Revelation
Speaker: Steve Jeffrey
Date: 27th July 2014
Passage: Revelation 1:1-20
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 There's been a fair bit of horror news lately.
00:00:03 --> 00:00:10 I think for me the tragedy of the Malaysian Airlines flights,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:13 or both flights, but certainly the one in recent times
00:00:13 --> 00:00:16 on the Flight 17, 17th of July,
00:00:17 --> 00:00:21 missile shot it out of the sky apparently.
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 Still working that one out.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 298 people dead.
00:00:25 --> 00:00:26 A number of those are Australians.
00:00:26 --> 00:00:33 That sort of thing puts a sort of a shudder up your spine.
00:00:33 --> 00:00:36 Having flown a number of times in the past,
00:00:36 --> 00:00:39 I couldn't think of a worse way to die really
00:00:39 --> 00:00:42 than to be up there in the sky
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 and all of a sudden for your life to be gone
00:00:44 --> 00:00:47 or knowing that your life's about to end.
00:00:48 --> 00:00:52 I actually witnessed a plane accident when I was 18.
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 A plane crashed. A person was killed.
00:00:54 --> 00:00:58 And awful, awful experience to see that.
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 And it's planted clearly on my mind.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 I'll never forget the image of it.
00:01:02 --> 00:01:05 But to be part of something like this
00:01:05 --> 00:01:09 and to see the number of people that were impacted by this,
00:01:11 --> 00:01:12 no one would have seen it coming.
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 But imagine you could.
00:01:16 --> 00:01:17 Imagine you did, in fact.
00:01:17 --> 00:01:21 Imagine that on the 16th of July,
00:01:22 --> 00:01:25 you got some information on the afternoon on the 16th of July
00:01:25 --> 00:01:29 about what was going to happen the next day.
00:01:30 --> 00:01:33 And what if your wife or your son or your mother
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 or your brother-in-law or your neighbour or your friend
00:01:35 --> 00:01:40 or some random person that you knew was going to be on that plane?
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 Or, in fact, not even on that plane,
00:01:43 --> 00:01:46 but on any plane in the vicinity of Eastern Europe?
00:01:47 --> 00:01:51 You knew that someone was flying back from Europe to Australia on a plane
00:01:51 --> 00:01:55 and you got this information that something terrible was going to happen.
00:01:55 --> 00:01:58 Would you not do everything within your power
00:01:58 --> 00:02:02 to use the information that you've received
00:02:02 --> 00:02:06 to help people avoid the destruction that was about to come?
00:02:06 --> 00:02:07 It's pretty obvious.
00:02:08 --> 00:02:11 I would do everything in my power to make sure
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 that people would avoid that destruction.
00:02:15 --> 00:02:17 And what the Bible tells us
00:02:17 --> 00:02:22 is that something is coming that's infinitely worse
00:02:22 --> 00:02:26 than Malaysian Airlines 17
00:02:26 --> 00:02:29 and every other disaster you can think of.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:30 It's eternally worse.
00:02:31 --> 00:02:33 It will impact every human being.
00:02:34 --> 00:02:37 The Bible describes it as the judgment of God.
00:02:37 --> 00:02:40 It's a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
00:02:41 --> 00:02:42 It's judgment.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:42 It's decisive.
00:02:43 --> 00:02:43 It's final.
00:02:43 --> 00:02:44 It's eternal.
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 And what that information is meant to do for us
00:02:48 --> 00:02:50 is meant to shape the course of our lives now.
00:02:50 --> 00:02:55 And the question I want us to have in the back of our minds
00:02:55 --> 00:02:56 or in fact in the forefront of our minds
00:02:56 --> 00:02:59 as we look into Revelation chapter 1 right now
00:02:59 --> 00:03:02 is what would it look like for God
00:03:02 --> 00:03:05 to become the dominant reality of your life?
00:03:07 --> 00:03:10 What would it be like for him, ultimate reality,
00:03:11 --> 00:03:13 to be the dominant reality in your life?
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 What would it look like for the things in the Bible,
00:03:18 --> 00:03:20 God's revelation of himself,
00:03:20 --> 00:03:21 to be more real to us
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 than the things on television or on the internet?
00:03:26 --> 00:03:28 You see, God has revealed himself
00:03:28 --> 00:03:31 to accomplish that very purpose,
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 that he would become the dominant reality of our life.
00:03:34 --> 00:03:35 God reveals himself
00:03:35 --> 00:03:38 so that we would know ultimate reality.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 I fear, however,
00:03:40 --> 00:03:41 that because of what we,
00:03:42 --> 00:03:43 even what we read just now,
00:03:43 --> 00:03:46 was written so long ago
00:03:46 --> 00:03:48 that we've been lulled to sleep
00:03:48 --> 00:03:52 by just the ordinariness of our lives.
00:03:53 --> 00:03:54 We've been lulled to sleep
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 because one day ticks over to another day,
00:03:56 --> 00:03:57 ticks over to another day,
00:03:57 --> 00:03:58 ticks over to another day.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:01 Our senses have been dulled by the hundredth
00:04:01 --> 00:04:04 of day after day after day.
00:04:04 --> 00:04:07 And so what we need as Christians
00:04:07 --> 00:04:09 is to consistently be coming back,
00:04:09 --> 00:04:10 looking at the scriptures,
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 reminding ourselves of God
00:04:13 --> 00:04:15 and how he sees things,
00:04:15 --> 00:04:18 how he sees reality played out,
00:04:18 --> 00:04:19 not how we see things.
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 We need to be convinced as Christians day by day
00:04:23 --> 00:04:24 in the humdrum of life
00:04:24 --> 00:04:27 that Jesus is reigning,
00:04:27 --> 00:04:30 that he is the risen king.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:32 We need to have him speak
00:04:32 --> 00:04:34 to the situations in our church.
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 We need to know that God is right now,
00:04:37 --> 00:04:40 he is right now in this very moment
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 on his throne.
00:04:43 --> 00:04:45 He's in control in heaven.
00:04:45 --> 00:04:47 He is worshipped by myriads
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 upon myriads of heavenly hosts.
00:04:50 --> 00:04:52 We need to see the way that God
00:04:52 --> 00:04:56 is going to ultimately pulverize wickedness.
00:04:57 --> 00:04:59 He will obliterate those who oppose him
00:04:59 --> 00:05:01 and he is setting up his kingdom.
00:05:02 --> 00:05:05 What we need is this book of revelation.
00:05:06 --> 00:05:08 It's exactly what we need.
00:05:09 --> 00:05:12 You see, God has given us this book of revelation
00:05:12 --> 00:05:13 so that we can see him
00:05:13 --> 00:05:16 in all his glorious mercy and justice,
00:05:16 --> 00:05:20 so that we can see that if you've got Jesus,
00:05:20 --> 00:05:23 you are so, so fundamentally blessed
00:05:23 --> 00:05:27 and so that we would live our lives
00:05:27 --> 00:05:28 in worship of him
00:05:28 --> 00:05:31 above everything else.
00:05:32 --> 00:05:34 That's what we've got here in front of us
00:05:34 --> 00:05:35 in this book.
00:05:36 --> 00:05:37 You see, the message of revelation
00:05:37 --> 00:05:41 was essential for these very first recipients
00:05:41 --> 00:05:43 of this letter.
00:05:44 --> 00:05:46 It's written first and foremost
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 to Christians almost 2 years ago
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 is living in the Roman Empire
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 and they're facing the biggest nightmare
00:05:52 --> 00:05:53 that you can imagine.
00:05:54 --> 00:05:58 Revelation 1 verse 9 tells us
00:05:58 --> 00:06:01 that John was exiled on the island of Patmos
00:06:01 --> 00:06:03 because of the word of God
00:06:03 --> 00:06:04 and the testimony of Jesus.
00:06:04 --> 00:06:06 So John, the guy who's written this,
00:06:06 --> 00:06:07 is representing Jesus
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 and has got him into a whole heap of trouble.
00:06:10 --> 00:06:13 John's writing to the church,
00:06:13 --> 00:06:15 to the churches from exile.
00:06:15 --> 00:06:17 He's writing from the island of Patmos.
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 Now you can go to Patmos nowadays,
00:06:19 --> 00:06:21 it's only a fairly small island,
00:06:21 --> 00:06:23 but it's got about 3 inhabitants
00:06:23 --> 00:06:26 and it's full of five-star resorts
00:06:26 --> 00:06:27 and luxury villas.
00:06:27 --> 00:06:29 In John's day, it was a prison island,
00:06:30 --> 00:06:32 so he's there smashing stones
00:06:32 --> 00:06:33 without sledgehammers.
00:06:33 --> 00:06:36 And he's there as an old man
00:06:36 --> 00:06:39 sentenced to work in the quarries
00:06:39 --> 00:06:41 because of the word of God
00:06:41 --> 00:06:42 and the testimony of Jesus.
00:06:43 --> 00:06:45 That is, what it's saying here
00:06:45 --> 00:06:47 is that Jesus was so real,
00:06:47 --> 00:06:49 so precious to John,
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 that he would rather be exiled
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 to a barren prison island
00:06:53 --> 00:06:55 than not represent Jesus.
00:06:55 --> 00:06:59 John is typical, I think,
00:06:59 --> 00:07:00 and what he's experienced here
00:07:00 --> 00:07:01 is typical of the hardship
00:07:01 --> 00:07:05 of many Christians were facing in his time.
00:07:06 --> 00:07:08 They were feeling the full force
00:07:08 --> 00:07:09 of the Roman Empire.
00:07:10 --> 00:07:13 According to the Roman writer Suetonius,
00:07:14 --> 00:07:16 the Roman emperor Domitian,
00:07:16 --> 00:07:17 who was the kingpin in the world
00:07:17 --> 00:07:18 at John's day,
00:07:18 --> 00:07:21 was both physically unimpressive
00:07:21 --> 00:07:24 and a moral catastrophe of a man.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:27 He had many affairs with married women
00:07:27 --> 00:07:29 and eventually stole someone else's wife
00:07:29 --> 00:07:30 to be his own.
00:07:30 --> 00:07:32 When his own brother Titus
00:07:32 --> 00:07:34 was hit with a serious illness,
00:07:34 --> 00:07:36 he ordered that he'd be left for dead.
00:07:37 --> 00:07:38 Another bloke,
00:07:38 --> 00:07:41 I think this guy was probably an actor
00:07:41 --> 00:07:43 or some kind of stand-up comedian
00:07:43 --> 00:07:44 or something like that,
00:07:45 --> 00:07:46 made some fairly harmless
00:07:46 --> 00:07:48 but humorous remarks about Domitian.
00:07:49 --> 00:07:50 Everyone thought it was funny,
00:07:50 --> 00:07:51 except Domitian,
00:07:51 --> 00:07:52 so he had him executed.
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 He seduced his married niece,
00:07:55 --> 00:07:55 got her pregnant.
00:07:56 --> 00:07:57 She then died from the abortion
00:07:57 --> 00:07:58 that he forced her to have.
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 This moral catastrophe of a man,
00:08:02 --> 00:08:02 that's just some of the things,
00:08:03 --> 00:08:04 I mean, it just goes on from there.
00:08:05 --> 00:08:07 He was sensitive about his baldness.
00:08:07 --> 00:08:09 He had a pot belly, spindly legs,
00:08:10 --> 00:08:13 and he demanded that the whole empire
00:08:13 --> 00:08:14 called him Lord God.
00:08:14 --> 00:08:20 And John is writing to a bunch of Christians
00:08:20 --> 00:08:23 who are suffering extreme hardship
00:08:23 --> 00:08:28 because they refuse to have this man
00:08:28 --> 00:08:30 say,
00:08:31 --> 00:08:32 I am your God.
00:08:35 --> 00:08:37 They refuse to allow Domitian
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 to be the dominant reality in their life.
00:08:39 --> 00:08:43 Now, many of you would be aware
00:08:43 --> 00:08:45 that Christians in northern Iraq right now
00:08:45 --> 00:08:48 are being severely persecuted
00:08:48 --> 00:08:51 by the militant group called
00:08:51 --> 00:08:53 the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria,
00:08:53 --> 00:08:54 the ISIS group.
00:08:54 --> 00:08:57 They've issued a decree
00:08:57 --> 00:09:00 offering Christians three options,
00:09:01 --> 00:09:02 either convert to Islam,
00:09:03 --> 00:09:04 pay a special tax,
00:09:04 --> 00:09:05 or be killed.
00:09:06 --> 00:09:07 And you've probably seen it on Facebook.
00:09:07 --> 00:09:10 They've painted a symbol
00:09:10 --> 00:09:12 on the houses of Christians
00:09:12 --> 00:09:14 so that they are identified.
00:09:16 --> 00:09:17 They've painted other symbols
00:09:17 --> 00:09:19 on the houses of other religious groups
00:09:19 --> 00:09:20 they don't agree with either.
00:09:20 --> 00:09:23 And the ultimatum that was given
00:09:23 --> 00:09:24 to Christians was
00:09:24 --> 00:09:26 deadline for it was midday
00:09:26 --> 00:09:29 on the 19th of July.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:30 So choose that.
00:09:31 --> 00:09:32 That's your choice.
00:09:33 --> 00:09:34 Either convert to Islam,
00:09:36 --> 00:09:37 special tax,
00:09:38 --> 00:09:40 which is confiscation of goods in the end,
00:09:41 --> 00:09:42 or die.
00:09:43 --> 00:09:44 That's our brothers and sisters
00:09:44 --> 00:09:45 right now.
00:09:46 --> 00:09:47 That's what they're facing.
00:09:47 --> 00:09:50 And thousands upon thousands
00:09:50 --> 00:09:54 have fled and left everything.
00:09:54 --> 00:09:55 Everything.
00:09:57 --> 00:09:59 And it must be a question
00:09:59 --> 00:10:00 that's in their mind.
00:10:00 --> 00:10:01 Would you not imagine
00:10:01 --> 00:10:04 of where is Jesus right now
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 in amongst that
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 if he is the ruler of the world?
00:10:09 --> 00:10:11 And I can only say
00:10:11 --> 00:10:12 that what we've read tonight
00:10:12 --> 00:10:13 would be a word of comfort
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 and perspective for them
00:10:15 --> 00:10:16 as it should be for us
00:10:16 --> 00:10:18 as it was for these Christians
00:10:18 --> 00:10:20 in the first century in Rome.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:22 The first thing
00:10:22 --> 00:10:23 that this revelation says
00:10:23 --> 00:10:25 that in spite of the terrible
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 hardship that you're facing,
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 you are truly blessed.
00:10:31 --> 00:10:33 Your life is one of blessing.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:35 That's the first bit of perspective
00:10:35 --> 00:10:36 they need to see.
00:10:36 --> 00:10:37 They were blessed
00:10:37 --> 00:10:38 because God has given
00:10:38 --> 00:10:40 this revelation of Jesus Christ
00:10:40 --> 00:10:41 about what will soon take place.
00:10:41 --> 00:10:42 They're blessed
00:10:42 --> 00:10:43 because they can see
00:10:43 --> 00:10:44 ultimate reality.
00:10:44 --> 00:10:45 They can see
00:10:45 --> 00:10:48 what truly is.
00:10:48 --> 00:10:48 They were blessed
00:10:48 --> 00:10:49 because God was giving them
00:10:49 --> 00:10:51 perspective and clarity
00:10:51 --> 00:10:52 not just on their present
00:10:52 --> 00:10:54 but in their future as well.
00:10:54 --> 00:10:55 They were also blessed
00:10:55 --> 00:10:56 because of what Jesus
00:10:56 --> 00:10:57 has done for them.
00:10:57 --> 00:10:58 See verse 5.
00:10:58 --> 00:10:58 He says,
00:10:59 --> 00:11:01 To him who loves us.
00:11:02 --> 00:11:04 What a great word to say
00:11:04 --> 00:11:06 in these very first verses.
00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 Jesus loves them.
00:11:08 --> 00:11:09 This is in the present tense.
00:11:09 --> 00:11:10 It's not that just
00:11:10 --> 00:11:11 he loved them in the past
00:11:11 --> 00:11:12 but he loves them right now.
00:11:13 --> 00:11:14 Right now.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:16 And Jesus' love for his people
00:11:16 --> 00:11:18 led Jesus ultimately
00:11:18 --> 00:11:20 to lay down his life for them.
00:11:20 --> 00:11:21 They are blessed
00:11:21 --> 00:11:22 because in laying down
00:11:22 --> 00:11:22 his life for them,
00:11:22 --> 00:11:23 verse 5,
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 he has freed them
00:11:25 --> 00:11:26 from our sins
00:11:26 --> 00:11:27 by his blood.
00:11:29 --> 00:11:30 You see,
00:11:30 --> 00:11:31 those who sin,
00:11:31 --> 00:11:32 according to the Bible,
00:11:33 --> 00:11:34 deserve to die.
00:11:34 --> 00:11:35 And death
00:11:35 --> 00:11:36 is separation from God.
00:11:36 --> 00:11:38 And Jesus' death
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 cancels our obligation
00:11:40 --> 00:11:42 to pay the penalty
00:11:42 --> 00:11:43 for our sins to God
00:11:43 --> 00:11:45 so that we might in fact
00:11:45 --> 00:11:46 be reconciled to God
00:11:46 --> 00:11:48 and live forever.
00:11:49 --> 00:11:51 And when you've got that,
00:11:51 --> 00:11:52 you've got everything.
00:11:56 --> 00:11:57 The blood of Jesus
00:11:57 --> 00:11:58 frees people
00:11:58 --> 00:12:01 from enslaving sin,
00:12:02 --> 00:12:03 lust and greed
00:12:03 --> 00:12:04 and pride and anger
00:12:04 --> 00:12:05 and everything else.
00:12:05 --> 00:12:08 The blood of Jesus
00:12:08 --> 00:12:09 breaks the power
00:12:09 --> 00:12:10 of cancelled sin.
00:12:11 --> 00:12:12 We are blessed
00:12:12 --> 00:12:13 because of what we have
00:12:13 --> 00:12:14 in Jesus
00:12:14 --> 00:12:15 regardless of the circumstances.
00:12:18 --> 00:12:19 Verse 6 says,
00:12:19 --> 00:12:20 He has made us
00:12:20 --> 00:12:22 a kingdom and priest
00:12:22 --> 00:12:24 to his God and Father.
00:12:24 --> 00:12:24 That is,
00:12:24 --> 00:12:25 we belong to Jesus,
00:12:25 --> 00:12:26 we are his people
00:12:26 --> 00:12:27 and our allegiance is to him.
00:12:27 --> 00:12:29 We are blessed
00:12:29 --> 00:12:31 because the kingdom
00:12:31 --> 00:12:31 of Jesus
00:12:31 --> 00:12:33 cannot be overcome.
00:12:35 --> 00:12:37 This blessing of love
00:12:37 --> 00:12:38 and forgiveness of sins
00:12:38 --> 00:12:39 that comes from Jesus
00:12:39 --> 00:12:41 is a secure blessing.
00:12:42 --> 00:12:42 No one can take it from you.
00:12:43 --> 00:12:43 Notice who gives it to us.
00:12:43 --> 00:12:44 Verse 4,
00:12:44 --> 00:12:45 From him who was
00:12:45 --> 00:12:46 and who is to come.
00:12:46 --> 00:12:47 Verse 5,
00:12:47 --> 00:12:48 From Jesus Christ,
00:12:48 --> 00:12:49 the firstborn from the dead
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 and the ruler of the kings
00:12:50 --> 00:12:51 of the earth.
00:12:51 --> 00:12:52 Verse 6,
00:12:52 --> 00:12:54 The one to whom power
00:12:54 --> 00:12:55 and glory belong forever.
00:12:55 --> 00:12:55 Verse 8,
00:12:55 --> 00:12:56 The one who is
00:12:56 --> 00:12:57 and who was
00:12:57 --> 00:12:58 and who is to come.
00:12:58 --> 00:12:59 the almighty.
00:13:02 --> 00:13:03 How good
00:13:03 --> 00:13:05 must John's experience
00:13:05 --> 00:13:06 of Christ be
00:13:06 --> 00:13:07 for him to declare
00:13:07 --> 00:13:08 this blessing.
00:13:11 --> 00:13:12 You know,
00:13:12 --> 00:13:14 don't let this point
00:13:14 --> 00:13:15 miss you.
00:13:15 --> 00:13:16 John is sitting
00:13:16 --> 00:13:18 in a prison cell
00:13:18 --> 00:13:19 as an old man
00:13:19 --> 00:13:21 breaking stones
00:13:21 --> 00:13:21 for a living
00:13:21 --> 00:13:22 and he says,
00:13:23 --> 00:13:23 Man,
00:13:23 --> 00:13:24 how great it is
00:13:24 --> 00:13:25 to be in Christ.
00:13:25 --> 00:13:29 In spite of the way
00:13:29 --> 00:13:30 that Christianity
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 will not advance
00:13:31 --> 00:13:33 you in the Roman Empire,
00:13:34 --> 00:13:35 in spite of the fact
00:13:35 --> 00:13:36 that knowing Jesus
00:13:36 --> 00:13:37 could cost you
00:13:37 --> 00:13:37 your possessions,
00:13:38 --> 00:13:39 land you in prison
00:13:39 --> 00:13:40 or cost you your life,
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 you're blessed
00:13:41 --> 00:13:42 if you know Jesus.
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 John must think
00:13:43 --> 00:13:45 it is better
00:13:45 --> 00:13:47 to stand right before God
00:13:47 --> 00:13:49 by faith in Christ,
00:13:49 --> 00:13:50 forgiven and free
00:13:50 --> 00:13:52 of all of your sin
00:13:52 --> 00:13:54 than it is
00:13:54 --> 00:13:55 to have all of the
00:13:55 --> 00:13:56 Roman Empire
00:13:56 --> 00:13:56 bow to you.
00:13:59 --> 00:14:00 John must think
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 that there is life
00:14:01 --> 00:14:02 after this life
00:14:02 --> 00:14:03 in which the rewards
00:14:03 --> 00:14:04 for those
00:14:04 --> 00:14:05 who belong to Jesus
00:14:05 --> 00:14:07 will be superior
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 to all the pleasures
00:14:08 --> 00:14:09 of sin
00:14:09 --> 00:14:10 in this present world.
00:14:12 --> 00:14:14 This must have been
00:14:14 --> 00:14:15 an enormous comfort
00:14:15 --> 00:14:17 to John
00:14:17 --> 00:14:19 sitting in the island
00:14:19 --> 00:14:20 of Patmos.
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 But it's also
00:14:21 --> 00:14:22 a comfort
00:14:22 --> 00:14:24 for the Christians
00:14:24 --> 00:14:25 in the Roman Empire.
00:14:25 --> 00:14:26 and ultimately
00:14:26 --> 00:14:27 for us as well.
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 The voice that he heard
00:14:29 --> 00:14:30 in verse 10
00:14:30 --> 00:14:31 says in verse 11,
00:14:31 --> 00:14:32 write on a scroll
00:14:32 --> 00:14:33 what you see
00:14:33 --> 00:14:34 and send it
00:14:34 --> 00:14:35 to the seven churches.
00:14:36 --> 00:14:37 And so this vision
00:14:37 --> 00:14:38 John is about to get
00:14:38 --> 00:14:39 in the next number
00:14:39 --> 00:14:40 of chapters
00:14:40 --> 00:14:41 is meant not just
00:14:41 --> 00:14:42 for him
00:14:42 --> 00:14:42 sitting in the island
00:14:42 --> 00:14:43 of Patmos
00:14:43 --> 00:14:44 but for us too.
00:14:45 --> 00:14:46 The point of writing
00:14:46 --> 00:14:47 it down
00:14:47 --> 00:14:48 is to transmit
00:14:48 --> 00:14:49 to us
00:14:49 --> 00:14:51 the same kind
00:14:51 --> 00:14:52 experience
00:14:52 --> 00:14:52 that John
00:14:52 --> 00:14:54 has in seeing
00:14:54 --> 00:14:54 Christ.
00:14:58 --> 00:14:59 John
00:14:59 --> 00:15:01 God has
00:15:01 --> 00:15:01 graciously
00:15:01 --> 00:15:02 given John
00:15:02 --> 00:15:03 this vision
00:15:03 --> 00:15:06 of the supremacy
00:15:06 --> 00:15:06 of Christ
00:15:06 --> 00:15:07 and all of history
00:15:07 --> 00:15:09 being in his hands.
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 And he writes it down
00:15:13 --> 00:15:16 so that we might
00:15:16 --> 00:15:17 see it too
00:15:17 --> 00:15:19 and so that we
00:15:19 --> 00:15:20 would be comforted
00:15:20 --> 00:15:20 as well.
00:15:22 --> 00:15:23 He appears
00:15:23 --> 00:15:23 to John
00:15:23 --> 00:15:25 and says
00:15:25 --> 00:15:26 write in a book
00:15:26 --> 00:15:26 what you see
00:15:26 --> 00:15:27 and send it
00:15:27 --> 00:15:28 to the seven churches.
00:15:28 --> 00:15:30 John gets the vision
00:15:30 --> 00:15:31 we get the book
00:15:31 --> 00:15:32 about the vision.
00:15:33 --> 00:15:34 That is
00:15:34 --> 00:15:36 God wants to come
00:15:36 --> 00:15:37 to us as well
00:15:37 --> 00:15:38 through his word.
00:15:38 --> 00:15:39 He wants us
00:15:39 --> 00:15:39 to seek him
00:15:39 --> 00:15:40 in his word
00:15:40 --> 00:15:41 and know him
00:15:41 --> 00:15:42 by his word
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 and gaze upon him
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 steadily through
00:15:44 --> 00:15:44 his word
00:15:44 --> 00:15:45 so that we
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 would know
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 how blessed
00:15:47 --> 00:15:48 we are.
00:15:48 --> 00:15:49 This is a revelation
00:15:49 --> 00:15:50 for imprisoned
00:15:50 --> 00:15:50 John
00:15:50 --> 00:15:51 for persecuted
00:15:51 --> 00:15:52 Christians in the
00:15:52 --> 00:15:53 Roman Empire
00:15:53 --> 00:15:54 and for our
00:15:54 --> 00:15:54 brothers and
00:15:54 --> 00:15:55 sisters right now
00:15:55 --> 00:15:56 in northern Iraq
00:15:56 --> 00:15:57 and for us
00:15:57 --> 00:15:59 sitting right here
00:15:59 --> 00:16:02 with our
00:16:02 --> 00:16:04 senses dulled.
00:16:04 --> 00:16:07 for us
00:16:07 --> 00:16:08 sitting right here
00:16:08 --> 00:16:09 who are suffering
00:16:09 --> 00:16:10 for those who
00:16:10 --> 00:16:11 are tired
00:16:11 --> 00:16:11 and weary
00:16:11 --> 00:16:12 and running
00:16:12 --> 00:16:12 out of steam
00:16:12 --> 00:16:13 and confused
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 and disheartened
00:16:14 --> 00:16:15 and disenfranchised
00:16:15 --> 00:16:16 and insecure
00:16:16 --> 00:16:18 despite the
00:16:18 --> 00:16:19 circumstances
00:16:19 --> 00:16:20 you need to know
00:16:20 --> 00:16:21 how blessed you are
00:16:21 --> 00:16:22 if you are in
00:16:22 --> 00:16:23 Christ
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 knowing how
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 blessed you are
00:16:25 --> 00:16:29 we are called
00:16:29 --> 00:16:29 here
00:16:29 --> 00:16:31 to treasure
00:16:31 --> 00:16:32 Jesus
00:16:32 --> 00:16:34 to make him
00:16:34 --> 00:16:34 the dominant
00:16:34 --> 00:16:35 reality in our
00:16:35 --> 00:16:35 life.
00:16:36 --> 00:16:37 Let's have a look
00:16:37 --> 00:16:37 at what John
00:16:37 --> 00:16:38 saw in verse 12.
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 John turns
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 to see the voice
00:16:42 --> 00:16:43 that was like a
00:16:43 --> 00:16:43 trumpet in verse 10
00:16:43 --> 00:16:45 and what he saw
00:16:45 --> 00:16:46 was seven golden
00:16:46 --> 00:16:47 lampstands and
00:16:47 --> 00:16:47 Christ in the
00:16:47 --> 00:16:48 midst of them.
00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 Notice down to
00:16:49 --> 00:16:50 verse 20
00:16:50 --> 00:16:50 at the end of
00:16:50 --> 00:16:51 the chapter
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 for an interpretation
00:16:52 --> 00:16:53 of what the
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 lampstands are.
00:16:54 --> 00:16:54 It says the
00:16:54 --> 00:16:55 mystery of the
00:16:55 --> 00:16:55 seven stars
00:16:55 --> 00:16:56 that you saw
00:16:56 --> 00:16:57 in my right hand
00:16:57 --> 00:16:57 of the seven
00:16:57 --> 00:16:58 golden lampstands
00:16:58 --> 00:16:58 is this
00:16:58 --> 00:17:00 the seven stars
00:17:00 --> 00:17:01 are the angels
00:17:01 --> 00:17:01 of the seven
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 churches
00:17:02 --> 00:17:03 and the
00:17:03 --> 00:17:04 seven lampstands
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 are the seven
00:17:05 --> 00:17:05 churches.
00:17:06 --> 00:17:07 So the vision
00:17:07 --> 00:17:07 of Jesus
00:17:07 --> 00:17:08 that John
00:17:08 --> 00:17:09 gets is
00:17:09 --> 00:17:10 Jesus
00:17:10 --> 00:17:12 among his
00:17:12 --> 00:17:12 churches
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 among his
00:17:13 --> 00:17:14 people.
00:17:14 --> 00:17:15 Christ is
00:17:15 --> 00:17:15 standing
00:17:15 --> 00:17:17 amongst his
00:17:17 --> 00:17:17 churches.
00:17:18 --> 00:17:19 He's not
00:17:19 --> 00:17:20 merely over
00:17:20 --> 00:17:21 the churches.
00:17:21 --> 00:17:21 He's not
00:17:21 --> 00:17:22 distant from
00:17:22 --> 00:17:23 the churches.
00:17:23 --> 00:17:24 He's in the
00:17:24 --> 00:17:25 middle of the
00:17:25 --> 00:17:26 churches.
00:17:27 --> 00:17:27 And John
00:17:27 --> 00:17:28 saw according
00:17:28 --> 00:17:29 to verse 13
00:17:29 --> 00:17:30 one like a
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 son of man.
00:17:31 --> 00:17:32 In Daniel
00:17:32 --> 00:17:32 chapter 7
00:17:32 --> 00:17:33 verses 13
00:17:33 --> 00:17:33 and 14
00:17:33 --> 00:17:34 the term
00:17:34 --> 00:17:35 son of man
00:17:35 --> 00:17:35 or one
00:17:35 --> 00:17:35 like the
00:17:35 --> 00:17:36 son of man
00:17:36 --> 00:17:38 refers to
00:17:38 --> 00:17:39 a great
00:17:39 --> 00:17:39 ruler.
00:17:40 --> 00:17:40 This is what
00:17:40 --> 00:17:40 it says in
00:17:40 --> 00:17:41 Daniel chapter
00:17:41 --> 00:17:41 7.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:42 In my vision
00:17:42 --> 00:17:43 at night
00:17:43 --> 00:17:43 I looked
00:17:43 --> 00:17:45 and there
00:17:45 --> 00:17:45 before me
00:17:45 --> 00:17:46 was one
00:17:46 --> 00:17:46 like a
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 son of man
00:17:47 --> 00:17:48 coming with
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 the clouds
00:17:49 --> 00:17:49 of heaven.
00:17:49 --> 00:17:50 He approached
00:17:50 --> 00:17:50 the ancient
00:17:50 --> 00:17:51 of days
00:17:51 --> 00:17:51 and was led
00:17:51 --> 00:17:52 into his
00:17:52 --> 00:17:52 presence.
00:17:53 --> 00:17:53 He was
00:17:53 --> 00:17:54 given
00:17:54 --> 00:17:54 authority,
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 glory and
00:17:56 --> 00:17:57 sovereign power.
00:17:57 --> 00:17:58 All peoples,
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 nations and
00:17:59 --> 00:18:00 men of every
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 language worshipped
00:18:01 --> 00:18:01 him.
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 His dominion
00:18:03 --> 00:18:03 is an
00:18:03 --> 00:18:03 everlasting
00:18:03 --> 00:18:05 dominion that
00:18:05 --> 00:18:05 will not
00:18:05 --> 00:18:06 pass away and
00:18:06 --> 00:18:07 his kingdom
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 is one that
00:18:08 --> 00:18:08 will never be
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 destroyed.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:11 And so what
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 John saw
00:18:12 --> 00:18:14 when he saw
00:18:14 --> 00:18:15 this one like a
00:18:15 --> 00:18:15 son of man
00:18:15 --> 00:18:16 standing in the
00:18:16 --> 00:18:16 middle of the
00:18:16 --> 00:18:17 lampstands,
00:18:17 --> 00:18:18 he means that
00:18:18 --> 00:18:19 he saw someone
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 who stands
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 over the top
00:18:21 --> 00:18:22 of his kingdom
00:18:22 --> 00:18:22 with all
00:18:22 --> 00:18:23 dominion,
00:18:23 --> 00:18:23 glory and
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 kingdom power.
00:18:25 --> 00:18:25 It will be
00:18:25 --> 00:18:26 an eternal
00:18:26 --> 00:18:27 kingdom.
00:18:27 --> 00:18:27 kingdom,
00:18:28 --> 00:18:29 someone with
00:18:29 --> 00:18:29 authority over
00:18:29 --> 00:18:30 all nations,
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 all peoples,
00:18:31 --> 00:18:32 who would
00:18:32 --> 00:18:33 rule forever
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 and ever
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 and ever
00:18:35 --> 00:18:36 and nothing
00:18:36 --> 00:18:36 can touch
00:18:36 --> 00:18:37 his kingdom.
00:18:42 --> 00:18:42 The one who
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 stands among
00:18:43 --> 00:18:43 the churches
00:18:43 --> 00:18:44 is the one
00:18:44 --> 00:18:45 who received
00:18:45 --> 00:18:45 from the
00:18:45 --> 00:18:45 ancient of
00:18:45 --> 00:18:46 days,
00:18:46 --> 00:18:46 God himself
00:18:46 --> 00:18:47 dominion and
00:18:47 --> 00:18:48 glory and
00:18:48 --> 00:18:48 kingdom,
00:18:49 --> 00:18:49 rule and
00:18:49 --> 00:18:50 power and
00:18:50 --> 00:18:50 authority in
00:18:50 --> 00:18:51 heaven and
00:18:51 --> 00:18:51 on earth.
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 That pretty
00:18:53 --> 00:18:53 much matches
00:18:53 --> 00:18:54 this figure
00:18:54 --> 00:18:54 that John
00:18:54 --> 00:18:55 saw in
00:18:55 --> 00:18:56 verse 13.
00:18:56 --> 00:18:57 The son of
00:18:57 --> 00:18:57 man was
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 dressed in
00:18:58 --> 00:18:58 a robe
00:18:58 --> 00:18:59 reaching down
00:18:59 --> 00:18:59 to his feet
00:18:59 --> 00:19:00 with a gold
00:19:00 --> 00:19:01 sash around
00:19:01 --> 00:19:02 his chest.
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 The robe
00:19:03 --> 00:19:03 here is similar
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 to the picture
00:19:04 --> 00:19:04 of the Old
00:19:04 --> 00:19:06 Testament robe
00:19:06 --> 00:19:07 where the
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 priest wore.
00:19:09 --> 00:19:10 The gold
00:19:10 --> 00:19:10 sash around
00:19:10 --> 00:19:11 his chest
00:19:11 --> 00:19:11 shows two
00:19:11 --> 00:19:12 things.
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 It's up here
00:19:13 --> 00:19:13 around his
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 chest,
00:19:14 --> 00:19:14 it's not
00:19:14 --> 00:19:14 around his
00:19:14 --> 00:19:15 waist and
00:19:15 --> 00:19:16 it's gold.
00:19:16 --> 00:19:17 The fact
00:19:17 --> 00:19:17 that it's
00:19:17 --> 00:19:18 gold shows
00:19:18 --> 00:19:19 that his
00:19:19 --> 00:19:20 priesthood is
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 a highly
00:19:21 --> 00:19:22 valued priesthood
00:19:22 --> 00:19:24 and it is a
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 great priesthood.
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 Jesus is not
00:19:26 --> 00:19:27 only the son
00:19:27 --> 00:19:27 of man from
00:19:27 --> 00:19:28 Daniel chapter
00:19:28 --> 00:19:28 7 who
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 receives
00:19:29 --> 00:19:29 everlasting
00:19:29 --> 00:19:31 dominion over
00:19:31 --> 00:19:31 all nations
00:19:31 --> 00:19:32 and people,
00:19:32 --> 00:19:33 he is also
00:19:33 --> 00:19:33 the final
00:19:33 --> 00:19:34 high priest
00:19:34 --> 00:19:35 who brings
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 all the
00:19:36 --> 00:19:36 priestly work
00:19:36 --> 00:19:37 of the
00:19:37 --> 00:19:37 temple to
00:19:37 --> 00:19:38 the end.
00:19:38 --> 00:19:38 There's no
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 more need
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 to sacrifice
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 any animals
00:19:41 --> 00:19:43 to get right
00:19:43 --> 00:19:43 with God.
00:19:44 --> 00:19:44 Verse 5
00:19:44 --> 00:19:45 says that
00:19:45 --> 00:19:46 Christ freed
00:19:46 --> 00:19:47 us from
00:19:47 --> 00:19:47 our sins
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 by his
00:19:48 --> 00:19:48 blood.
00:19:49 --> 00:19:49 You see
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 this priest
00:19:50 --> 00:19:50 is so
00:19:50 --> 00:19:52 great that
00:19:52 --> 00:19:53 he gave
00:19:53 --> 00:19:53 his own
00:19:53 --> 00:19:54 blood once
00:19:54 --> 00:19:54 and for
00:19:54 --> 00:19:54 all.
00:19:55 --> 00:19:57 For the
00:19:57 --> 00:19:57 sin of
00:19:57 --> 00:19:57 all
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 humanity
00:19:58 --> 00:20:00 so that
00:20:00 --> 00:20:00 we might
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 be reconciled
00:20:01 --> 00:20:01 to God.
00:20:03 --> 00:20:03 He stands
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 among the
00:20:04 --> 00:20:04 lampstands,
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 he stands
00:20:05 --> 00:20:05 here by
00:20:05 --> 00:20:06 us today
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 as one
00:20:07 --> 00:20:07 with authority
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 and everlasting
00:20:08 --> 00:20:09 dominion,
00:20:10 --> 00:20:10 the one
00:20:10 --> 00:20:11 with final
00:20:11 --> 00:20:11 decisive
00:20:11 --> 00:20:12 forgiveness
00:20:12 --> 00:20:12 for our
00:20:12 --> 00:20:13 sins.
00:20:14 --> 00:20:14 Then John
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 sees in
00:20:15 --> 00:20:15 verse 14
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 that his
00:20:16 --> 00:20:16 head and
00:20:16 --> 00:20:16 his hair
00:20:16 --> 00:20:17 were white
00:20:17 --> 00:20:18 like wool
00:20:18 --> 00:20:18 as white
00:20:18 --> 00:20:18 as snow.
00:20:19 --> 00:20:19 And this
00:20:19 --> 00:20:20 is remarkable
00:20:20 --> 00:20:20 because Daniel
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 chapter 7,
00:20:22 --> 00:20:22 you know,
00:20:22 --> 00:20:23 when John
00:20:23 --> 00:20:23 gets his
00:20:23 --> 00:20:24 picture of the
00:20:24 --> 00:20:24 one like a
00:20:24 --> 00:20:25 son of man
00:20:25 --> 00:20:25 in verses
00:20:25 --> 00:20:25 13 and
00:20:25 --> 00:20:26 14,
00:20:26 --> 00:20:27 a few
00:20:27 --> 00:20:27 verses
00:20:27 --> 00:20:27 further,
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 earlier than
00:20:29 --> 00:20:29 that,
00:20:29 --> 00:20:29 God the
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 father is
00:20:30 --> 00:20:31 described in
00:20:31 --> 00:20:32 verse 9,
00:20:32 --> 00:20:33 as I looked,
00:20:33 --> 00:20:33 thrones were
00:20:33 --> 00:20:34 set in place
00:20:34 --> 00:20:35 and the
00:20:35 --> 00:20:35 ancient of
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 days took
00:20:36 --> 00:20:36 his seat.
00:20:37 --> 00:20:38 His clothing
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 was as
00:20:39 --> 00:20:39 white as
00:20:39 --> 00:20:40 snow and
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 the hair of
00:20:41 --> 00:20:41 his head
00:20:41 --> 00:20:41 was white
00:20:41 --> 00:20:42 like wool.
00:20:42 --> 00:20:42 people.
00:20:44 --> 00:20:44 In other
00:20:44 --> 00:20:45 words,
00:20:45 --> 00:20:46 John is
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 describing the
00:20:47 --> 00:20:48 son of
00:20:48 --> 00:20:48 man in
00:20:48 --> 00:20:49 terms used
00:20:49 --> 00:20:50 by God
00:20:50 --> 00:20:50 himself.
00:20:52 --> 00:20:52 And so
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 you put
00:20:53 --> 00:20:53 this picture
00:20:53 --> 00:20:54 together with
00:20:54 --> 00:20:55 the next
00:20:55 --> 00:20:55 thing that
00:20:55 --> 00:20:55 John sees
00:20:55 --> 00:20:56 in verse
00:20:56 --> 00:20:56 14,
00:20:56 --> 00:20:56 that his
00:20:56 --> 00:20:57 eyes were
00:20:57 --> 00:20:58 like blazing
00:20:58 --> 00:20:59 fire.
00:20:59 --> 00:21:00 You see,
00:21:00 --> 00:21:00 the eyes of
00:21:00 --> 00:21:01 this son of
00:21:01 --> 00:21:01 man were
00:21:01 --> 00:21:02 not the
00:21:02 --> 00:21:03 clouded eye
00:21:03 --> 00:21:03 of fading
00:21:03 --> 00:21:04 glory.
00:21:05 --> 00:21:05 These
00:21:05 --> 00:21:07 eyes have
00:21:07 --> 00:21:07 eyes of
00:21:07 --> 00:21:08 sharpest
00:21:08 --> 00:21:09 clarity and
00:21:09 --> 00:21:09 purity.
00:21:09 --> 00:21:11 they miss
00:21:11 --> 00:21:11 nothing that
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 happens in
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 the universe
00:21:13 --> 00:21:14 and they
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 are exploding
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 with energy.
00:21:17 --> 00:21:17 You see,
00:21:17 --> 00:21:18 we all know
00:21:18 --> 00:21:19 the drooping
00:21:19 --> 00:21:20 eye that's
00:21:20 --> 00:21:20 about to go
00:21:20 --> 00:21:21 to sleep.
00:21:21 --> 00:21:21 You know,
00:21:21 --> 00:21:22 you're trying
00:21:22 --> 00:21:22 to stay
00:21:22 --> 00:21:23 awake to
00:21:23 --> 00:21:24 finally get
00:21:24 --> 00:21:24 the end of
00:21:24 --> 00:21:25 the movie
00:21:25 --> 00:21:25 and the
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 plot line.
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 Or the
00:21:28 --> 00:21:29 resentful eye.
00:21:30 --> 00:21:30 Or the
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 grumpy eye.
00:21:32 --> 00:21:32 Or the
00:21:32 --> 00:21:33 half-shut eye
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 with a scowl
00:21:34 --> 00:21:34 and a bad
00:21:34 --> 00:21:35 mood.
00:21:37 --> 00:21:37 We know
00:21:37 --> 00:21:38 the eye that
00:21:38 --> 00:21:38 is alive with
00:21:38 --> 00:21:39 wonder and
00:21:39 --> 00:21:39 excitement.
00:21:39 --> 00:21:40 hope and
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 expectancy and
00:21:41 --> 00:21:41 energy.
00:21:43 --> 00:21:43 Jesus' eyes
00:21:43 --> 00:21:44 here are
00:21:44 --> 00:21:45 described as
00:21:45 --> 00:21:46 flaming fire.
00:21:48 --> 00:21:49 What we
00:21:49 --> 00:21:49 see then is
00:21:49 --> 00:21:50 hair as
00:21:50 --> 00:21:50 white as
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 snow and
00:21:51 --> 00:21:52 eyes like
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 fire.
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 You've
00:21:54 --> 00:21:54 got to
00:21:54 --> 00:21:54 know today
00:21:54 --> 00:21:55 2 years
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 after John
00:21:56 --> 00:21:57 saw this
00:21:57 --> 00:21:59 vision that
00:21:59 --> 00:22:00 Jesus is
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 not tired,
00:22:01 --> 00:22:02 he's not
00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 burnt out,
00:22:03 --> 00:22:03 he's not
00:22:03 --> 00:22:04 fatigued.
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 His eyes
00:22:06 --> 00:22:07 are aflame
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 with a
00:22:07 --> 00:22:08 flashing fire
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 of inexhaustible
00:22:09 --> 00:22:09 energy and
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 hope.
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 He sees
00:22:11 --> 00:22:12 everything that
00:22:12 --> 00:22:12 has been
00:22:12 --> 00:22:13 and everything
00:22:13 --> 00:22:13 that will
00:22:13 --> 00:22:14 be.
00:22:14 --> 00:22:15 Nothing
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 takes him
00:22:15 --> 00:22:16 by surprise
00:22:16 --> 00:22:16 that when
00:22:16 --> 00:22:17 Jesus thinks
00:22:17 --> 00:22:18 about his
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 plans for
00:22:19 --> 00:22:19 you and
00:22:19 --> 00:22:19 for
00:22:19 --> 00:22:21 Paul's and
00:22:21 --> 00:22:21 for Australia
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 and for
00:22:22 --> 00:22:23 Christians in
00:22:23 --> 00:22:24 northern Iraq
00:22:24 --> 00:22:24 and the
00:22:24 --> 00:22:25 nations of
00:22:25 --> 00:22:25 the world,
00:22:26 --> 00:22:26 beyond this
00:22:26 --> 00:22:27 day, he is
00:22:27 --> 00:22:28 not hesitant,
00:22:28 --> 00:22:29 he is not
00:22:29 --> 00:22:30 tired, he
00:22:30 --> 00:22:31 is not
00:22:31 --> 00:22:31 bored.
00:22:31 --> 00:22:34 his eyes
00:22:34 --> 00:22:35 are aflame
00:22:35 --> 00:22:36 of fire
00:22:36 --> 00:22:36 with utter
00:22:36 --> 00:22:37 exhilaration
00:22:37 --> 00:22:38 and passion
00:22:38 --> 00:22:39 and enthusiasm
00:22:39 --> 00:22:40 for the
00:22:40 --> 00:22:40 work that
00:22:40 --> 00:22:41 he intends
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 to do.
00:22:44 --> 00:22:45 His
00:22:45 --> 00:22:46 enthusiasm
00:22:46 --> 00:22:47 for his
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 mission
00:22:48 --> 00:22:50 is as
00:22:50 --> 00:22:51 bright today
00:22:51 --> 00:22:52 as it was
00:22:52 --> 00:22:53 2 years
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 ago when
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 John saw
00:22:53 --> 00:22:54 this.
00:22:56 --> 00:22:56 Notice
00:22:56 --> 00:22:57 also the
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 bronze feet
00:22:58 --> 00:22:58 in verse
00:22:58 --> 00:22:59 15,
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 they are the
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 feet of a
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 glorious and
00:23:00 --> 00:23:01 mighty conqueror
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 and again in
00:23:01 --> 00:23:02 verse 15 is
00:23:02 --> 00:23:03 the voice of
00:23:03 --> 00:23:03 the sound of
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 many waters.
00:23:04 --> 00:23:05 It's just a
00:23:05 --> 00:23:06 picture of
00:23:06 --> 00:23:07 raw power,
00:23:07 --> 00:23:08 the thunder of
00:23:08 --> 00:23:09 the voice of
00:23:09 --> 00:23:10 authority and
00:23:10 --> 00:23:10 then there is
00:23:10 --> 00:23:12 this right hand
00:23:12 --> 00:23:13 with the seven
00:23:13 --> 00:23:13 stars and a
00:23:13 --> 00:23:14 sharp sword
00:23:14 --> 00:23:14 coming out of
00:23:14 --> 00:23:15 his mouth and
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 his face,
00:23:16 --> 00:23:17 shining with
00:23:17 --> 00:23:17 the sun in
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 all its
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 brilliance.
00:23:22 --> 00:23:22 What do you
00:23:22 --> 00:23:23 do when you're
00:23:23 --> 00:23:24 confronted with
00:23:24 --> 00:23:25 such power and
00:23:25 --> 00:23:26 majesty and
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 splendor and
00:23:27 --> 00:23:28 just sheer
00:23:28 --> 00:23:29 awe?
00:23:31 --> 00:23:33 verse 16,
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 verse 17,
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 when I saw
00:23:35 --> 00:23:35 him I fell
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 at his feet
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 as though
00:23:37 --> 00:23:38 dead.
00:23:38 --> 00:23:39 I fell at
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 his feet
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 as though
00:23:41 --> 00:23:42 dead.
00:23:43 --> 00:23:44 This is the
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 resurrected,
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 glorified Christ
00:23:46 --> 00:23:47 and the person
00:23:47 --> 00:23:48 who's writing
00:23:48 --> 00:23:49 this, the
00:23:49 --> 00:23:49 person who fell
00:23:49 --> 00:23:50 at his feet
00:23:50 --> 00:23:51 as though
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 dead is
00:23:52 --> 00:23:53 John.
00:23:53 --> 00:23:53 John.
00:23:53 --> 00:23:58 Just a
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 matter of
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 decades
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 earlier,
00:24:00 --> 00:24:01 John was
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 Jesus'
00:24:02 --> 00:24:02 best mate.
00:24:05 --> 00:24:05 John was
00:24:05 --> 00:24:06 the guy
00:24:06 --> 00:24:07 when the
00:24:07 --> 00:24:07 moment of
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 quietness was
00:24:08 --> 00:24:10 there, Jesus
00:24:10 --> 00:24:10 would gather
00:24:10 --> 00:24:11 John with
00:24:11 --> 00:24:11 him.
00:24:13 --> 00:24:13 John was
00:24:13 --> 00:24:13 the one who
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 leaned on
00:24:14 --> 00:24:14 Jesus and
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 had a nap.
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 Sam doesn't
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 do that for
00:24:18 --> 00:24:18 me.
00:24:18 --> 00:24:25 Not even
00:24:25 --> 00:24:25 on a long
00:24:25 --> 00:24:26 flight.
00:24:29 --> 00:24:29 That's how
00:24:29 --> 00:24:30 close John
00:24:30 --> 00:24:30 and Jesus
00:24:30 --> 00:24:31 were and
00:24:31 --> 00:24:33 John sees
00:24:33 --> 00:24:33 Jesus here
00:24:33 --> 00:24:34 and he
00:24:34 --> 00:24:35 falls down
00:24:35 --> 00:24:36 as though
00:24:36 --> 00:24:36 dead.
00:24:36 --> 00:24:37 I am not
00:24:37 --> 00:24:37 worthy to
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 be in your
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 presence.
00:24:39 --> 00:24:39 This Jesus
00:24:39 --> 00:24:40 is not to
00:24:40 --> 00:24:40 be trifled
00:24:40 --> 00:24:41 with.
00:24:41 --> 00:24:41 He's not
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 to be
00:24:42 --> 00:24:42 treated
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 with
00:24:43 --> 00:24:43 disdain.
00:24:44 --> 00:24:45 Domitian
00:24:45 --> 00:24:45 might be
00:24:45 --> 00:24:45 the emperor
00:24:45 --> 00:24:46 of the
00:24:46 --> 00:24:46 Roman Empire
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 but he's
00:24:47 --> 00:24:47 a librarian
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 compared to
00:24:48 --> 00:24:48 Jesus.
00:24:50 --> 00:24:51 And to
00:24:51 --> 00:24:51 John's
00:24:51 --> 00:24:51 immense
00:24:51 --> 00:24:52 relief,
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 his once
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 best mate
00:24:54 --> 00:24:54 leans over
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 to him.
00:24:55 --> 00:24:55 The judge,
00:24:55 --> 00:24:56 the king,
00:24:56 --> 00:24:56 the majestic
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 eternal ruler
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 places his
00:24:58 --> 00:24:59 hand on his
00:24:59 --> 00:25:00 right shoulders
00:25:00 --> 00:25:00 and speaks
00:25:00 --> 00:25:01 words of
00:25:01 --> 00:25:01 comfort to
00:25:01 --> 00:25:01 him,
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 do not
00:25:02 --> 00:25:03 be afraid.
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 See,
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 this is a
00:25:05 --> 00:25:06 word of
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 comfort for
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 Christians
00:25:07 --> 00:25:08 struggling in
00:25:08 --> 00:25:09 this world.
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 Do not
00:25:11 --> 00:25:13 be afraid.
00:25:14 --> 00:25:14 This is
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 astounding
00:25:15 --> 00:25:15 words of
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 comfort for
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 a prisoner
00:25:17 --> 00:25:17 of the
00:25:17 --> 00:25:17 Lord
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 Jesus.
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 This
00:25:20 --> 00:25:20 Jesus
00:25:20 --> 00:25:22 stands with
00:25:22 --> 00:25:23 his people
00:25:23 --> 00:25:23 suffering
00:25:23 --> 00:25:24 terribly in
00:25:24 --> 00:25:24 Iraq right
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 now and
00:25:25 --> 00:25:26 from this
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 word you
00:25:26 --> 00:25:27 can say
00:25:27 --> 00:25:27 do not
00:25:27 --> 00:25:28 be afraid.
00:25:30 --> 00:25:31 Someone
00:25:31 --> 00:25:31 greater than
00:25:31 --> 00:25:32 ISIS is
00:25:32 --> 00:25:32 here.
00:25:37 --> 00:25:38 The
00:25:38 --> 00:25:38 encouragement
00:25:38 --> 00:25:38 here is
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 that despite
00:25:39 --> 00:25:39 how it
00:25:39 --> 00:25:40 looks,
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 Jesus is
00:25:41 --> 00:25:41 with his
00:25:41 --> 00:25:42 church,
00:25:42 --> 00:25:43 he's in
00:25:43 --> 00:25:43 Iraq,
00:25:43 --> 00:25:44 he's right
00:25:44 --> 00:25:44 here with
00:25:44 --> 00:25:45 us right
00:25:45 --> 00:25:45 now as
00:25:45 --> 00:25:46 the son
00:25:46 --> 00:25:46 of man,
00:25:46 --> 00:25:47 the one
00:25:47 --> 00:25:47 with power
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 over all
00:25:48 --> 00:25:49 that is,
00:25:49 --> 00:25:50 seen and
00:25:50 --> 00:25:51 unseen,
00:25:51 --> 00:25:51 the one
00:25:51 --> 00:25:52 with everlasting
00:25:52 --> 00:25:53 dominion and
00:25:53 --> 00:25:53 glory.
00:25:53 --> 00:25:54 He is the
00:25:54 --> 00:25:54 great high
00:25:54 --> 00:25:55 priest and
00:25:55 --> 00:25:55 he has put
00:25:55 --> 00:25:56 away your
00:25:56 --> 00:25:57 sins once
00:25:57 --> 00:25:57 and for
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 all.
00:25:59 --> 00:25:59 He is the
00:25:59 --> 00:26:00 great and
00:26:00 --> 00:26:00 wise ancient
00:26:00 --> 00:26:01 of days and
00:26:01 --> 00:26:02 yet his
00:26:02 --> 00:26:03 eyes are
00:26:03 --> 00:26:04 aflamed with
00:26:04 --> 00:26:05 the fire of
00:26:05 --> 00:26:05 youth and
00:26:05 --> 00:26:06 energy and
00:26:06 --> 00:26:06 hope and
00:26:06 --> 00:26:08 exhilaration for
00:26:08 --> 00:26:08 his unstoppable
00:26:08 --> 00:26:09 plans for you
00:26:09 --> 00:26:10 and for his
00:26:10 --> 00:26:11 church and for
00:26:11 --> 00:26:12 his world and
00:26:12 --> 00:26:13 for his
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 universe.
00:26:13 --> 00:26:15 gaze upon
00:26:15 --> 00:26:15 Jesus and
00:26:15 --> 00:26:16 let his
00:26:16 --> 00:26:16 royal power
00:26:16 --> 00:26:17 and his
00:26:17 --> 00:26:17 priestly
00:26:17 --> 00:26:18 forgiveness and
00:26:18 --> 00:26:18 his fiery
00:26:18 --> 00:26:19 hope fill
00:26:19 --> 00:26:21 you with
00:26:21 --> 00:26:21 confidence
00:26:21 --> 00:26:23 afresh that
00:26:23 --> 00:26:24 treasuring this
00:26:24 --> 00:26:25 Jesus and
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 making him
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 the dominant
00:26:27 --> 00:26:29 reality in
00:26:29 --> 00:26:30 your life
00:26:30 --> 00:26:33 is not a
00:26:33 --> 00:26:33 vanity.
00:26:33 --> 00:26:33 vanity.
00:26:35 --> 00:26:37 It is never
00:26:37 --> 00:26:39 a vanity to
00:26:39 --> 00:26:40 throw your
00:26:40 --> 00:26:41 lot or
00:26:41 --> 00:26:43 everything behind
00:26:43 --> 00:26:45 this Jesus and
00:26:45 --> 00:26:45 with this
00:26:45 --> 00:26:46 Jesus.
00:26:47 --> 00:26:48 You see the
00:26:48 --> 00:26:49 most significant
00:26:49 --> 00:26:49 feature of this
00:26:49 --> 00:26:50 passage is the
00:26:50 --> 00:26:52 overwhelming glory
00:26:52 --> 00:26:53 of Jesus.
00:26:53 --> 00:26:53 He is risen,
00:26:53 --> 00:26:54 he is indestructible,
00:26:55 --> 00:26:57 he is unconquerable,
00:26:57 --> 00:27:00 he is Lord and
00:27:00 --> 00:27:01 as such he
00:27:01 --> 00:27:02 summons forth
00:27:02 --> 00:27:03 obedience and
00:27:03 --> 00:27:04 allegiance and
00:27:04 --> 00:27:06 worship from his
00:27:06 --> 00:27:07 blessed people.
00:27:08 --> 00:27:09 Jesus is to be
00:27:09 --> 00:27:10 worshipped, he is
00:27:10 --> 00:27:11 to be obeyed
00:27:11 --> 00:27:11 because of his
00:27:11 --> 00:27:12 surpassing worth
00:27:12 --> 00:27:13 and power.
00:27:14 --> 00:27:15 And John intends
00:27:15 --> 00:27:16 this book of
00:27:16 --> 00:27:17 Revelation to
00:27:17 --> 00:27:18 produce a radical
00:27:18 --> 00:27:19 change in
00:27:19 --> 00:27:21 perspective for
00:27:21 --> 00:27:21 us, for
00:27:21 --> 00:27:22 everyone.
00:27:25 --> 00:27:26 Is your gaze
00:27:26 --> 00:27:27 consistently upon
00:27:27 --> 00:27:28 Jesus?
00:27:28 --> 00:27:29 Do you preach
00:27:29 --> 00:27:31 this gospel to
00:27:31 --> 00:27:32 yourself every
00:27:32 --> 00:27:33 day and remind
00:27:33 --> 00:27:33 you that you
00:27:33 --> 00:27:34 are so blessed
00:27:34 --> 00:27:35 regardless of
00:27:35 --> 00:27:36 the circumstances
00:27:36 --> 00:27:37 in your life?
00:27:38 --> 00:27:40 That you are so
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 blessed because of
00:27:41 --> 00:27:41 Jesus.
00:27:43 --> 00:27:43 Are you
00:27:43 --> 00:27:44 announcing to
00:27:44 --> 00:27:45 everyone who
00:27:45 --> 00:27:45 will listen how
00:27:45 --> 00:27:47 blessed it is to
00:27:47 --> 00:27:48 know Jesus?
00:27:49 --> 00:27:50 Are you calling
00:27:50 --> 00:27:51 people to taste
00:27:51 --> 00:27:52 and see that this
00:27:52 --> 00:27:53 Lord is good?
00:27:54 --> 00:27:54 Do people see it
00:27:54 --> 00:27:55 in your life,
00:27:55 --> 00:27:56 in your values,
00:27:56 --> 00:27:57 in your priorities,
00:27:57 --> 00:27:57 in your attitude,
00:27:57 --> 00:27:58 and your
00:27:58 --> 00:27:59 perspective,
00:28:00 --> 00:28:01 that Jesus is
00:28:01 --> 00:28:02 the dominant
00:28:02 --> 00:28:03 reality of your
00:28:03 --> 00:28:03 life?
00:28:06 --> 00:28:07 Let me read to
00:28:07 --> 00:28:08 you something that
00:28:08 --> 00:28:08 was written.
00:28:09 --> 00:28:11 So, John gets
00:28:11 --> 00:28:12 this revelation,
00:28:13 --> 00:28:13 sends it to the
00:28:13 --> 00:28:14 churches in Rome.
00:28:15 --> 00:28:16 Let me read
00:28:16 --> 00:28:17 you, to you,
00:28:18 --> 00:28:19 how the
00:28:19 --> 00:28:20 Christians in
00:28:20 --> 00:28:21 Rome responded
00:28:21 --> 00:28:22 to this
00:28:22 --> 00:28:22 revelation.
00:28:22 --> 00:28:24 This is one
00:28:24 --> 00:28:25 writer reflecting
00:28:25 --> 00:28:26 on the
00:28:26 --> 00:28:28 Christians at
00:28:28 --> 00:28:29 this time of
00:28:29 --> 00:28:29 enormous
00:28:29 --> 00:28:30 persecution.
00:28:32 --> 00:28:33 They loved
00:28:33 --> 00:28:35 everyone, but
00:28:35 --> 00:28:36 by everyone
00:28:36 --> 00:28:36 they are
00:28:36 --> 00:28:37 persecuted.
00:28:38 --> 00:28:38 They are
00:28:38 --> 00:28:39 unknown, yet
00:28:39 --> 00:28:40 they are
00:28:40 --> 00:28:40 condemned.
00:28:41 --> 00:28:41 They are put
00:28:41 --> 00:28:42 to death, and
00:28:42 --> 00:28:43 yet they are
00:28:43 --> 00:28:43 brought to
00:28:43 --> 00:28:43 life.
00:28:44 --> 00:28:45 They are
00:28:45 --> 00:28:47 poor, and
00:28:47 --> 00:28:47 yet they make
00:28:47 --> 00:28:48 so many rich.
00:28:49 --> 00:28:50 They are in
00:28:50 --> 00:28:50 need of
00:28:50 --> 00:28:51 everything, and
00:28:51 --> 00:28:51 yet they are
00:28:51 --> 00:28:52 bound in
00:28:52 --> 00:28:52 everything.
00:28:53 --> 00:28:53 They are
00:28:53 --> 00:28:54 dishonored, and
00:28:54 --> 00:28:55 yet they are
00:28:55 --> 00:28:56 glorified in
00:28:56 --> 00:28:56 their dishonor.
00:28:56 --> 00:28:57 They are
00:28:57 --> 00:28:57 slandered, and
00:28:57 --> 00:28:58 yet they are
00:28:58 --> 00:28:59 vindicated.
00:28:59 --> 00:29:00 They are
00:29:00 --> 00:29:00 cursed, and
00:29:00 --> 00:29:01 yet they
00:29:01 --> 00:29:01 bless.
00:29:02 --> 00:29:02 They are
00:29:02 --> 00:29:03 insulted, yet
00:29:03 --> 00:29:04 they offer
00:29:04 --> 00:29:04 respect.
00:29:05 --> 00:29:05 And when
00:29:05 --> 00:29:07 they do
00:29:07 --> 00:29:07 good, they
00:29:07 --> 00:29:08 are punished
00:29:08 --> 00:29:09 as evildoers.
00:29:09 --> 00:29:09 And when
00:29:09 --> 00:29:10 they are
00:29:10 --> 00:29:10 punished, they
00:29:10 --> 00:29:11 rejoice as
00:29:11 --> 00:29:11 though they
00:29:11 --> 00:29:11 are brought
00:29:11 --> 00:29:12 to life.
00:29:13 --> 00:29:13 And so
00:29:13 --> 00:29:14 Christians were
00:29:14 --> 00:29:15 punished daily.
00:29:16 --> 00:29:16 And so
00:29:16 --> 00:29:17 Christians, when
00:29:17 --> 00:29:19 punished, daily
00:29:19 --> 00:29:20 increase more
00:29:20 --> 00:29:21 and more.
00:29:22 --> 00:29:24 don't miss
00:29:24 --> 00:29:25 what that
00:29:25 --> 00:29:25 quotation
00:29:25 --> 00:29:26 communicates.
00:29:27 --> 00:29:28 These
00:29:28 --> 00:29:28 Christians live
00:29:28 --> 00:29:29 in a way that
00:29:29 --> 00:29:29 says that
00:29:29 --> 00:29:30 knowing and
00:29:30 --> 00:29:31 treasuring Jesus
00:29:31 --> 00:29:33 is better than
00:29:33 --> 00:29:33 everything.
00:29:35 --> 00:29:36 It's better
00:29:36 --> 00:29:37 than freedom
00:29:37 --> 00:29:38 from persecution.
00:29:39 --> 00:29:40 Knowing and
00:29:40 --> 00:29:40 treasuring Jesus
00:29:40 --> 00:29:41 is better than
00:29:41 --> 00:29:42 avoiding martyrdom
00:29:42 --> 00:29:43 by denying
00:29:43 --> 00:29:43 him.
00:29:43 --> 00:29:44 Knowing and
00:29:44 --> 00:29:44 treasuring Jesus
00:29:44 --> 00:29:45 is better than
00:29:45 --> 00:29:46 money and
00:29:46 --> 00:29:47 status.
00:29:47 --> 00:29:48 Knowing and
00:29:48 --> 00:29:48 treasuring Jesus
00:29:48 --> 00:29:49 is better than
00:29:49 --> 00:29:49 fame.
00:29:49 --> 00:29:50 Knowing and
00:29:50 --> 00:29:51 treasuring Jesus
00:29:51 --> 00:29:52 is better than
00:29:52 --> 00:29:53 doing evil to
00:29:53 --> 00:29:54 avoid persecution
00:29:54 --> 00:29:55 from criminal
00:29:55 --> 00:29:56 governments.
00:29:58 --> 00:29:58 You see, when
00:29:58 --> 00:30:00 Christians joyfully
00:30:00 --> 00:30:01 embrace Jesus
00:30:01 --> 00:30:02 as the dominant
00:30:02 --> 00:30:03 reality of their
00:30:03 --> 00:30:04 lives, through
00:30:04 --> 00:30:05 difficult times
00:30:05 --> 00:30:08 especially, it
00:30:08 --> 00:30:09 causes their
00:30:09 --> 00:30:09 numbers to
00:30:09 --> 00:30:10 increase.
00:30:11 --> 00:30:12 When Christians
00:30:12 --> 00:30:13 treasure Jesus
00:30:13 --> 00:30:14 by joyfully
00:30:14 --> 00:30:15 showing by their
00:30:15 --> 00:30:16 lives that
00:30:16 --> 00:30:18 knowing God
00:30:18 --> 00:30:19 is so
00:30:19 --> 00:30:21 immensely good,
00:30:23 --> 00:30:24 others want to
00:30:24 --> 00:30:24 know such a
00:30:24 --> 00:30:25 God.
00:30:27 --> 00:30:28 Is Jesus
00:30:28 --> 00:30:29 the dominant
00:30:29 --> 00:30:30 reality in
00:30:30 --> 00:30:31 your life?
00:30:32 --> 00:30:32 And do
00:30:32 --> 00:30:33 others see it?
00:30:33 --> 00:30:34 Let's pray.
00:30:35 --> 00:30:36 Father God,
00:30:37 --> 00:30:38 we pray that
00:30:38 --> 00:30:39 you would help
00:30:39 --> 00:30:39 us to see
00:30:39 --> 00:30:40 Jesus.
00:30:41 --> 00:30:42 Give us a
00:30:42 --> 00:30:42 glimpse of
00:30:42 --> 00:30:43 his majesty,
00:30:44 --> 00:30:46 of his worth.
00:30:46 --> 00:30:47 earth, we
00:30:47 --> 00:30:48 ask that we
00:30:48 --> 00:30:48 would be a
00:30:48 --> 00:30:51 church that
00:30:51 --> 00:30:52 lives out what
00:30:52 --> 00:30:52 we say that we
00:30:52 --> 00:30:53 exist for, to
00:30:53 --> 00:30:54 know, to
00:30:54 --> 00:30:56 treasure, to
00:30:56 --> 00:30:57 represent Jesus.
00:30:59 --> 00:31:00 Help us with
00:31:00 --> 00:31:00 pray.
00:31:01 --> 00:31:02 Give us such a
00:31:02 --> 00:31:02 glimpse of your
00:31:02 --> 00:31:04 glory and your
00:31:04 --> 00:31:05 purposes that he
00:31:05 --> 00:31:06 might become the
00:31:06 --> 00:31:07 dominant reality of
00:31:07 --> 00:31:07 our lives.
00:31:07 --> 00:31:07 grace.
00:31:09 --> 00:31:10 We pray for our
00:31:10 --> 00:31:10 brothers and
00:31:10 --> 00:31:11 sisters in Iraq,
00:31:12 --> 00:31:13 right now and
00:31:13 --> 00:31:14 in many other
00:31:14 --> 00:31:14 places in the
00:31:14 --> 00:31:17 world, where
00:31:17 --> 00:31:18 they are not
00:31:18 --> 00:31:19 dulled to the
00:31:19 --> 00:31:20 senses of what
00:31:20 --> 00:31:21 the cost is in
00:31:21 --> 00:31:21 following you.
00:31:23 --> 00:31:24 Father, we pray
00:31:24 --> 00:31:25 that you would
00:31:25 --> 00:31:26 pour out your
00:31:26 --> 00:31:27 spirit upon them
00:31:27 --> 00:31:28 so that they
00:31:28 --> 00:31:29 might see Jesus
00:31:29 --> 00:31:30 in all his
00:31:30 --> 00:31:31 splendor, that
00:31:31 --> 00:31:32 they might feel
00:31:32 --> 00:31:35 his hand upon
00:31:35 --> 00:31:35 them.
00:31:35 --> 00:31:37 they might hear
00:31:37 --> 00:31:38 the words from
00:31:38 --> 00:31:39 your word by
00:31:39 --> 00:31:39 your spirit to
00:31:39 --> 00:31:40 their hearts,
00:31:40 --> 00:31:41 their minds.
00:31:42 --> 00:31:42 Do not be
00:31:42 --> 00:31:43 afraid.
00:31:44 --> 00:31:45 We ask it for
00:31:45 --> 00:31:45 your glory.
00:31:46 --> 00:31:46 Amen.