I. Notice His location and occupation –
1. This should be seen in contrast to John’s who is on Patmos (consider the problems of Patmos):
A. This island was offshore, John was imprisoned here for His faith - :9
B. This separated him from people he wished to minister to - :11
2. Yet notice also John’s spiritual location, “in the Spirit” - :10 (because of this he sees things we usually do not) -
3. Christ is in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks (the churches) - :12-13 & :20; Matthew 5:14-16
4. Christ is upholding the ministers / angels - :16 & :20
5. Christ is their High Priest / King / Prophet - :13; :5 & :16
II. Notice His Names and glorious attributes –
1. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last - :11
2. He is the Son of Man - :13 “one like the Son of Man” – Daniel 7:13-14
A. Note Christ is “like the Son of Man” not only in His humiliation – Philippians 2:5-7 but also in His exaltation - :13 (see W.S.C. q. 21)
B. As the “Son of Man” He is our near kin as a High Priest – Hebrews 4:14-16
3. He has “white hair” as He is the eternal God - :14; Daniel 7:9 & Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1
4. He has eyes like fire, as He sees all - :14
“This denotes both His holy anger and His power of omniscience. The eyes of this mighty judge penetrate into the deepest recesses of the hearts of men; they discover hidden things.” Herman Hoeksema
A. There are things which men cannot and should not judge – Matthew 7:1-5
B. Yet, these things are open to the eyes of Christ – Matthew 5:21-30
5. He has feet like burning bronze, power to judge and condemn those who are wrong - :15
6. He has a voice like many waters, communicating power and authority - :15
7. Out of His mouth proceeds a sword, the Word of God (truth) – :16
8. He our eternally resurrected Lord – :18
9. He holds the keys to Hell and death - :18
(Keys imply authority)
A. Keys to open
B. Keys to shut
C. Keys to lock away forever
III. Notice John’s response to this great sight –
1. He fell at His feet as dead - :17
2. This is the usual / proper response to such a sight – Daniel 10:4-12; Isaiah 6:1-5
3. Yet, notice Christ gently lifts him - :17-18
“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head”
James Ramsey
IV. Notice the great commission Christ’s gives John -
1. Christ is not bothered by John’s obvious limitations, He still has work for him - :19
2. Notice John’s Book is with us, a popular book today
3. Believe, that God can use us in spite of our limitations – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
