears among the golden candlesticks

1. These were seven individual candlesticks — not one candlestick with seven lamps.
2. As Jesus Himself explains, they represent the seven churches — or the various congregations of the church of Christ.
3. The churches are light-bearers: Ye are the light of the world.
4. Showing that Jesus keeps the promise: Lo, I am with you always.

D. His garments

1. Long.
2. A garment reaching to the feet.
3. Represent His majesty.
   He is the exalted Christ unto whom all power has been given in heaven and on earth.

E. His head

1. His hair perfectly white — the whiteness of holiness, no doubt.
2. His eyes as a flame of fire: penetrating everything, nothing hidden.
3. The head of the King of kings and Lord of lords — majestic.

F. His feet

1. Like burnished brass — mighty, unbreakable, stable.
2. Ready to trample the enemies underfoot.
   He comes with judgment.

G. His voice

1. First said to be like that of a trumpet — heard wherever His Word is preached.
2. Also like the sound of many waters — tremendous power and volume; every ear shall hear.

H. His right hand

1. The hand of power and honor.
2. It holds seven stars, which Jesus later explains to be the seven angels of the seven churches.

I. His mouth

1. Reveals a sharp two-edged sword — symbol of the Word’s power and judgment.

J. His face

1. His whole being radiant.
2. Shining like the sun at its brightest.

III. HIS ACTIVITIES

A. He is in the midst of the seven candlesticks

1. John sees Him standing there.
2. Later He is described as walking among them.
3. Jesus identifies these as the churches — the total church.
4. Showing that the glorified Christ, though in heaven, is with His church on earth.
5. Lo, I am with you unto the end of the ages.
   Wherever two or three are gathered in His name, He is in their midst.

B. He holds the seven stars in His hand

1. Jesus says they are the seven angels of the churches.
   Angels = messengers = ministering elders, no doubt.
   Representing the elders and ministers of the Word.
2. Holding them permanently:
   They are never out of His hand; He directs them.
   They receive their power and authority from Him.
   They are under His protecting care — even Jean was.
   They are responsible to Him — an awesome responsibility.

C. He comforts and instructs John

1. John is overwhelmed by the vision and falls as if dead at His feet.
2. Jesus stills his fear and reminds him of His identity:
   He is God: the First and the Last.
   He is the Living One who had died — the risen Christ.
   He has power over death and Hades.
3. John must write his visions to the churches:
   Whatever he will see.
   Things which must soon come to pass.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of His revelation:

1. To comfort His people.
2. To warn His enemies.