Seeing Jesus for the Very First Time, Again

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“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis

When we were missionaries in Swaziland, we actually lived a few hours away from Kruger National Park and Game Reserve. We really wanted to see the big cats. I had seen them before, but never in the wild. My mind raced through what we could see: leopard, cheetah, and the biggest of all, the lion. What if we could see a big male with the huge black mane?
By dawn, we were already traveling up the dirt roads on a camera safari looking for the big cats. First, we saw giraffe, zebra, kudu, bontebuck, and lots and lots of impala….but, not cats, not even a house cat. The next day, we started all over. At dawn, we drove up the road and saw our first cat, a young male lion walking beside us on the road. Only the thickness door of the VW station wagon we were driving separated us. He was our big cat. He was magnificent. He walked beside us as we snapped pictures for well over a minute then took a hard turn and disappeared into the brush. We could go home happy.
Since that began our day, we chose to stay in the wild looking for whatever else we could find. Maybe an African wild dog or a leopard, or some elephants, rhino, sable, or eland would be out there. We had lots of work to do for our African Photo Safari. By the time it was late morning, we saw cars stopped on the side of the road. We got as close as we could, stopped, and pulled out the cameras and binoculars. There it was, an alpha male with black mane and his pride surrounding a kill. A hippo kill! We were only a few yards away as we watched this master of the African plain guard his kill from all other predators. I had seen a lion before, but nothing like this. When threatened by people getting out of their cats, he charged (right into my binoculars…roll up the window, I screamed!! Satisfied that no one nor anything else needed to be put in its place, he returned to his hippo kill, grabbed the creature with his jaws, picked it up, and moved it with a power that had never experienced before. Yes, I had seen a circus lion and a zoo lion, but nothing like this. It was like seeing a lion for the very first time.
We have here the account of John going through much the same thing, but with much, much more awe as he sees Jesus for the first time, again.

Think about this...
John walked with Jesus for 3 years. There is wide belief that the John writing this book is John the Apostle. John, the one whom Jesus loved, the youngest of the apostles. This man was one of the best friends Jesus had while on earth. In order for us to understand that from a relationship viewpoint, John was the man to whom Jesus entrusted with His mother, Mary. He also asked Mary to take care of His friend as well. You did well for me, now do the same for John.

This was the John who knew Jesus better than anyone alive at this point in church history, and yet we discover that the Jesus John thought of was quite different than the Jesus that revealed Himself in Revelation 1. He looked to Jesus, but this time in a whole new way for him. His view of Jesus was incomplete. Although John saw Jesus as the Messiah on earth, He was so much more. His glory had been cloaked while He was on earth. And even though John was one of the few who saw Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, this Jesus was not only the glorified Christ, but the reigning Christ.
Maybe you are here this morning and your view of Jesus has been small and incomplete. We are often taken by all that Jesus did for us. And it is a lot. But this is not all Jesus is to us. I want you to look to Jesus and see Him not only for who He was; not only for what He did, but also for who He is. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the reigning King.


1. Look to Jesus for the Promise of Blessings (Rev. 1:1-3)

This is a direct revelation from God given to John to let us know what God is doing. John was the one whom He spoke through who had been banished to the Isle of Patmos off the coast of modern-day Turkey, then known as Asia Minor. It was His testimony concerning Jesus Christ that we are told caused him to be physically tortured. Tertullian (early church historian from the second century AD insisted he was). He was soon afterward dispatched to the Isle of Patmos because of his influence with the church that had by now become trouble for the Roman government.
This was written to the churches in Asia Minor (see v. 11). Persecution was a daily reality for the church. John added that it would be worth their while to read this message from Jesus. He told them, “The one who reads this is blessed, and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it are blessed” (v. 3). Seemingly there is a double blessing for anyone if they will but hear and read the message found in this revelation from Jesus that He trusted John with. Certainly, that same blessing extends to each of us today.

7 blessings statements found in Revelation

1. The Blessing for Reading and Hearing this Book (Rev. 1:3)
2. The Blessing for dying in the Lord faithfully (Rev. 14:13)
3. The Blessing for remaining alert (Rev. 16:15)
4. The Blessing for an Invitation at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9)
5. The Blessing for the First Resurrection (Rev. 20:6)
6. The Blessing for the Keeping the Prophetic Words (Rev. 22:7)
7. The Blessing for Washing your Robes (Rev. 22:14)

All of these blessings are given by the One who is worthy to bestow them because He is the One who suffered and died to make our ultimate blessing found in eternal life through trust in Him. Then that same blessing is recorded and sent out to the churches by one who also suffered deeply for the testimony he gave before the Roman government concerning Jesus. The promise of blessing through those who suffered as the Gospel (Jesus) and for the sake of the Gospel (John).
You see, the promises of God are yes and amen. They are yours unless God in His sovereignty chooses to say, "No."

2. Look to Jesus for Victory over Struggles (Revelation 1:4-8)
Representing the local churches, John wrote to the 7 churches in Asia Minor. Under Domitian here are the kinds of persecution they all faced daily in the Roman empire under the reign of the mad man.

St. John, who was boiled in oil, and afterward banished to Patmos. Law was made, "That no Christian, once brought before the tribunal, should be exempted from punishment without renouncing his religion."
Pagans blamed the Christians for famine, pestilence, or earthquakes afflicted any of the Roman provinces.
Christians were brought before the magistrates, a test oath was proposed, when, if they refused to take it, death was pronounced against them; and if they confessed themselves Christians, the sentence was the same.
Dionysius, the Areopagite, was an Athenian by birth, and educated in all the useful and ornamental literature of Greece. Appointed bishop of Athens.
Nicodemus (of John 3:16 fame) was executed.

Timothy was the celebrated disciple of St. Paul, and bishop of Ephesus, where he zealously governed the Church until A.D. 97. At this period, as the pagans were about to celebrate a feast (called Catagogion), Timothy, meeting the procession, severely reproved them for their ridiculous idolatry, which so exasperated the people that they fell upon him with their clubs, and beat him in so dreadful a manner that he expired of the bruises two days later.          --Quoted from Foxes Book of Martyrs

In What Kind of Struggles Does Christ Bring Victory?

• Struggles with difficult people – from government persecution to those who would take matters into their own hands, people are hard to get along with

• Struggles with wrong belief – the Nicolaitans, Jezebel, the error of Balaam (compromise of lifestyle and beliefs)

• Struggles with challenging circumstances – uncontrolled challenges, self-made problems, difficulties brought on by acts of nature, poverty and loss brought on by a bad economy

Yet, in all these things we are made more than conquerors who loved us! (Romans 8:37)

3. Look to Jesus for Concern for His Church (Revelation 1:9-18)

Jesus is now ascended. He sees His churches and He has great concern for them. Many of you heard Pastor Tommy teach us on the churches of Revelation all mentioned here in v. 11. Each one of these churches has its own struggles. Most from within, and two from without. No matter what the issues that they faced, Jesus saw each church and knew that each needed His help. That help would come as correction, reproof, and instruction.
The good news is threefold:

1) JESUS CHOOSES TO BE WITH HIS PEOPLE (v. 13)

These words came directly from their loving caring shepherd who was among them (v. 13) and wanted more than anything to change this world through them. We can only think that they heard and we are here today because they heard the words or correction or encouragement. Because representing every church through the ages, they were called to change the world.

Here is where John experiences the ascended Jesus for the very first time. Note the similarities to Daniel 7:9-10:

9 “As I kept watching, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white like snow, and the hair of His head like whitest wool. His throne was flaming fire; its wheels were blazing fire. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands served Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

This is the Jesus we serve. The one who is an incredible, glorious, majestic and in control of all things.
Let's break down verse 16 so we can look at the perspective of God
(v. 16a) The stars are the leaders (angels as in messengers) of these churches that the messages of Revelation 2 & 3 are addressed. The spiritual significance is that the angels are messengers who are responsible for the spiritual welfare of these seven churches and at in the right hand of the Son of Man, indicating possession, protection, and sovereign control.

2) JESUS CHOOSES TO MAKE ALL THINGS RIGHT (v. 16b)
(v. 16b) When someone comes against the church, there will be consequences.
This verse continues with the image of a sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth. Rather than being a symbol of the Word of God (different word than what Hebrews 4:12 uses. This sword was typically used by the Roman legions for one purpose, devastating judgment upon those who would harm His people. Rather than a threat, this was a promise to His people of ultimate and complete victory at the hands of our omnipotent and sovereign Savior.God can take care of His own. God can take care of you. God reminded us in Romans 12:19,

“Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.”

This then is the Jesus that John sees for the first time again… he is so overwhelmed in awe of the ancient of days that he falls at Jesus’ feet as DEAD (v. 17a)
So, the next time you and I are wallowing in pity and having a big pity party, You can rest assured that the meek and mild Jesus is now the One to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess. Yes, our Lord Jesus will take care of it all. You can rely on that. He will win with overwhelming force.
Take note, this is not Karma, this is judgment. Revelation has a singular purpose, the rule and reign of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ over all that was, is, and is to come.

3) JESUS CHOOSES TO TAKE OUR JUDGMENT (v. 17b)
Listen to these beautiful words to John, the beloved apostle:

He laid His right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:17b-18 (HCSB)

Jesus was dead. Why? He died to take our judgment. He took our place. He paid our time. He was our substitute.
Think about this, that judgment that will come is real. Judgment is not symbolic or allegorical. The proof is the cross. Jesus is the lamb who was slain. He is the One who took our judgment that kind of judgment, on Himself. Maybe now you can begin to understand why the death of Christ was so horrible. Because our sin was. The only answer to sin is judgment. It is for my judgment that Jesus took my place on the Cross. It is from that Cross that he cried out It is finished, the price has been paid! He tells you today that He took your place as your Savior. You needn’t see His judgment, today, you can experience His grace, His care, His concern, and His love for you. Jesus didn’t stay dead but rose three days later and He and he alone holds the keys to death and Hades.
Because He lives, you too can live, forever. He made a way for you!

One Supreme Pursuit - Colossians

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Colossians is one of the prison letters. That means that it was written to the church in Colossae. This church was near the Asia Minor churches (modern day Turkey) that all had letters written to them in Revelation 2 & 3. Possibly the issues that they faced as Paul wrote nearly 40 years before the book of Revelation was penned had been dealt with. That is important to consider because the issues that were occurring in Colossae were serious. Paul wrote this letter to correct doctrinal problems that dealt with the deity of Christ, the worship of angels, and harsh human regulations. It seems as if there was a serious problem with combining of other religions with the purity of what Christ taught and therefore needed to be addressed for the sake of the purity of the church. There were false teachers in the church who were leading the people of God away. This letter was critical to the people of God in Colossae that they might “remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard” (Colossians 1:23).

For that to happen, there are issues that must be absolutely clear to those who are waling with Christ.

1. Christ Has Influenced the World through the Prayers of His Church (Colossians 1:3-12)

From the beginning of the letter, there was an understanding of these “faithful brothers” (v. 2). Their faithful living was strong enough that thanksgiving day was everyday when it was said that “We always thank God…when we pray for you” (v. 3). And there was a reason for that, “Your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints” (v. 4). That certainly was reason enough for thanksgiving when praying for them. They had also heard the truth of Gospel as it was “bearing fruit and growing all over the world” (v. 6). This was the same Gospel they had heard and believed. Their current pastor, Epaphras, had started their church and was faithful to that clear and simple message (v. 7).

Then as a demonstration of how Paul spoke to the Lord on their account, he broke out in prayer (v. 9). This was not like our typical prayers we often call out for God to answer, it was about: (1) knowing God’s will (v. 9b), (2) walk worthy of the Lord, (3) bear fruit (4) grow in the knowledge of God, (5) strengthened with power, and (6) endurance and patience with joy (vv. 10-11).  Note to self: there was not one single ingrown toenail prayed for. There was not one single sick friend of a friend. There was not one homework assignment nor any invoking of God’s wrath on that person that tried to run another chariot off the road. Every one of the requests had to do with spiritual growth, strength, and testimony. It’s not that we can’t pray for those things, but why do we all spend the majority of our time praying for those things that will soon be gone. As Jesus warned us about building our lives on those things which are “here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow” (Matthew 6:30). Lord, keep our hearts and minds and prayers on the eternal. That’s how our influence on the world will be experienced in full measure.

2. Christ Has No Rivals in in His Divine Supremacy (Colossians 1:13-29)

Paul now moved to the only way to think of Christ. He is the One who in every way is superior to everything else. That is why He has “enabled us to share in the saints inheritance” (v. 12) and has “transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves” (v. 13). Because Jesus is the superior One who gives us a superior life. Without His superiority, we have no opportunity to receive all that Paul just prayed about. How can that kind of prayer be answered by a second-rate Savior?

We are told that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation (v. 15). The actual understanding is this, Jesus is the exact and visible representation of God. To be first born does not mean that He was created, but lets us begin to understand that He ranks over all creation as the supreme authority. That leads Paul to say why that is, Jesus was the One who created it all. Another reason that He could not have been created, He was the Creator Himself (v. 16a). He is the One who has always been and will always be. But not only is Jesus the Creator of the physical, but that which is invisible. It is through Him that all authority emanates as the Creator of all thrones, dominions, and rulers (v. 16b). He literally holds all the universe together by the act of His will (v. 17). Surely, we can trust our Lord Jesus to be the Head of the church. Certainly, we can also trust Him to be the head of our beloved Northwood Baptist Church. He rose from the dead, so He earned the right through His very death and resurrection to “have first place in everything” (v. 18). For that reason, it brought God the Father the greatest pleasure to “have all His fullness dwell in Him (Jesus)” (v. 19). That also meant that through Jesus all things could now be reconciled. Oh, the power of the Cross that made peace for us all though His blood in every single part of creation (v. 20). That act alone of the supreme One who created it all and rules it all made it so we can not only be reconciled, but that we all may live righteous and holy, “faultless and blameless before Him” (v. 22). That truly is the heart of the Gospel which must be guarded by the church in such a way that she will never be “shifted away form the hope of the Gospel” (v. 23).

As a servant of Christ and His Gospel, Paul had one driving force, “to make God’s message fully known” (v. 25). That message is to be completed in each of us as this same Christ, now lives in us. He Is our guarantee of our hope of glory (v. 27). So, as a part of His church, we strive with all our strength to present every believer “mature” in Him with all of His power working is us.

For each of us, Christ Jesus reigns supreme so that we might offer Him supreme reign in our lives. The Creator of all wants to create in us maturity and holiness. The Ruler of all wants the rule of our hearts offered to Him freely and without reservation. He calls each of us to that relationship.

3. Christ Has Supremacy over our Very Hearts (Colossians 3:1-17)

Chapter 3 shifts the Colossians letter from the doctrinal to the practical. The thoughts of the believer are not to be based on the earth and its philosophies, but on that which is “above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God” (v. 1). This is how we focus on true Christian living and not some trumped up religious activity that are dependent on earthly philosophies. For the believer, earthly focus is wasted focus. As believers, we are put to death that which has been and always be both unholy and immoral. Things like sexual immorality, impunity, lust, and greed to name a few (v. 5). These are the types of activities and passions that belong to the worldly nature. This is how we lived before Christ lived in us (v. 7). Just a reminder as to what life was like, we are also exhorted to put off sins that pour out from an unchanged heart including anger, malice, and filthy language. These attitudes reveal themselves from our what we think about. Sin revealed will shout at us who we really are. Jesus taught us that “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Our mouths are an accurate barometer of our hearts. When our knowledge is renewed, so is our heart language that is demonstrated by what we say (vv. 8-10).

Once we have put off sin, in order to continue allowing Christ to reign supreme in our lives, we need to also put on righteous living. This description of our holy clothing is simply beautiful: compassion, kindness, humility, acceptance, forgiveness (vv. 12-14). That is what control of our hearts is like. When our Messiah, Jesus, rules our hearts as our supreme authority, there is a richness about that kind of abiding relationship that changes us form the inside out (vv. 15-16). No longer are we driven to gripe, instead, we worship. No longer do we use filthy words, instead, we speak words of wisdom. No longer do we get angry with people who annoy us. Instead, we sing songs that demonstrate the Spirit of God that abides in us. A heart that is ruled by Christ is a heart that beats with gratitude. That then becomes our reason for existence. Jesus becomes our reason for all that we do. He becomes our very own supreme pursuit which permeates every part of our life.

--Trey Rhodes