Lesson 459 - Senior
Memory Verse
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him" (Revelation 1:7).
Cross References
I Announcements to John
1. God gave to Jesus a revelation of the things shortly to come to pass shown to John by an angel, [REV:1:1]; [2TS:1:7-8].
2. John bare record of all things that he saw, [REV:1:2].
3. We are exhorted to read and keep these words, for the time is at hand, [REV:1:3].
II A Message to the Churches of His Coming
1. The message of the Book is addressed to the seven churches, symbolic of His Church, [REV:1:4], [REV:1:11].
2. Christ, who is coming as King, hath saved, sanctified, and made us kings and priests, [REV:1:5-6]; [EPH:5:25-27].
3. The power and glory of the Lord will be seen by every age, [REV:1:7-8].
III The Sublime Being
1. John hears a voice from behind and turns to see who is speaking [REV:1:10], [REV:1:12].
2. A description is given of the glorious figure John saw, [REV:1:13], [REV:1:16]; [DAN:7:9-14].
3. Christ gives testimony concerning Himself, [REV:1:17-18].
4. The mystery of the seven stars and the seven golden candlesticks is revealed, [REV:1:19-20].
Notes
Banished to Patmos
John, the beloved Apostle, was the writer of Revelation, which is thought to have been written about 96 AD. John was an old man when he was banished to the Isle of Patmos by the Roman emperor, Domitian, "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." The other Apostles had all suffered martyrdom before this time and possibly John was the only person left who had personally seen and heard Jesus speak while here on earth. The Lord revealed to him the events of the last days leading up to the second coming of Jesus and the final triumph over the powers of the enemy.
Patmos was a rocky spot in the Grecian Archipelago, Southwest of Ephesus. It has neither trees, nor rivers, nor any land for cultivation. It is a mere mass of barren rocks, and was used as a place for banished convicts. Persecutions by Rome became to John the door of sublimes communion with Heaven. Many times the wrath of the wicked brings the saints into a closer relationship with God.
Apocalypse
Apocalypse means something revealed. The first verse tells us that God gave this revelation to Jesus Christ to show unto His servants the things, which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.
As the Book of Genesis gives the creation story and the first promise of the world's Saviour, so the Book of Revelation, at the close of the Bible, announces the end of the present order and sets forth the glory and majesty of Christ in His Second Coming. The theme of the Book is the grand triumph of the Kingdom of God. It is said to be the bridge cast over the chasm, which divides the first and second advent.
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein" [REV:1:3]). Many look on the Book of Revelation as a sealed Book and do not try to understand it, but the Scripture says "blessed" are they who do. And it also says God gave it to Jesus for Him to show to His servants. Much of the Book is written in symbols and types, yet some of the most precious promises in the Bible are given in this Book.
The Salutation
The salutation is from John to the seven churches in Asia. "Grace be unto you, and peace, . . . 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, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever" [REV:1:4-6]). What a grand salutation! He passes from an affectionate greeting to a jubilant doxology: "To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever."
Grace and peace from Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own Blood! If He loved His enemies enough to die on the cross for them, what must His love be for those who have been redeemed through His precious Blood! This makes it plain that His Blood washes away our sins. The real purpose of His coming as the Babe of Bethlehem was to die on the cross and shed His Blood for the salvation of a lost world. Those who accept this wonderful salvation are not only saved from their sins but they are made kings and priests unto God. Think of it! From a humble station in life to be kings and priests unto God! "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" [PS:107:8]).
Coming with Clouds
"Behold, he cometh with clouds" [REV:1:7]). When Jesus left this earth a cloud received Him out of the sight of the disciples. When He comes again, it will be with clouds, a personal, visible appearance.
Some teachers would tell us that His coming into the heart is what is meant by His second coming. John had seen Jesus when He walked on earth as a man; then as the resurrected Christ before He ascended to Heaven. All those years from the time Jesus called him to be one of His disciples, the love of Jesus had dwelt in his heart; and now John beholds Him as He is in His Glory.
Jesus is coming back again and every eye shall see Him. To some it will be a glorious sight, others will cry for the rocks and the mountains to hide them. This verse in the first chapter of Revelation especially mentions those who pierced Him, those who drove the nails into His hands and feet, the one who stuck the sword into His side, together with those who cried, "Crucify him, crucify him."
The Lord's Day
John says he was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, the day on which Christians meet to commemorate the Lord's resurrection, a day hallowed forever by the most momentous event of all history. The seventh day had been hallowed and kept in commemoration of Creation and was the Jewish Sabbath. Christians keep the first day of the week, the day on which Christ arose, in celebration of Redemption. It is the Christian's Sabbath.
Sounding of the Trumpet
John heard a great voice behind him as of a trumpet. The trumpet was used to usher in great events. It accompanied God's revelation of Himself. When God revealed Himself on Mount Sinai, He broke silence with the voice of a trumpet, exceedingly loud. The Year of Jubilee was ushered in by the sounding of the silver trumpet. The voice of the archangel and the trump of God will break the silence of the tomb and gather God's elect from the ends of the world. A godless world may not hear it, but the blood washed will hear it and be transfigured and mount up on wings as eagles to meet their Lord in the air.
Seven Candlesticks
When John turned to see the Voice that spake with him, he saw seven golden candlesticks, and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man. The seven candlesticks represent the seven churches in Asia. The candlesticks are the light bearers. They have no light in themselves but they are the light bearers. Jesus is the true Light. The church holds the true Light, and each born again Christian lets his light shine through his testimony and the life he lives. The lamp stands were of gold, a most precious metal. A congregation of saints is the most precious thing in the world. It is the pure gold of the earth.
The Son of Man
His head and hair were like wool, as white as snow. The Scriptures tell us that the hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness [PRO:16:31]). His feet were like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace. It is upon these feet of holiness that the Lord walks among the churches, and will tread down all abominations. Beautiful are those feet to them who love Him, but terrible to those who will be trodden down by them.
His voice was as the sound of many waters. How could it be other wise? Some day that Voice will wake the dead. "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty" [PS:29:4]).
He had in His right hand seven stars. The seven stars are the angels or ministers of the seven churches. Christ walks among the candlesticks but he holds these ministers in His right hand.
Out of His mouth went a sharp, two edged sword. The Bible tells us: "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged 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" [HEB:4:12]). "My sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment" [ISA:34:5]). His countenance was as the sun shining in his strength. The churches are lamps, the ministers are stars; but Christ is the sun.
A similar scene was beheld by the three disciples when Jesus was transfigured before them upon the Mount. "His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light" [MAT:17:2]).
Words of Comfort
Great and dreadful was the glory, and power, and wonder, and majesty that John beheld. One writer described it: "The trumpet sound, the scene of splendour, the all revealing look, the voice of power, the countenance of blazing light...." John was overwhelmed at the vision and fell at Christ's feet as dead. Jesus laid His right hand upon him and said, "Fear not." What comforting words!
Questions
1. To what island was John banished? Describe it
2. Why was he banished there?
3. On what day of the week did John have this vision'
4. Why do Christians observe that day?
5. What were the first things John saw in that vision,
6. What did they represent?
7. Name the seven churches in Asia to whom this message was sent
8. Describe the appearance of the "Son of man."
9. How did all this affect John?
10. What did Jesus say to him?