5-17-2020 The Portrait Unveiled

Text: Rev. 1.12-19 Title: “The Portrait Unveiled” Topic: Christ our Living Assurance. Series: “Self Portraits of Christ” Occasion: Sun AM, 5-17-2020, First FWB Church Duncanville Introduction: There is an old proverb from the Middle East that says “Death is a black camel that kneels beside every man’s tent.” The camel kneels to take on its rider, and so the point of the proverb is that death is a camel every person must ride. Death is an invincible reaper that ultimately knocks on every door. The English Poet John Donne, said “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.” Mankind is haunted and hounded by a fear of death with a feeling of being constantly stalked by this dreaded enemy. But the New Testament is a book about life – spiritual life, abundant life, eternal life. It realistically confronts death, but does so in the context and ministry of Jesus Christ. Someone has said that Revelation is the only book in the Bible that portrays Christ as he truly is. (The statement is obviously a hyperbole, but let me explain what the thought behind the statement) The Gospels present Jesus in his humanity, his earthly ministry climaxing in his death and resurrection, but it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ that takes up where the Gospels leave off and portray Christ in his glory and majesty. The triumphant Christ enthroned in heaven and returning to Earth to establish his eternal kingdom. The point that the person who made the statement is making is that it is in book of Revelation that the glory and majesty of Christ are unveiled. As we continue our series on the self-portraits of Christ lets return to the first chapter of Revelation. In the opening chapter, John records an awesome vision given to him of Christ (v.13-16). The vision is so powerful that John is struck down by its dazzling splendor. As John lay prostrate before the feet of Christ, the Lord did something that was typical of Him. He reached down and touched John. The hand that held the stars in the courses was placed on the head of John in comfort as Jesus spoke words of assurance and comfort to John. Words that were meant to further pull back the curtain letting John see Jesus as he truly is. Let’s look at those words today. Reading of the Text: Rev. 1.13-18. 1. He Conveys His Sympathy (v. 17). Christ told John not to fear. As you read through the Gospels, Christ often touched people to heal and restore them. John writes this book late in his life, when all of his fellow apostles have already been executed for their faith. John has himself faced persecution and is actually writing from the Isle of Patmos where he has been exiled. No wonder the risen Lord reaches out and touches John and tells him “Do not be afraid.” Do you need to sense His touch or hear His voice saying, “Fear not”? 2. He Reveals His Deity (v. 17). Christ said “I am,” which reveals His deity. We have mentioned several times throughout this series how the words “I am” are a reference to the personal name of God that was revealed to Moses – “I am who I am, tell them I AM has sent me to you” (cf. Exod 3.14). The words “I AM” serve as the root of the personal name of God -- Yahweh 3. He Reveals His Eternality (v.18) “The first and the last” reveals His eternality. By stating that he his the first and the last, Jesus is emphasizing that he existed prior to Creation – he is first, and he will still exist at the end of all time – he is the last. He is emphasizing that all things began by him and that all things will find their completion in him. He is the eternal God who exists and rules through all time and eternity. 4. He Reveals His Victory (v.18) Jesus reveals that he is alive. John had been present at the cross. He heard the words from Jesus’ lips “It is finished” and saw him take his last breath. He saw Jesus die. But John was also present at the empty tomb. He was there when the risen Jesus appeared to the Apostles in the upper room. He saw the risen Christ and he knew he was alive. And here on the isle of Patmos, Jesus appears to John again, reminding him, “I am the Living One. I was dead but behold I am alive for ever aand ever!” This is a shout of victory from the lips of Christ. I have defeated death and it has no power over me both now and forevermore! What a blessed assurance for Christians of all ages. Christ is alive! The words “I am the Living One” reveal His victory, so there’s truly nothing to fear! 5. He Affirms His Authority (v. 18). These keys which Christ possesses signify His sovereign authority to open and close the grave. Christ decides who dies and when. But the statement affirms more than that. Has the gate of death opened to admit your loved one – a parent, child, spouse, friend? Jesus holds the keys to every grave in every quiet country graveyard and every crowded city cemetery. He is the custodian of the treasure that lies beneath the mound of earth, decked with fragrant flowers. Not only does possession of the keys mean that Christ determines who dies and when, but he also determines when those graves will be unlocked and when our loved ones will live again. His own mighty resurrection and power are the keys that will unlock the gates of the grave and bid those imprisoned bodies to arise to newness of life in likeness of his own. He is the living One, and because he lives, we shall also! CONCLUSION: Feel the hand of God comforting you despite your circumstances, and hear the voice of God affirming His authority over you. Do not be afraid! Christ, the Living One, help me sense your sympathy. Help me to affirm your deity, eternality, victory, and authority. Help me to live so that when the shadows lengthen and evening of life comes, I will find safety, security, and peace in the blessedness of your presence.