Reading:- Rev 4
Intro:- Who is Jesus to you this morning? There are always only 2 possibilities. He is either just a man and perhaps just a wonderful example of empathy, compassion, teaching, justice – but from a human perspective. Then there is the second – He is also God. A Saviour from sin, the ruler over heaven and earth, worthy of worship now and for eternity. The second description is the one scripture teaches and I trust the one we all believe. But what is Christ’s role there now and for eternity. It’s important because as believers who accept Him as your saviour from sin and death, it means you will be involved in his eternal ministry. So it’s better to understand what His role is and therefore our role as a result.
We begin Revelation – in it for 3 weeks. Next week we have baptisms, but continue the series after that. Towards the end of John’s earthly journey he gets a glimpse into heaven’s throne room. Here John has lived his life as a disciple faithfully serving Christ. He had known Jesus well. He had experienced his earthly ministry, His miracles, His transfiguration, His crucifixion, His resurrection, His ascension. Could it get any better than this for John? Apparently it could, have a look…
Consider John’s vision 1. It’s the same God cf Rev 4:6-8 with Ezek 1:6-28 same 4 creatures, four wings John’s 6 wings, 4 faces, Ezek speaks of wheels with eyes, wherever the Spirit in the wheels went the creatures went, also speaks of the rainbow, an expense like crystal, John calls it a sea of glass, One on the throne, in the likeness of a human, gleaming like metal with fire enclosed and all around , brightness around him, fire around His waist.
Isaiah saw the same vision Is 6, John 12:41 says it’s Christ; Daniel the same image of Christ. But Daniel is told the words of prophecy are sealed, but Christ, the Lamb of God in John’s vision breaks the seals.
No earthly vision, dream or desire can compare with this view of God. What is the response? Worship The 24 elders and Rev 5:11 myriads - the multitude of angels repeat the sounding joy as we sing Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. This is never tiring; it says they never cease saying vs 8. Expound to vs 11. Rev5:12-14. Paul said he went to the third heaven – too wonderful to describe.
Without vision/revelation people perish – God’s word about Himself - Prov 29:18 tells us - we perish/rebel because there is no truth of God. The result - we lose hope, we lose meaning, we lose drive and purpose. The vision for the Church – is the glory of heaven – this is our destination, this is our goal, this is our resting place. The only Vision of grandeur we should have is the glory of God. Somebody needs to be a source of hope and light. That’s us!
Remember the two sources of glory - What’s propelling your vision of Granduer – Is it for Your Glory or God’s glory. Jesus says if you are not for Me you are against me.
Life is short - Our vision of Christ sets our passion and our mission for life. Where are your eyes. Does your vision of grandeur involve you – who you will be, what you will become, what status security friends, job, wealth you have. It’s all wood hay and stubble – moth eating rust destroying worldly wealth who’s glory like fools gold is worthless.
The Lion is the Lamb -
Glory of the lamb gives the light. You say well Jay, my soul is safe, I’m a Christian – well said. But what of your influence and witness in this world. How effective is it? Even though you are a Christian – where do others see where your eyes, mind and heart? Do you speak, live and breathe Christ. Does His glory consume you?
John shows us it’s worth it – LOOK AT HIS VIEW – HIS VISION OF GRANDUER – The glorified Christ! An eternal glory – that’s more sure and real than you and me here. You here today and tomorrow gone – why wouldn’t you make it count! John while on earth has a glorified vision – His vision of Grandeur grew brighter.
Redeem your life – Don’t waste it! Have another look at the view. Do you see Him. Infinite glory and power for eternity. This is our God.
How’s your eyesight this morning? This heavenly vision – propelled John. Make it count!
Jesus role in heaven – Same as it is now. He intercedes for the saints – us right now! He is both Ruler and Saviour. He is both Lion and the Lamb. His role is both, now and for eternity. 2 roles that require our focus. Because for everyone here there is one of 2 destinies. Heaven or hell. The Lamb is a lion. The lamb who saves and makes heaven glorious is also the Lion who rules and makes hell horrific. Both are for eternity. Jesus role in heaven is 2 fold Lion and and lamb. That’s our message. Be heavenly focused
Our vision determines our destiny – what are your eyes on? – GET THEM ON GLORY!!! Get them on the King of Glory – Make this your destiny! The elders say He is worthy to receive glory, honour and power – but what do you say? Christ is this king!
So who is Jesus to you this morning. If He is your Saviour. He is your God. He is to be worshipped. He is worthy of glory and therefore should be held in awe by use. Lift Him up with every conversation you have. He needs to be proclaimed as both Lion and Lamb. Ruler and Saviour. This is our message. It doesn’t change. The world wants to change the narrative on Jesus – just a good man. No He is the Lion – the Judge and the Lamb – the Saviour. We must lift up both.
Don’t give in to a spirit of fear. Speak up!
