Ministry Resources
Article

A Study of Revelation

Exie Barber grew up in an Assemblies of God pastor's home. The Kansas District Council of the Assemblies of God Ordained him in 1978. Currently, he serves as senior pastor at the Assembly of God in Ellsworth, Kansas and writes for the adult Radiant Life curriculum. He served as an adjunct faculty member for Global University. He earned his B. A. in Christian Education from Southwestern Assemblies of God College in 1987 and his M.A. in Christian Education from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Inauguration of the King: Revelation 1

Eventually all men will bow in the presence of Christ the King. Some will be forced to fall prostrate in His presence, while others will bow in worshipful humility.

You are on a deserted island, totally by yourself. Its quiet with only the peaceful lapping of the waves upon the shoreline and perhaps the sound of bird calls floating softly across the air. Suddenly, and totally unexpected, a loud booming voice trumpets behind you, “Write on a scroll ….” You quit breathing momentarily, your heart rate skyrockets, and as soon as your muscles can unfreeze, you whirl around in terror to see who is addressing you! This must be somewhat the state John found himself in on the isle of Patmos when he found himself unexpectedly confronted by the overwhelming presence of the all-mighty King of Kings on this rocky island some fifteen miles in diameter off of the coast of Asia where he had been banished by the Roman government because of his proclamation of the Gospel.

Christ revealed Himself to John in a manner that would produce terror in the stoutest of hearts.

He was clothed in royal garments with His hair as white as snow, symbolizing His authority and the wisdom of the ages resting within Him. His eyes were as flames of fire, piercing to the very heart of mankind and revealing man’s very innermost thoughts and motives–nothing can be hidden from Him. His feet are like unto fine brass, reminding us that all mankind will one day stand in front of Christ to receive just and fair judgment for all that they have ever done, or even thought. His voice echoed in John’s ears with authority and power, and we are reminded that there will be no refuting or debating what He says. His words will be carried out and His message will come to pass.

John was so overcome by the majestic power and splendor of this encounter, that he fell prostrate, totally sapped of all strength, at the feet of the conquering King of Kings. Jesus reassured John that He was not there to destroy or harm John, but that He was going to bring total completion to the work of redemption which He had started. It was for this purpose that Jesus had given Himself to experience and overcome death, and that He now commanded John to record the message to follow concerning what is to come. Christ wanted this message recorded in order that mankind could be forewarned and make proper preparations.

We see a totally different picture of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What is the difference? In Matthew, Jesus stands as the loving savior with outstretched arms of love towards all who will come unto Him, whereas in Revelation Jesus is the returning judge with eyes of fire and feet of brass to trample all who have rejected His right to reign and rule over all. Philippians 2:10, 11 states that every human who has ever lived will one day bow in recognition of who Jesus is and confess with their mouths that Jesus is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. The question is when will you bow before Him, and what will be the motivation causing you to bow. Will you bow now in true humility before the Savior of all mankind who waits with outstretched arms, confess that you have sinned, ask for forgiveness, and surrender your life to Him as Lord and Master from this day forward; or will you wait until you are forced to fall prostrate before the judge of all the ages with the eyes of fire to receive an eternal judgment of damnation. Jesus is waiting anxiously for you, so please reach out to Him now and experience the love of all the ages for which your soul is longing.

Next Lesson