In Revelation, John gives us several pictures of Jesus, the Church, life in the world, Satan, the Saints who have died, and Heaven. When we view all of these snapshots together we see the multifaceted truth about life and history. I want to use these next few blog posts to put some of those pictures together. Today, I’ll start with the pictures of Christ.
Revelation 1:9 – 20 The Son of Man
John sees Jesus with terrifying power, purity and judgment. With his hand he holds the stars, and from his mouth comes a sharp sword. John falls as though dead. But instead of hearing words of judgment, Jesus speaks words of peace. Jesus places that powerful right hand on John’s shoulder to comfort him, and uses his tongue to speak words of grace.
Important for the Church, this powerful and gracious God stands in the midst of the lampstands. He stands in the midst of his Church.
Revelation 5 The Lion who is a Lamb
John weeps in chapter 5 because no one is worthy to take God’s plan of redemption and open it. But he hears that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, he is able to open the scroll. John turns expecting to see a fierce lion, but instead sees a lamb that has been slain.
Jesus has conquered and is executing the plan of redemption by laying aside his power and glory to give himself up as a sacrifice. All of heaven surrounds the lamb with praise.
Revelation 7:17 The Lamb who is a Shepherd
John sees Jesus tending to his people who are now in heaven. He leads them to the streams of living water, and wipes every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 12 The Child who defeats the Dragon
John sees a dragon waiting to destroy the savior. But the child is taken up into heaven and Satan (the dragon) is cast down to the Earth. All heaven breaks into singing, “The Dragon has been conquered by the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation 14 The Lamb and his Army
Jesus stands against Satan’s beast and false prophet with his army. His army sings of Jesus victory, for it has already been won. The lamb then sends his messengers to gather his people through preaching the message of repentance. Then he comes to the harvest, gathering his people and trampling the wicked in his winepress.
Revelation 19 The King Returns
John sees Jesus coming to rescue his bride from the world, the beast and the dragon. This time he comes with all the appearances of a king, in absolute sovereignty. Again we see the sword coming from his mouth, but he does not speak words of comfort. Instead he uses his sword to defeat his enemies and to remove them from the earth forever. His bride will never again be threatened.
Revelation 21 – 22 The Lamb with his Bride
Finally, we see Jesus living with his bride in the holy city forever. He surrounds her as her light, and the river of living water flows from him to her. As she drinks this water she is restored. Together the lamb and his bride will reign forever and forever.
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9/23/12 8:01 AM
