We have begun a new series entitled: “What Would Jesus Say?” It’s a study of Jesus’ words to the seven churches in Asia in the first 3 chapters of Revelation. Are these words just for the benefit of the churches as they were 2000 years ago? Of course not, they have universal application, not only to the condition of the churches then, but to us today as well.
We understand that John, the apostle that Jesus loved, is the writer of this book. John was a witness to the crucifixion. He was there on the day that Jesus rose, he was in that room with the other disciples when Jesus revealed Himself to them. He was there 40 days later when Jesus ascended into heaven. So, he had seen Jesus during his ministry years, he'd seen the resurrected Christ, he had seen Christ ascend into heaven but he had not seen Jesus like he was going to see Him now. The glorified Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father. And you're going to see that John's response when he finally sees the risen Christ is going to be one of shock and surprise; he's going to be dumbfounded and speechless; he's going to fall down as though dead.
Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.
John is stunned, shocked, and surprised at the very least. He had heard the gentle voice of Jesus on many occasions but he had never heard Him like this. As a matter of fact, he didn't recognize Jesus' voice. The Bible says that he turned to see the voice that had spoken to him. It was completely unrecognizable. He had spoken with Jesus for three and a half years and spent every day pretty much with Him. But now this voice of Christ, it’s a new voice of the glorified Lord. He didn't run and embrace Jesus, as a matter of fact he was so taken aback by his Lord, the Bible says he fell down as though dead.
When someone comes face-to-face with the Lord in the Bible, there is no other position for them to take than to prostrate themselves. John takes that position. He had known Christ and even seen the risen Christ face-to-face; but now, this is the glorified Lord Jesus; the Alpha and Omega, the ruler of the Earth, the One who takes vengeance on His enemies. The One who will set things right in our world.
What would you do if you came face-to-face with the powerful Mighty Lord? What could you do except to fall on your face and lie motionless under the hand of the Almighty God of the universe. John is seeing his beloved Jesus in a brand-new way; perhaps he has underestimated the true and Living Lord? Have you realized who your Savior and Lord is, or have you underestimated Him? Do you see Him as the coming King who will take vengeance on those who have opposed Him. Are you ready to meet Him when He comes with a shout and the trumpet call and the voice of the archangel?
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “Underestimating the Messiah.”
Blessings,
Kevin
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