DAILY REMINDER – Today, December 26’s Bible reading is Revelation 1-3.
NEXT DAY REMINDER – Tomorrow, December 27’s Bible reading is Revelation 4-8. May God bless you with the reading of His WORD.
REVELATION
We are living in the last days prior
to Jesus’ return. On any given day, you can turn on the news and see proof of
how close we are due to the various things shown that will make your stomach
turn. There are all kinds of violence, sex, murder, theft, drugs, and other
ungodly acts displayed on the screen. A significant amount of music promoted by
record labels and their ungodly artists contain lyrics endorsing sexual
promiscuity, disrespect to authority, and violence – which helps in keeping the
prisons, abortion clinics, and morgues full.
There are threats of wars, demonic terrorist organizations killing
innocents, and government corruption being inspired by the devil himself. The
lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community is spreading their
abominations onto children, entertainment, churches, and even your local
restroom in an act of defiance against God’s law. Right is being called wrong
and wrong is being called right. All the while, many within the body of Christ
are sleep, in a demonically induced coma and drunk off the wine of many greedy,
cowardly, and spiritually dead, compromised pastors. However, God gave a
warning about these last days. This warning is great! What does God have to say
to us in today’s times and why must it be Revealed?
In
this first lesson, we will learn about the messages and warnings that God gave
to the churches concerning the last days. and why the warnings in the book of
Revelation are of greater urgency now than like any time before in past
history. God pronounced a blessing over all who read and understand what is
written in this prophetic book. May we help you to have a greater understanding
into the end-time prophecies that God wanted us to have.
Understanding the Revelation
Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which
God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known
by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to
everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are
those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is
near. (NIV)
What does “Revelation”
mean?
In
the Koine Greek, Revelation is described as the apocalypse, (ἀποκάλυψις,
apokalypsis) which means unveiling and end-time destruction. When you unveil or
reveal something, it means to uncover or discover its purpose. It also means to
expose and make something known.
Therefore, the book of Revelation is meant for us to understand and make
known to others. By unveiling its contents, we will be prepared for the end
times. No longer is this book just about things to come, but it is giving
insight into what is taking place right now in real time. God wanted His
children to be prepared for what they would have to face and the blessed hope
they could look forward to. Therefore, He gave this Revelation to Jesus, who
gave it to the angel to give to John for him to write down and give to the body
of Christ.
Who was
John?
John was an apostle of Christ, the youngest of the 12 disciples chosen
to follow Jesus. He was the son of
Zebedee and
the brother of James. Matthew 4:21-22
(22)
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his
brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their
nets. Jesus called them, (22) and immediately they left the boat and
their father and followed him. (NIV) John is often called “The
Beloved” for he seemed especially dear to Jesus’ heart. Jesus gave John the
responsibility of looking after his mother, while on the cross. John 19:26-27 (26) When Jesus saw his mother there, and
the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman,
here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time
on, this disciple took her into his home. (NIV) Jesus showed
that he trusted him deeply by leaving the care of his mother to John.
Why was a
Blessing announced over this particular book
of the Bible?
There were going to be many things that would take place during the
last days. God did not wish for man to be blind, but to have the full knowledge,
wisdom, and understanding of His word. God also knew that this book would be
the most controversial of all the others written. Therefore, spiritual guidance
and discernment would be needed and given to all who desired to have it for
these last days. Hosea
4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (KJV) This
prophetic book was given to: teach, rebuke, prepare, warn, and encourage those
in regards to the devil and his attempt to destroy the body of Christ, while
deceiving the world. Amos 3:7,
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his
servants the prophets.” (KJV) Therefore, this revelation was
given to John and a blessing was pronounced over it for all who understand and
know that there will be hard trials to endure, but they who remain strong will
be blessed in the end.
Message to the 7 Churches
Revelation 1:4-8 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the
province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was,
and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; (5)and
from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to
rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to
him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. (6)He
has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him
forever and ever! Amen. (7)Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven.
And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of
the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!
(8)“I
am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am
the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (NLT)
John wrote to the seven churches that were in Asia during the time of
this revelation. This is not to say that there were only seven churches because
the gospel had been spread throughout the world as Jesus had instructed them to
do. Matthew 28:18-20 (18)Jesus came near and spoke to them,
“I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. (19)Therefore,
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20)teaching them to obey
everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day
until the end of this present age.” (CEB) The instruction to
give the message to these churches seem to have been given because they
represent the body of Christ at large in its “completion” due to what the
number 7 represents in the Bible. We will be going into more details about
these seven churches and how we can learn from them concerning God’s desire for
His church today.
The salutation: “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was,
and who is to come,” lets us know that God’s existence has always been and will
never cease. Job 38:4 “Where were
you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” (NIV)
God’s response to Job tells us that He was from the beginning of time. He is forever
present and always will be. You can also understand this by His response to
Moses when asked the question of who he should tell the Children of Israel sent
him. Exodus 3:13-14 But
Moses said to God, “If I now come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God
of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they are going to ask me, ‘What’s this
God’s name?’ What am I supposed to say to them?” (14) God said to
Moses, “I Am Who I Am. So say to the Israelites, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” (CEB)
The Seven Spirits
The 7 spirits found in Revelation represent are the same as those found
in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 11:2 And
the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of
the fear of the Lord. (KJV) Let’s breakdown the Holy Spirit, who
embodies these seven Spirits rolled into one.
7 Spirits Explained
1.) Spirit of Rest – John 16:7
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go
away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
(NIV) Jesus had to go away for the Holy Spirit to come and rest upon those in the upper room to do
the work of God. Jesus had been sent by his Father to die in order to save
mankind from eternal damnation, but once his earthly work was over, the Holy
Spirit had to come to reside in all those who believed and accepted the Good
News about the Gospel of Christ. This Spirit of Rest was essential for all who
were willing to allow Him to reign in their lives in order to be a witness to
others.
2.) Spirit of Wisdom – Ephesians 1:17 That
the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the
spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (KJV) God
wants His children to be wise in all things. Therefore, when we ask the Holy
Spirit for wisdom, this is one of the gifts that He gives generously to His
children. In order to defeat the enemy and stay steadfast in the will of God,
one must have wisdom given from the Holy Spirit and not upon our own accord.
3.) Spirit of Understanding – John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring
all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV) It
is the work of the Holy Spirit to teach all things given from the Father above.
During this process, He grants us wisdom and understanding to be able to wholeheartedly
receive it and will bring it back to your memory when recollection is needed.
God wants His children to understand what He is saying to the church, so that
when the enemy comes like a flood, they will know how to use the knowledge that
they learned to stand and fight against him.
4.) Spirit of Counsel – John 16:8-11 And when he (The Holy Spirit) is come, he will
reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (9) Of
sin, because they believe not on me; (10)Of righteousness, because I
go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (11)Of judgment, because the
prince of this world is judged. (KJV) Many in the world have been deceived by the enemy; the Holy
Spirit, however, is the One who convicts and gives counsel as to the things of
Christ in order that we may be saved through Jesus’ Salvation. This counsel is
not forced upon anyone, but it is there to be received by all. It is only
through humility that one would be willing to accept the counsel that the Holy
Spirit has to offer. Pride has no room with God, but humble heart opens the
pathway to Him in all areas of our lives.
5.) Spirit of Power – Acts 1:8 But
ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye
shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV) No one can do the Lord’s work correctly
without the Power given through the Holy Spirit. The devil is like a roaring
lion and seeks to destroy all who will be a witness for God. Therefore, the
Power of God, given through the Holy Spirit, will defeat the enemy at his own
game of evil, destruction and deceit. It is just like a car, which needs a
jump. The Lord is the juice which gives the electrical surge for the Power that
we need by way of cables from the Holy Spirit. Once the jump has been given,
you are then ready to drive.
6.) Spirit of Knowledge – 1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;
to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. (KJV) Once
again we see that the Holy Spirit gives wisdom and then knowledge upon the
believer and true follower of Christ. This knowledge, led by the Holy Spirit,
is given and received through the Word of God. It is not just enough to have
acquired knowledge without knowing when and how to use it. The Holy Spirit
gives this balance to the believer.
7.) Spirit of Fear (Reverence) – 2 Timothy 1:7 For
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind. (KJV) This work of the Spirit is not one that makes
us afraid as in the natural. This fear is one of humility and reverence for the
things of God. Psalms
111:10 The fear of
the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do
his commandments: his praise endureth forever. (KJV) The Holy Spirit helps us to acknowledge that
God is greater than we are and therefore, we must present ourselves in full
submission to our Creator and Lord.
Jesus the Faithful Witness
Jesus is described in Revelation as being a faithful witness, the
firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of kings. Jesus was sent down to earth in the form of a
baby and witnessed all the things that man goes through here on earth. Not only
was he rejected and abused, he suffered even unto death for the Salvation of
mankind. Nevertheless, he was buried, but rose again on the third day.
Therefore, He is our Priest, King, Lord, and Savior with all Power given from
the Father in His hands. Hebrews 4:14-16 (14)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (15)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we
are—yet he did not sin. (16) Let us then approach God’s throne of
grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us
in our time of need. (NIV)
We have been chosen and handpicked by God to be part of His royal
family. We have been made worthy by the Blood of the Lamb who takes away the
sins of the world. We are no longer our own, but are servants of the Mot High
God and we are to be a light for others to see. 1 Peter 2:9 But
you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)
Jesus
is coming again! Every eye is going to see Him. The Bible says that even those
who pierced Him will see Him coming in the clouds with Glory. Some will mourn
because they will not be able to stand the sight of His appearance, while those
who have been found worthy will cry out for joy at the Coming of the Lord. Luke 23:30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall
on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ (NKJV) Only those who are
not in right standing with the Lord will try to flee from His presence. Sin
cannot stand in the presence of the Lord.
John in Exile and the
Martyrs
Revelation 1:9-10 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering
and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of
Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of
Jesus. (NIV)
Why was
John on the Island of Patmos?
All of the disciples died as martyrs according to historical reports
with the exception of John, who had been banished to the Island of Patmos for
preaching the Gospel, and Judas Iscariot, who killed himself after betraying
Jesus. John was recorded by early Christians as having been boiled in oil in an
attempt to kill him, but he is said to have continued to preach, while in the
pot. God, however, still had a work for him to do and therefore, the attempt to
kill him was unsuccessful.
The religious rulers, Rome, and other governments did not want the
message of Jesus’ death and resurrection to spread throughout their land. The
apostles had even been ordered to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Nevertheless,
they defied the law and continued their message. As a result of their stance,
they were martyred. The Bible only records the death of one, not to include
Judas Iscariot because he killed himself, but the early Christians are said to
have kept records concerning the deaths of the other apostles.
Deaths of the Apostles
Simon (Peter)
– Died around 68 A.D. by crucifixion upside down at his request.
James the son
of Zebedee – Executed by Herod Agrippa I approximately 11 years after the death
and resurrection of
Jesus. Acts 12:1-2 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some
who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. (2) He had
James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. (NIV)
Andrew – (Date
unknown) Recorded as having been crucified in Patrae in Achaia.
Philip –
Recorded as being crucified in 80 A.D. in Hierapolis, Turkey.
Bartholomew
(Nathanael) – Recorded as being martyred
in 68 A.D. by way of crucifixion.
Matthew (Levi)
– (Date unknown) Recorded as being
killed by a sword wound in Ethiopia.
Thomas – (Date
unknown) Recorded as having died by a
spear to his body in India.
James
(Alpheus) – (Date unknown) Recorded as being stoned to death.
Simon the
Zealot – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died by crucifixion or hacked to
death.
Jude
(Thaddeus) – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died with Simon the Zealot by
crucifixion or hacked to death.
Matthias –
(Date unknown) Recorded as having preached and possibly martyred in Ethiopia by
stoning or beheading.
Paul (Saul) –
Recorded as having died around 67 A.D. by way of beheading in Rome.
Judas (not
Iscariot) – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died from stoning.
Mark – (Date
unknown) Recorded as having died by being dragged by horses through the street.
John – (Date
unknown) Recorded as having died from old age.
John is Told to Write
Revelation
1:10-11 On the
Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a
trumpet, (11) which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send
it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia and Laodicea.” (NIV)
It was important for John to write down the prophecies that were given
to him in order for the church to have to have a record of them. Habakkuk 2:2
And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he
may run who reads it. (ESV) These prophecies were warnings so
that the church would be prepared and know what they would have to endure for
the sake of the Gospel and to give them a hope for the future. Jeremiah 29:11 For
I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for
good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
Centuries later, we are still reading the books of the Bible that the prophets
of old, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote for our spiritual learning,
understanding, and inspiration for today’s times.
What is the
Lord’s Day?
John said that he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. The Jews had the
tradition of keeping the Sabbath by worshiping in the synagogue. Some religions
believe that the Lord’s Day that John was referring to was the Seventh Day of
the week on which the Jewish Sabbath was observed; others believe that due to
the apostles having received the Holy Spirit on the first day of the week,
Sunday would be more plausible. Acts 16:13 On the Sabbath we (Paul and companions) went outside
the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat
down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. (NIV)
It seems that due to John being a Jew, he would have still observed the Sabbath
on the 7th day of the week. Therefore, it appears that he was
referencing the Lord’s Day, by which he was in the Spirit — more probable than
not as being Saturday. This is debatable, however, with many theologians, but
the most important point to be made is that “John
was in the Spirit,” and was told to “write”
what he saw.
The Seven Lampstands and the
Son of Man
Revelation 1:12-16 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to
me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, (13) and among
the lampstands was someone like a son of man dressed in a robe reaching down to
his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. (14) The hair on
his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing
fire. (15) His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his
voice was like the sound of rushing waters. (16) In his right hand
he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged
sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (NIV)
The meaning of the Seven Lampstands
The number seven means completion, which has been greatly attributed to
God finishing all of creation in six days and having a complete rest day on the
seventh. It was not because He was tired that He rested, but so He could set
the example for man to follow. Genesis 2:1-3 The
heavens and the earth and all who live in them were completed. (2)On
the sixth [a] day God completed all the work that he had done, and on the
seventh day God rested from all the work that he had done. (3) God
blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all the
work of creation. (CEB) There were seven lampstands representing
the seven churches in Asia to whom John was instructed to write. The number
seven was not referring to church buildings, but represented the body of Christ
by whom all who accept Jesus are made complete and have come into the fullness
in Him. Colossians
2:9-10 All the
fullness of deity lives in Christ’s body. (10)And you have been
filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. (CEB)
The lampstands were described by John as being made of gold. What was
the significance of them being golden? God held gold as being precious and of
the highest regard. After all, He’s the one who made it. During the time of
Moses, God instructed him to give the laws that were written by His own finger
to the Children of Israel as a covenant between He and them. They were to obey
them with all their heart, soul and mind. God told Moses to make the Ark of the
Covenant where the 10 Commandments were to be placed, and then kept inside the
Holy of Holies within sanctuary. This ark was to be made of acacia wood and
covered in gold. The priestly garments that Aaron, Moses’ brother, was to wear
also had gold as well.Exodus 28:36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a
seal: holy to the Lord. (NIV)
Gold represented things that were holy, but had been tried in the fire
as part of the purification process. 1 Peter 1:7
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth
than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise,
glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV) The seven
lampstands representing the seven churches were to be holy unto the Lord, which
was represented by the description of gold.
Description of the Son of man
Jesus often referred to himself as the Son of man. Matthew 9:6
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive
sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”
(NIV) Jesus
left His place in Heaven to come down to earth to save all mankind from their
sins. He was both the Son of God and the Son of man, due to him being born
through natural means as with an earthly father, but through the implantation
of the Holy Spirit inside of Mary’s womb. The prophet Daniel also described him
as such. Daniel
7:13 “In my vision
at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man coming with
the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his
presence.” (NIV) Jesus
never lost His deity even while on earth; therefore, He was and shall forever
be the Son of the Living God.
Everything that Jesus does has purpose even down to the garments that
He wore. Isaiah
61:10 I surely
rejoice in the Lord; my heart is joyful because of my God, because he has
clothed me with clothes of victory, wrapped me in a robe of righteousness like
a bridegroom in a priestly crown, and like a bride adorned in jewelry. (CEB)
John described Jesus as wearing a long robe down to his feet. Jesus’s attire
represents all that He is and forever will be which is the Garment of Salvation
and Righteousness.
The prophet Daniel also described Jesus very similar to John’s detailed
account in a vision that was also shown to him. Daniel 10:5-6 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in
linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. (6) His
body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches,
his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the
sound of a multitude. (NIV) Here we find Jesus wearing a belt of
gold or a sash as described by John, which can be used interchangeably around
Him. Again we see gold being used to symbolize the Holiness of God and the
belt/sash representing truth and righteousness. Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place… (NIV) No sin can stand in
the presence of a Righteous and Holy God. Jesus is outwardly cloth as such to
signify all that He is. Jesus’ hair was
described being white like wool and snow.
White in the Bible represents cleanliness and purity. Psalms 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me,
and I will be whiter than snow. (NIV) The psalmist, David, was
asking God to cleanse him of all his sins and imperfections. This was not in
the natural sense, but in the spiritual. Jesus’ white hair represents His
purity for no sin was ever committed by Him. 1 Peter 2:22-23 He
committed no sin, nor did he ever speak in ways meant to deceive. When he was
insulted, he did not reply with insults. When he suffered, he did not threaten
revenge. Instead, he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. (CEB)
Jesus’
eyes were described as being like fire. Throughout the Bible, we see fire as
being a sign of judgment for the wicked. Deuteronomy 9:3 Know
right now that the Lord your God, who is crossing over before you, is an
all-consuming fire! He will wipe them out! He will subdue them before you! Then
you will take possession of their land, eliminating them quickly, exactly as
the Lord told you. (CEB) In this particular text, God was like a
devouring fire that was going to destroy Israel’s enemies. Once again, Jesus
describes fire as being punishment for the wicked along with the devil and his
angels. Matthew 25:41 "Then
he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the
eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (NIV) To see
Jesus’ eyes as described by John and Daniel is to see judgment upon all who
fail to acknowledge Him and follow the ways of the Lord. God sees all and there
is nothing that will go unjudged. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (NIV).
Jesus was also described as having
skin that looked like bronze. One of the offerings that God accepted for the
construction of the tabernacle during Moses’ day was bronze. God wanted to live
among His chosen people and therefore, required certain materials as a freewill
offering to construct His house. Exodus 25:3
These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; (NIV)
Moses used bronze, but this time it was due to the sins the Children of
Israel had committed. Numbers 21:4-9 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor,
taking the road to the Red Sea[a] to go around the land of Edom. But the people
grew impatient with the long journey, (5)and they began to speak
against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the
wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to
drink. And we hate this horrible manna!” (6)So the Lord sent
poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. (7)Then
the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the
Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses
prayed for the people. (8) Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica
of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if
they simply look at it!” (9) So Moses made a snake out of bronze and
attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the
bronze snake and be healed! (NLT)
The Bronze was used to heal the Children of Israel from their physical
ailment as well as the spiritual sin they committed against God. Jesus became
the offering, which God accepted for the sins of mankind. Just as the children
of Israel had to look upon the bronze snake to receive their healing by faith,
we too have to look upon Jesus to receive healing and forgiveness of sin.
Jesus’
voice was described as rushing water by John and Daniel described it as a
multitude. In the Bible, water often represented people and this is why John
and Daniels description can be used interchangeably. However, Jesus also
describes himself as the living water where all who drinks will never thirst. John 4:9-10 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have
anything to do with Samaritan. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a
Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you
only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask
me, and I would give you living water.” (NLT) From the mouth of Jesus comes what we need to
sustain our hearts, minds, and souls spiritually. We cannot do it on our own,
but total reliance has to be on Christ and His saving Power. This sound of
water is an invitation to every nation regardless of race, color or creed. John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they
follow me. (NIV) The rushing water is the constant, nonstop,
flow of grace and salvation by which we are saved.
Seven Stars and Double-Edge Sword
The
seven lampstands, which we now know represents the seven churches. Each church
had a leader as we do today. Therefore, the seven stars represent the angels
(leaders) of the seven churches. Daniel 12:3 And
they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that
turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (KJV)
Daniel compares those who lead others to God like the stars in the
heavens.
Another great example of stars and leadership is how the star led the
wise men to Jesus. Matthew
2:9-10 When they
had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the
east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (KJV) The wise men had to follow the star so that
they would not lose their way in order to give their gifts of worship to Jesus.
Therefore, the stars that Jesus held signify the angel of the house or
leadership that was over the churches and their responsibility as shepherds to
lead their flock to God.
Out of Jesus’ mouth came a double-edged sword. The Bible tells us that
the Word of God is likened to a double-edge sword. Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges
the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV) Jesus never departs from the Word of God. He
has and still does the will of his Father. Therefore, all that Jesus says comes
from the mouth of the Father as they are One. John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(NIV) We have
this Word of God in tangible written form through the Bible; it is for the
instruction of our lives, so that we may be submissive and perfectly aligned in
the complete will of our Heavenly Father. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
Jesus’ face was described as the showing of brilliance. There is no
darkness in Heaven. God is the Light to all who find themselves wondering in
the darkness. This is why sin cannot stand in the presence of a Mighty God. His
Light exposes who we are to the depths of our soul. Moses had many
talks with God, but after leaving God’s presence, his face always shined. He
had to cover himself with a veil because the Children of Israel could not bear
to look upon him without fear. Genesis 34:29
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law
in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken
with the Lord. (NIV) Isaiah
lets us know that there is no darkness in Heaven.
God created the sun, moon and stars for us to have as light. However,
He is the constant Light that never grows dim. Isaiah 60:19
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon
shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be
your glory. (NIV) Prior to
John’s vision, Jesus had shown him the Father’s brilliance when he was with
three of the disciples. John
17:1-2 After six
days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led
them up a high mountain by themselves. (2)There he was transfigured
before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as
the light. (NIV)
The Mighty
Presence of the Lord
Revelation
1:17-20 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead.
But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and
the Last. (18)I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive
forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. (19)“Write
down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things
that will happen. (20)This is the meaning of the mystery of the
seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven
stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the
seven churches.
(NLT)
John fell as though dead
Whenever
we are in the presence of the Lord, there is a reverence that we are to
display. God is not a God of foolishness. Therefore, we are to come before Him with
all due respect and honor. God’s presence is so mighty that the Bible gives
several instances that people fell to the ground in fear because of Him.
a.) The Disciples – Matthew 17:5-8 But
even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud
said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” (6)The
disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. (7)Then
Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” (8)And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone,
and they saw only Jesus.
(NLT)
b.) The Roman Guards – Matthew 28:2-4 There
was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,
going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. (3)His
appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. (4)The
guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. (NIV)
c.) The Prophet Daniel – Daniel
8:17-18 As he came
near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. “Son
of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the
end.” (18)While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with
my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet. (NIV)
God never wants His children to be afraid of Him. He does require,
however, that we honor, respect and be obedient to Him by offering our lives as
a daily sacrifice. The type of fear that God requires is one of reverence and
humility.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega
Jesus
has no beginning or end. Even though He was sent down to earth in the form of a
baby, Jesus always existed. Hebrews 7:3
Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end
of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. (NIV)
We never have to worry about Jesus dying again. He conquered death when He died
upon the cross, so that we may live. He rose from the grave on the third day;
therefore, completing the task that His Father had sent Him to do. There were
no repeats. There were no reruns. There were no mistakes made. Jesus in all His
completeness did the work that man within himself could have never
accomplished. This is the Gospel of Christ by which we are saved. Now that you
understand what Revelation means, let’s dig into the next lesson and see what
Jesus had to say to the seven churches.
Let’s Test Your Knowledge!
Now that you have completed the lesson, let’s
test your knowledge. Read each question below and fill in the blank. Pay close
attention to the *(Hint), so that you can find the correct answer. You may
refer back to the chapters when answering the questions. One, two, three…here
we go!
1.)
Who is revelation from?________________________
____________________________________________
* (Hint) Revelation 1:1-3
2.)
John was the brother of _________________________.
* (Hint) Matthew 4:21-22
3.)
How many churches were there in the province of Asia?
_________________.
*(Hint) Revelation 1:4-8
4.)
What were the 7 spirits represented in Isaiah?
a.)_______________________________________
b.)_______________________________________
c.)_______________________________________
d.)_______________________________________
e.)_______________________________________
f.)_______________________________________
g.)_______________________________________
* (Hint) Isaiah 11:2
*
5.)
John was on the Island of Patmos because of ________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
* (Hint) Revelation 1:9-10
6.)
What were the names of the 7 churches?
a.)_______________________________________
b.)_______________________________________
c.)_______________________________________
d.)_______________________________________
e.)_______________________________________
f.)________________________________________
g.)________________________________________
* (Hint) Revelation 1:10-11
7.)
Who is the Son of man?__________________________
* (Hint) Matthew 9:6
8.)
Daniel describes Jesus’ eyes like___________________ and His arms and legs
like__________________________.
* (Hint) Daniel 10:5-6
9.)
Jesus’ mouth was a _____________________________
_____________________________________________ * (Hint) Revelation 1:12-16
10.)
Jesus holds the keys to ______________________and
____________________________.
* (Hint) Revelation 1:17-20
Revelation: Removing the Prophetic Veil Bible Lessons 1-11 by K L Rich are available on Amazon.com. 
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