Jesus is in the Midst
What in the World is Going on? • Sermon • Submitted
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When I look around me today at the condition of this world, I take comfort in the thought that Jesus is coming soon. There are days that that thought alone keeps me going.
I have days when I just want to quit. Give up. Move on. Don’t judge me, you know you do too.
The truth is there are times in life where you are going to feel isolated, as if its just you and you alone. In those times you will find yourself doubting. In those times you need to hold onto the promise of God in Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
In Revelation 1 we see a man who loved Jesus. A man who remained faithful to the very end. A man who served God his entire adult life. A man who understood the meaning of the words, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.
You may ask yourself in this world, “Jesus, where are you?”
Here is the answer - He is in the midst!
When Jesus appeared to John in the midst of the candlesticks, it was during a time of...
Great Persecution v. 9
Great Persecution v. 9
You think you have it bad? John opens verse nine by informing the readers that he was their “companion”
In tribulation”.
Companion = co-participant. In other words, he wasn’t writing to encourage people going through persecution while he was on vacation, he was going through it too!
Tribulation = does not refer to the tribulation period, that will come later on, but rather the word means a time of great trouble or affliction.
He was reminding them he was right there with them!
The year was AD 96. Domitian had banished John to an island, some five miles wide and ten miles long known as Patmos. It was a prison island in which men were sent to die.
Oh, and this after John was boiled in oil but didn’t die
Thank God though for the reminder that he was not just their companion in tribulation, but also...
In the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ!
I’m glad today that Jesus does not leave us alone!
John was being persecuted for preaching the gospel!
I can only imagine that the reference there was to his writings, including the gospel of John.
God honors faithfulness!
And why not? God is always faithful to us, we should be faithful to Him!
I Believe that when John saw Jesus in the midst of those candlesticks, a wave of relief came over him. He was able to say, “God’s got this”.
John was glad that he could write and encourage his fellow believers to never give up on God, because God never gives up on them!
Aren’t you glad today for the reminder that God never gives up on you? Aren’t you glad today that no matter what you’re facing, no matter how difficult the situation, how terrible the trial, Jesus is right there in the midst!
When Jesus appeared to John it was during a time of great persecution, but it was also a show of...
Great Power vv. 10-17
Great Power vv. 10-17
When John saw Him in the midst of the candlesticks (His church) He didn’t see Him suffering on the cross. He saw Him as He is today, in His full glory! Listen to the description, notice first...
His Voice v. 10. The reference here is that His voice was distinct and clear.
John knew who He was. No question.
His voice was powerful and overwhelming. There was no speaking over Him, there would be no arguing against Him. This was the voice of God. Notice next...
His Clothes v. 13.
The garment covering him down to His foot describes his modesty, as well as to His mystery.
The golden girdle speaks both of his royalty as well as His restraint. Notice next...
His Hair and His Eyes v. 14.
The color white speaks to His purity as well as His Wisdom.
The eyes “as” a flame of fire speaks to His omniscience
These eyes are searching and knowing
These eyes see all and know all
When He judges the world, there will be no doubt regarding His judgment. Notice next...
His Feet and His Voice v. 15.
His feet reference His swift coming as well as His fiery judgment
His voice is as clear and distinct as a trumpet, and is as overpowering as a waterfall
I’ve never been, but they tell me at Niagara falls the sound is so deafening you can’t hear the person standing next to you.
That is the impression John is giving here of Jesus Christ as He is seen in His glory. Notice lastly here...
His Right hand and His Mouth v. 16.
The right hand is symbolic of the hand of power
Notice in His hand are seven stars
Verse 20 tells us the stars are the seven angels of the seven churches
Most scholars believe the word angel here to be taken in its simplest definition of messenger
If this is true then the seven stars represent all the pastors of all the churches through all the church age.
This is comforting to me to know for sure, that no matter what I may endure, Jesus has me in His mighty right hand!
The sharp sword coming from His mouth refers to His Words.
This is the same mouth that spoke the world into existence.
It will be the same mouth that will slaughter the millions who will rebel against Him.
What was John's reaction to this show of great power? Read Revelation 1:17
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Church, there is coming a day when Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth in power and His full glory and not a single person will be able to stand against Him. I am grateful for that truth!
What a blessing for John on Patmos! This vision of Jesus in the midst came at a time when it was needed most. It was a time of great persecution, but not only that it was a show of great power, lastly when John saw Jesus in the midst of those candlesticks it was the giving of a...
Great Promise vv. 4-8; 18
Great Promise vv. 4-8; 18
There are so many wonderful truths in this passage, but I wan to just share one with you, look at Revelation 1:4
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
I only want to point out one phrase in this verse, he “…which is to come.”
Jesus is Coming again!
The original wording puts it this way, “He which is coming”!
That is a great promise right there! Jesus is coming again!
Imagine the courage John recieved from that promise!
He had seen the risen glorified Savior!
Nothing Rome could do to him could take that away!
Get this, not only does John tell us that Jesus is coming again, but...
Jesus is in the midst! v. 13
The Candlesticks represent the church
The church that was facing persecution
The church that was being hunted down and killed
The church that was under attack
Where was Jesus? In the midst of it!
You are never alone!
“the Lord is at hand”
He is always near
Conclusion: The next time you’re tempted to ask, “Jesus, where are you”? I want you to remember…He is in the midst!
He knows what you are going through, and He is able to help!
So remember the next time you are facing trouble, Jesus is in the Midst. Today, you maybe facing:
A. A time of Great persecution, read verse 13 - Jesus is in the midst, you just need to look for Him. When you find Him you see Jesus as He is today, you will be overwhelmed by His...
B. Great Power - Jesus is Almighty God! There isn’t anything He can’t do or handle! What a comfort for you in times of trial! Call on Him and He will hear and help! Not only that but remember His...
C. Great Promise - He is coming, and He is in the midst!
**Prayer**
With heads bowed eyes closed, no one looking around, if you know the Lord today as your Savior, would you raise your hand in testimony of your salvation?
Those of you who raised your hand just now, I wonder if the Spirit of God has spoken to you in some way? I wonder would say, “Pastor, pray for me. I’m going through a difficult situation, or I’m going through a trial” I won’t embarrass you, I just want to pray for you today. Would you raise your hand for prayer?
Maybe today the Spirit of God spoke to you about your salvation. Maybe you don’t know for sure that you’re saved. Perhaps today you’re not certain that if Jesus came back today you’d go to be with Him in heaven. Rejoice! You can know for sure today that you are saved. You say, “How can I know for sure?”
Simple:
You admit to God what He already knows - you are a sinner Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” and you cannot save yourself Ephesians 2:8-9 “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
If you take that first step, admitting you are a sinner and you cannot save yourself, the next step is that you simply believe that what God said is true, John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus took your place on the cross when He died and paid the price for your sin. All you must do is believe.
Right now if you will call out to Him, confessing that you are sinner, putting your faith in His death for you, ask Him to forgive you and save your soul, you will be saved Romans 10:13 “13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Is there one today that needs to be saved?