The Vision of the Son of Man Leads to Fear and Fearlessness

Revelation 1:9-20

Christ is often portrayed in paintings, statues, books, and movies - violating the second commandment. But in what ways? He’s a baby in the manger, the child at the temple, he’s baptized at the Jordan River, and even portrayed in his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. But he’s hardly portrayed in his glorious state. We aren’t told very much about Jesus’ appearance on earth, but we’re told what he looks like now. He’s clothed in a garment down to his feet, wears a golden sash at his chest, his head and hair are white, he shines, his eyes burn with fire, his feet are like burning brass, and he holds 7 stars in his right hand, and has a sword coming out of his mouth. So why don’t people portray this look in paintings, statues, books, and movies? Not that they should - but why don’t they? After all, it's the most detailed description! And the reason is simple - it’s not a tame Jesus. He’s not a baby, student, healer, or savior. He’s a fearsome conqueror. And people don’t like that. It’s not very welcoming. And the church doesn’t always like it. Why? We want a tame Jesus. We want a comforting Jesus that will forgive us, who will share with us his innocence, who heals - but not one with penetrating eyes.

Last week we saw in John’s introduction of his letter who Christ was. We saw Christ’s triple title as the faithful witness, first to resurrect, and king of kings; his triple work - how he loved us, died for us, and made us a royal priesthood; and the triple certainty of his coming - he’s the beginning and the end, the one who’s definitely coming, and almighty in judging the wicked and rescuing his people. But today, we see the vision John saw of Christ. How he’s in the midst of his churches. This vision should cause us to fear but also to be fearless. When Christ is recognized as who he is, then our problems don’t seem as big. When we fear him rather than our problems, then we’ll be fearless. We’ll look at the start of this vision in 2 points: firstly, the glorious Son of Man is with his people; secondly, the fearful and fearless reaction expressed by his people.

Firstly, the glorious Son of Man is with us. Here, John introduced his vision to the 7 churches. They were going through much trouble with the dragon, beast, and harlot. But what he’d tell them would comforted them - not just the vision of Christ, but the shared triple experience of every believer. Verse 9 - “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” He called himself their brother and companion. This showed intimacy. While he was pastor and apostle - chosen by God to have authority over them to teach, baptize, disciple, and rebuke - yet was their brother. He was beside them; not just above them. That’s why officers are selected from the midst of the church by the church. This showed his shared status with all Christians. He was also companion, literally one who shares together. Other Scripture texts translate the word as partaker. So John said he was partaker in tribulation, kingdom, and patience of Christ together with them. He partook in the triple experience that all Christians go through.

All Christians - as the 7 churches - go through tribulation. We experience tribulation and great tribulation. Tribulation isn’t only something future. It’s now. John 16:33 says, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Before we enter heaven, we will face it. Acts 14:22 says, “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” But Romans 5 says that Christians can “glory in tribulations…knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” So John partook in tribulation that the 7 churches - all Christians go through. But he also partook in the kingdom. Christ has made us a kingdom of priests on earth now. Christ’s kingdom is a present reality. Where is the kingdom of God? Around you. It was present before Jesus died. Luke 11:20 says, “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” It’s a spiritual kingdom. Romans 14:17 says, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Meaning, every believer goes through tribulation as citizens of the kingdom of God. That’s why we can patiently endure. Are you a Christian? You will press on. The 7 churches were struggling, they hadn’t denied Christ. In Revelation 2:2, Christ said to Ephesus - “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil.” John was also enduring like they were. Verse 9 says he was on “the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Patmos was a volcanic island with high cliffs. He was there for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ - not there for the purpose of preaching, but there for the consequences of preaching. Rome sent their political prisoners there. The beast had sent him to this penal colony. Why there? It was an inhospitable place designed to destroy his spirit. But he didn’t deny Christ. He was an overcomer. Dearly beloved, this is also our triple shared experience - we’re citizens of heaven living on earth, fighting each day to persevere in our faith despite tribulation and suffering. John knew what it was like. But not only John. Our Lord also knows.

That’s why this vision was so precious. John saw Jesus’ assured presence with all his saints. Verse 10 - on the Lord’s Day he was in the Spirit - as in a state of prophetic experience. Like Peter in Acts 10 was in a trance on Simon’s roof. Or Paul in 2 Corinthians being caught up into the third heaven whether in body or not. So in John’s vision, he heard a trumpet like voice - a loud voice calling him to attention. And this voice identified himself, verse 11 - as the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last - it was Jesus. And he commissioned John to write a book about what he saw, and send it to the 7 churches of Asia Minor. This was a vision to the whole church. As mentioned, the 7 churches was symbolic. There were more than 7 churches. But these were the 7 postal districts. They represented comprehensively all churches where this letter could be posted, and therefore, they represent all other churches in all other times. But why was the vision so assuring? Verses 12-13 - “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man.” In the midst of the seven lamp stands which verse 20 identifies as the seven churches was the Son of Man. This was very assuring and powerful vision. In all of their patient enduring of earthly tribulation as citizens of heaven, Christ was there.

And there are several assurances. Firstly, Christ is the one that united these churches. It wasn’t one lamp stand with 7 branches but 7 different lamp stands. God’s people aren’t united by one ethnicity anymore, but they’re different people united by one savior in their midst. Secondly, this vision showed he hadn’t forgotten them. Just as John is fellow partaker of tribulation, kingdom, and patient endurance, Jesus too! He’s with his church - his kingdom - as they patiently endure tribulation. This was a powerful vision for John. His brother James was killed years ago. All the apostles were killed. Paul, who founded these Asian churches was beheaded. John was also exiled to Patmos. What could he do? But Christ was there. Just as in the past - when they were all confused in the upper room, Jesus appeared and they were assured. Just as the Emmaus disciples were downcast, but strangely warmed when he was with them. Dearly beloved, Christ has not left the church. And that’s a reminder to us who lose hope even with the true church. We’ve all been there, right? The leaders aren’t doing enough, the members aren’t loving enough, programs are too few, songs are so boring. But you know what? Christ is in the midst of her. To lose hope in the true church is basically declaring we’ve lost hope in Christ. Why? Christ and his church aren’t separate - he’s here with us. To lose hope in the church is to forget Christ’s presence with us. We’re not goats. The shepherd hasn’t left the church, but remains with his sheep. Has he divorced us? But our Lord is faithfully preparing us for heaven. Are we branches that have been cast off and burned? No, we’re till connected to the vine. He’s in the midst of the church to assure her that he’ll build his church.

And that vision was glorious. John described Jesus as the Son of Man. This was also a title Jesus used to describe himself. And all who heard him knew he was calling himself God. This title was a famous Old Testament title for God. All Jews knew this. That’s why they were angry with Jesus. And John’s vision was nearly identical to Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man in Daniel 7 and 10. Verses 13-16 describe how Jesus was clothed with a garment down to his feet, girded around his chest with a golden sash, his head and hairs were white as wool and snow, his eyes were burning fire, his feet were burning brass, and his voice was the sound of rushing waters. And his face was shining brightly as the sun. These is the same picture in Daniel of the glorious God. And John saw more - Jesus also held seven stars in his right hand and a very sharp sword came out of his mouth. So the one who was in the midst of the church wasn’t a weak baby, or little boy, or crucified servant, but the glorious conquering God. Now to be clear, these were metaphors. The words “like” and “as” are repeated to describe Jesus’ attributes as the Son of Man. And let’s see how this glorious vision was understood.

The Lord was dressed in a long robe to his feet with a golden sash around his chest. These garments showed authority. Notably, it went all the way down to his feet. In the ancient near east, the longer the robe, the higher the authority. He was dressed as a high ruler. In other words, Jesus has the highest authority. Then his head of hair was white as wool and snow. In Daniel 7, this was the description of the ancient of days. Meaning, Jesus was ancient - the first and last. His authority was not only infinite, it was also eternal. Also, his eyes burned with fire. He saw through everything. He’s the coming infinite and eternal Judge with infallible judgment. And he can’t be stopped. He has burning bronze feet. When he comes to judge, he’d conquer everything in his path - bruising the head of the serpent, stepping on the necks of his enemies and making them his footstool, stomping on grapes of wrath. He’s inevitable in judgment. And his voice is like thunderous water. What he will say on that day - no one can bear. If God’s words at Sinai were too much for his people that they got Moses to represent them, the voice of Christ on that day will be even more unbearable. But look! He holds the 7 stars in his hands. These 7 stars are the 7 angels or leaders of the 7 churches, verse 20. They’re in God’s right hand. They belong to him and are protected by him. And therefore, to assault his churches is to assault him. And he has a sharp double edged sword coming out of his mouth. This is the word of his judgment. Revelation 19:15 speaks about how Christ will destroy his enemies. It says, “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations.” The judgment is sharp, it’s two edged - meaning it’s not dull at all. It discerns every intention. What’s interesting is this - in the beginning, God created the world with his Word; at the end, he destroys the world with the Word. And lastly, his face is shining brightly like the sun. And this glory and light reminds us that Jesus is God. As 1 Timothy 6:14-16 say - that at Christ’s appearing, he shall show, “who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.” God told Moses to hide in the cleft of the rock, lest he behold God’s full glory and perish. So what does this glorious vision mean? Christ - the Son of Man - is an infinite and eternal God, infallible in his wisdom, whose justice is inevitable as he tramples his enemies underfoot; speaking sharp unbearable words of judgment. And he comes with all his glory - his terrible face that burns towards his enemies, is the countenance that shines warmly upon his people, whom he holds in his right hand.

Now, what therefore is the reaction to such an initial vision? How should we, as the church, react to John’s vision? Secondly, the fearful and fearless reaction expressed by his people. At this vision, the apostle John fell down. Verse 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.” John was so distressed at the vision that he fell down at his feet as dead. There was immense fear. It was the fear of a man undone. And we know that because Christ told him not to fear. Christ’s appearance was not tame. He’s the Son of Man. And the way John reacted was also how Daniel reacted at the same vision. He fell down as a dead man. Listen to Daniel’s reaction in 10:7-9 - “And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground…15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb…17 straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.” He fell face down to the ground and couldn’t breathe. Many other godly saints have reacted the same way. When Isaiah saw Christ on the throne, with angels surrounding him, he said, “woe is me! I’m a dead man. I am undone. I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips. I have seen the king!” When the Lord stilled the storm, the disciples were filled with fear. When his face was transfigured, they also feared. When Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus, he fell down to the ground. Beloved, these are the reactions of godly Christians to the Son of Man in all of his glory. He’s not tame. He’s the coming judge. He’s fearsome. That’s why true believers fear for their unholiness.

But he’s also merciful and good. Never forget he’s in the midst of the church. And while it was right for John to fear, the Lord assured John by counseling him not to fear. He put his right hand on John and said - fear not! His right hand! He held the 7 stars - he cared for all churches! But he also cared for John as one! And despite John’s lack of holiness, or Isaiah’s, Paul’s, and the other disciples’, the Lord forgave. Jesus saw his fear and humility. John fell at his feet. And this was different from God’s enemies. Eli fell backwards. The Jews fell backwards in Gethsemane when Jesus said, “I am.” But John and Daniel fell forward. Because you fear, you needn’t fear. But if you don’t fear at all, you’ll fear one day. But John was used to this assurance. This was the Jesus John knew. He heard these words “fear not” when he was on the boat in Galilee, and again at the Mount of Transfiguration, and again in the upper room after Christ’s resurrection.

And why should he fear? Verse 18 - “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” John shouldn’t fear because the Lord was the first and last. He lived even though he died. He now lives forever. Jesus controlled life and death, having the keys of hell and death. This phrase - hell or literally, Hades and death, brings to mind the pagan idea that Hades was the city of the dead. But Jesus said he held the keys. 3 days after he died, he walked out of the grave. The citadel of Satan couldn’t hold him. And now, he determined who goes in and who doesn’t. That’s why John was told to fear not. Those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who come meekly to Christ, hungering and thirsting after righteousness - they are blessed. That’s why John’s life - exiled in Patmos, the lives of the churches distressed by the dragon, beast, and harlot - were all in Christ’s hands. He holds the seven stars in his hand, he’s in the midst of the churches. He held the keys to hell and death. Even if they died, death wouldn’t hold them.

This is why John was commanded to write these realities of men, so all Christians who read and hear it, will be strengthened. He was to “write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Whatever was given in vision, he was to write. This was not dictation but observation. It concerned what was then and what was in the near future. What was previously shut up by Daniel, was kept open by John. And what was that? The mystery of the seven stars and the seven golden candlesticks. In other words, the Lord was going to reveal what would happen to the churches and their leaders. Now, scholars are mixed on the interpretation of the word “angels.” Angels can also mean messengers. So these were actual angels or figuratively, the messengers - the leaders or pastors of the churches. Now, which do I take? I see them as leaders of the church. Why? In the next two chapters, Christ commanded John to write to the angels of these churches, and at times called them to repent. Now, real angels have no sin - there’s no need to repent. So suffice it to say, John was to write what was shortly going to happen to these churches and her leaders. In fact, these were the things that every church and her leaders will go through in every age. But there’s no reason to fear.

We even see this in the command given to John. John was being commissioned. Similarly, Christ commissioned his disciples in Galilee. He told them to go and make disciples. The basis for their commissioning was his power. He said - all authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore. Same here. Christ appeared as the Son of Man - the all powerful God. Then he commissioned John to write. Dearly beloved, this is also the pattern for our life. This vision comes to us who are part of the comprehensive 7 postal districts, amidst whom Christ stands. We are reminded of his authority, and we are commissioned too. John was to write - he was to reveal the mystery of what would happen to the churches. What might our commission be? To be fearless in our shared triple experience.

Firstly, our commission is to serve God in the kingdom of the world. We are to promote his kingdom. Despite the beast and harlot trying to keep us here, we are to work hard for the Lord, to be witnesses to your bosses, to be bold in holiness toward your colleagues. This is kingdom mindedness in the kingdom of the world.

Secondly, our commission is to be faithful in the midst of tribulation. There are those - all of us - being attacked by the dragon. There’s some darling sin that you hate. You are commissioned to have victory over your sin - resist it, forsake the world and its lusts, to wean yourself from some activity, instead to love holiness and the company of saints.

Thirdly, our commission is to patiently endure. Life is difficult. But Christ endured this life for over 33 years. John had not yet died - he was an old man in Patmos. How are you enduring, knowing that Christ is in the midst of the churches?

And you know what? You're in the midst of the churches too. You’re commissioned to love, serve, and help one another. How’re you serving the body? And that’s why, seeing this vision of Christ in the midst of the churches, holding her leaders in his hand - your commission is to love the church, hope in the church, never abandon the church. To our newly elected and installed leaders; to our existing fighters in the session - God holds you, the seven stars in his hand. Serve him reverently. And for some of you here, God may be calling you to be one of the stars - to come and serve the Lord and his people - to be a brother and a partaker together of those who suffer patiently in God’s kingdom - to comfort them. But do remember this vision very carefully, beloved. The commission comes not from a tame little baby, a child trying to understand, a tender healer, or crucified savior. It comes from the Son of Man. Therefore, fear to be fearless.

1. The Glorious Son of Man Is with His People

2. The Fearful and Fearless Reaction Expressed by His People

Conversation for Change: