Do You Know Who This Is?

The Book That Promises a Blessing!

A study of the NT book of Revelation

by Pastor Frank Rice

Revelation 1:10-20

Have you ever had trouble recognizing someone whom you know you know but cannot identify? Sometimes it’s not really that important. But other times, it can be very disturbing and embarrassing! Most of us have played the game “Clue” where the identity of a person is hidden and the players try to figure out who that person is by asking a series of well thought-out questions. Our text describes in metaphorical detail the One whom it is essential to know, without whom the future is filled with anxiety and fear.

 

v      John testifies to hearing a resounding, memorable voice (v. 10)! [Let’s take a sneak peek to see who this is beforehand (v. 18).]

1.      This voice was heard on the Lord’s Day, a likely reference to Sunday, the day of resurrection celebration for early believers.

2.      The voice resounded when he was in the Spirit. This could refer to “walking in the Spirit,” or a state of receptivity to the prophetic message from the Holy Spirit. “The words imply being transported into the world of prophetic visions by the Spirit of God.” (Johnson)

3.      The voice reverberated behind him, sounding like a trumpet! Trumpets were sounded to call to battle, to announce the entry of royalty, or to celebrate festivals in Israel.

 

v      John testifies to locating the Source of that voice (v. 11).

1.      The identity of the Source is revealed in veiled yet noteworthy terms. The voice emanates from One claiming eternal deity! These same titles were used of the Lord Almighty (1:8)!

2.      The instructions are provided. John is told to write what he is about to experience (see) and to send the writing to seven groups of believers throughout Asia (Rev 2 & 3).

3.      This imagery of God’s indescribable power and majesty is drawn almost entirely from the OT books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.

 

v      John turns around to see the Source of the voice (vv. 12-13)!

1.      Evidently, the first thing to “catch his eye” is an array of seven golden lampstands which, in the OT, symbolized Israel. In the present context they become obvious symbols for churches, God’s NT people.

2.      “The churches are depicted as shining lights for God in the midst of a hostile world.” (Osborne)

3.      Jesus presently moves in and among His churches, His light-bearers, as we maintain an intimate connection with Him through His Holy Spirit. We exist by His presence and for His witness (Jn 9:5 & Matt 5:14-16).

4.      Among those golden lampstands is a Person whom he clearly equates with deity (Dan 7:13)! He is in the midst of His people.

5.      The garment being worn would indicate both aristocracy or royalty and a priestly stature. His majesty is unmistakable!

 

v      John provides further description of the One in the midst of the golden lampstands (vv. 14-16). [Note the terms “like” and “as.”]

1.      The whiteness of His head and hair invite respect and indicate the wisdom of years (v. 14a)! Wool and snow symbolize purity!

2.      The flame in His eyes speaks of omniscience, penetrating scrutiny, and inescapable judgment (v. 14b)!

3.      The glowing bronze or brass of His feet communicates glory and triumph (v. 15a).

4.      The sound of His voice indicates glory and majestic splendor, sovereignty and irresistible power (v. 15b). [Think Niagara Falls!]

5.      The right hand holding seven stars speak of His control, care, and sovereignty over the churches (vv. 16a & 20b).

6.      The sharp two-edged sword protruding from His mouth (not held in His hand) speaks of His pronouncements of truth and of judgment (v. 16b).

7.      The features of His magnificently shining countenance remind us of the glory of the sun (v. 16c; Ps 84:11). (Did you happen to notice the number of His features that are highlighted?)

 

v      John hears the words of comfort from his “old friend” (vv. 17-18). (John hadn’t seen Jesus for ~60 years!)

1.      John responded like many of the OT believers when they encountered God; he fell into a dead faint! Interestingly, “The quotation that begins in v. 17 is not closed until the end of chapter 3.” (Johnson)

2.      Don’t miss this! “Because it is precisely the same title that identifies deity in the same context (cf. Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12), Jesus thus opens His revelation to John by announcing His deity.” (Keener)

3.      The Lord placed His right hand on him and told him to stop being afraid! This must be emotionally and physically draining!

4.      The Lord shares the reason to not fear; He is the eternal God who has conquered death and hell. He’s got the keys! “It was through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection that He won the right to have the ‘keys of death and Hades.’” (Johnson)  

 

v      John is reminded to record the things he has seen (Rev 1), the things which are (Rev 2-3), and the things that take place after this (Rev 4-22; v. 19)! (Many see this as a general outline of the book.)

 

v      John is brought up-to-speed concerning the identity of some of the “heretofore unknown” symbols that have been introduced (v. 20).

1.      The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. These may be angels assigned to specific groups of believers, but it’s more likely a reference to the messengers or the pastors.

2.      The seven lampstands are the seven churches which will be highlighted in the following chapters. We’re just getting started!

 

In our text we see Jesus “presented as exalted, dignified, wise, perceptive in judgment, glorified and omnipotent, powerful and authoritative, in complete control, the judge of all, and glorious… He is one with God, and He is the fulfillment of all OT longing and prophecy.” (Osborne)

 

 If you don’t know who this is by now, you are in big trouble!