Last time, we noticed that the book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, 1. 1, and, from the start of the book, we cannot miss that. In the introduction, 1. 1-8, He is identified as the loving Saviour who died for us, v. 5, but who is clearly alive again; He is the one who rightfully has glory and dominion forever, v. 6, and who is coming back again, v. 7. We see that He is not just relevant for so-called ‘Christian’ nations, but that on His return everyone on earth will be impacted. When He is identified as the beginning, v. 8, we are reminded that it was by Him that everything was made, John 1. 3. As previously explained by Paul, 1 Cor. 15. 24, 25, this book will also demonstrate that He is the ending of all things as well. The introduction closes by reminding us that He is the Almighty. So, from the very start of the book, it is clear that Jesus Christ is God, and the end of all history is bound up in Him. We are also clearly aware that He is in total control, and worthy to be worshipped. These themes are so important to have in mind when following our studies in Revelation. We will see that they pop up often in various forms throughout the book. Whether looking at the past, present, or future, we cannot miss the obvious conclusion: He is the theme of it all.
Talking of past, present, and future, that is what John is to record, 1. 19, and send to the seven churches located in the Roman province of Asia, v. 11, part of modern-day Turkey.
While a lot of Revelation covers ‘things which must shortly come to pass’ (the future), v. 1, the key to understanding John's writings about both the future and the present is ‘the things that thou [John] hast seen’, v. 19 — that is, the past when he was writing. What does he record that was already past when he was told to write? In keeping with the theme of the whole book, it’s a vision of the Lord Jesus, vv. 1, 9-18, which gives us the basis for understanding aspects of the whole book!
Let’s just look at some parts of this vision quickly:
His clothes, v. 13, indicate a priest,1 reminding us that even in the worst situations to be revealed later, He still represents His own people.
His head and hair, v. 14, recall the vision Daniel had of the ‘Ancient of Days’2 in the Old Testament, Dan. 7. 9-14. That reveals again that Jesus Christ is God, the same as the Jehovah of the Old Testament. He is one who as Son of man will conquer and rule over all kingdoms of the earth. He will also judge earth's rebel leaders from the opened books. If you have read the whole of Revelation, you will immediately see why that part is relevant! He will not miss anything with those blazing eyes.
His feet of brass, v. 15 — the metal which resists fire and speaks of judgement. He is the one whose ways in judgement are perfect and who will never be condemned as He treads the world in judgement.
From His mouth, a sword, v. 16 — a symbol of the word of God. Again, this is very relevant — the one who created all things by speaking will also judge all nations and destroy all enemies by the authority of His word. And so, this vision really sets the scene for the theme of the revelation of future events.
However, it also sets the scene for the messages to the churches in the present. In the next article we will look at those. Relevant parts of the vision appear in those letters to the churches in the next two chapters.
Finally, note two more things:
Compare with Exod. 28. 4, 31.
While some authors identify the ‘Ancient of Days’ in Daniel as the Lord Jesus, others as the Father, and others simply as God, it is clear that He is the Jehovah of the Old Testament, where individual members of the Trinity are often not clearly distinguished.
