Awakening to the Majesty and Grace of Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Persevering Through Suffering as Followers of Jesus

To follow Jesus is to walk a path marked by tribulation, perseverance, and the hope of the kingdom. John, exiled on Patmos for his unwavering testimony, reminds us that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or punishment, but rather a mark of true discipleship. In a world that often seeks comfort and ease, we are called to embrace perseverance in Christ, knowing that our trials connect us to the very road our Lord walked. When we feel weak or overwhelmed, we are invited to lean on the strength and endurance that Jesus provides, trusting that He is with us in every hardship and that our faithfulness will be rewarded in His kingdom. [36:31]

Revelation 1:9 (ESV)
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area of suffering or trial you are currently facing, and how can you invite Jesus to help you persevere with faith and hope today?

Day 2: Jesus, the Glorified Son Who Watches Over His Church

Jesus stands in the midst of His church as the glorified Son of Man, clothed in majesty, purity, and authority. John’s vision reveals a Savior whose eyes penetrate our hearts, whose voice commands attention, and whose presence is both awe-inspiring and comforting. This is not a distant or passive Lord, but One who actively watches over, assesses, and cares deeply for His bride. As we gather as a church, we are reminded that Jesus is present among us, longing for us to remain faithful, pure, and attentive to His voice above all others. [47:07]

Revelation 1:12-16 (ESV)
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

Reflection: As you consider Jesus’ presence in our church, what is one way you can honor Him more fully in your worship or service this week?

Day 3: The Comfort and Authority of the Risen Christ

When confronted with the overwhelming holiness and authority of Jesus, John fell at His feet as though dead. Yet, Jesus responded not with rebuke, but with comfort—placing His right hand on John and assuring him, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus reveals Himself as the First and the Last, the Living One who has conquered death and holds the keys to the grave. For all who long to see Him, there is both awe and deep reassurance: our Savior is alive, sovereign, and intimately involved in our lives, offering comfort and hope even in our most fearful moments. [57:52]

Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

Reflection: Where do you need to hear Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid,” in your life today, and how can you rest in His authority and comfort?

Day 4: Examining Ourselves Before the Holy King

As we approach the Lord’s table, we are called to examine our hearts in light of the holiness and purity of Jesus. His eyes see through every pretense, and His judgment is perfect. We cannot fake our devotion or approach communion casually; instead, we are invited to come honestly, confessing our sins and recognizing our unworthiness. Yet, it is precisely in our sense of unworthiness that we are most ready to receive His grace. The table is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, a place where brokenness meets forgiveness, and where we are reminded that we contribute nothing but our need—Jesus provides everything. [01:01:58]

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 (ESV)
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Reflection: Before you next take communion, what specific sin or area of your life do you need to bring honestly before Jesus, trusting in His forgiveness and grace?

Day 5: The Grace and Healing Found in Christ’s Sacrifice

Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, laid down His life to rescue, heal, and restore us. His substitutionary death is a gift we could never earn, and through His body and blood, we are welcomed into God’s family forever. No sin can separate us from His love; His grace meets us in our deepest need and continues to sustain us each day. As we reflect on the cross, let us give thanks for the healing, forgiveness, and new life that Jesus freely offers, and let our lives be marked by gratitude and a desire to honor Him in all we do. [01:08:13]

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice today—through prayer, worship, or an act of love toward someone else?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate the Lord’s Day, to support our young people, to hear from our missionaries, and most importantly, to fix our eyes on Jesus as revealed in Revelation 1. The passage draws us into the vision John received on the island of Patmos, a vision that is both awe-inspiring and sobering. John, now an old man exiled for his faith, writes not from a place of comfort but from the crucible of suffering—a reminder that following Jesus often means sharing in His sufferings as well as His glory. The Christian life is not a path of ease, but one marked by perseverance, tribulation, and the sustaining grace of Christ.

John’s vision of Jesus is unlike any earthly image or memory. He sees the glorified Son of Man, clothed in priestly garments, with hair white as wool, eyes like flames of fire, feet like burnished bronze, and a voice like rushing waters. This is not the gentle, familiar Jesus of Sunday school pictures, but the risen, reigning King who stands in the midst of His church, searching hearts, judging with perfect equity, and holding all authority. The vision is meant to awaken us—to remind us that Jesus is not distant or passive, but actively present, examining His bride, calling us to faithfulness, and preparing us for His return.

John’s response to this vision is to fall at Jesus’ feet as though dead, overwhelmed by the holiness and majesty of Christ. Yet, Jesus responds with comfort, placing His right hand on John and telling him not to be afraid. He reminds John—and us—that He is the First and the Last, the Living One who holds the keys of death and Hades. Our hope is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus; because He lives, we are not destined for the grave but for eternal life with Him.

As we approach the Lord’s table, we are called to examine ourselves in light of this vision. We cannot fake our devotion before the One whose eyes penetrate every heart. Yet, the table is not for the worthy, but for the broken who know their need for grace. We come not because we deserve it, but because Jesus has made a way for us through His body and blood. In our unworthiness, we find the fullness of His love and forgiveness. May we respond with repentance, gratitude, and renewed commitment to walk in the light of His presence.

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering Is Integral to Following Jesus John’s exile and suffering on Patmos are not exceptions but part of the normal Christian experience. To follow Jesus is to share in His sufferings, not as punishment, but as a mark of true discipleship. Perseverance in trials is only possible through the sustaining grace found in Christ, who Himself walked the road of suffering before us. [36:31]
2. The Glorified Christ Is Present and Active in His Church The vision of Jesus among the lampstands reveals that He is not a distant figure, but the living Lord who stands in the midst of His people. His eyes penetrate, His feet judge, and His voice commands authority—He knows the true state of His church and calls us to faithfulness. This reality should awaken us from complacency and draw us into deeper reverence and obedience. [47:07]
3. True Worship Requires Honest Self-Examination Approaching the Lord’s table is not a casual ritual but a call to examine our hearts before the holy and righteous King. Jesus’ penetrating gaze means we cannot hide behind outward appearances or empty ceremony. Yet, this examination is not meant to drive us to despair, but to humble us and lead us to the grace that Christ freely offers. [61:58]
4. Our Hope Is Anchored in the Resurrection and Authority of Jesus Jesus declares Himself the First and the Last, the Living One who holds the keys of death and Hades. Because He has conquered the grave, we have a sure and living hope that death is not our end. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and faithfully, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [57:52]
5. Grace Is for the Unworthy—Come to the Table The Lord’s table is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, a place where the unworthy are invited to receive what they do not deserve. Our only contribution is the sin that made salvation necessary, yet Jesus meets us with forgiveness, healing, and love. In our brokenness, we are most ready to receive His grace and to be restored as His beloved.

** [67:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:34] - Missionary Update: Barry and Markita Staley
[32:59] - The Danger of Good Things Replacing Better Things
[34:21] - The Glorified Jesus in Revelation 1
[35:27] - Misconceptions of Jesus
[36:31] - Suffering as a Mark of Discipleship
[39:05] - John’s Perseverance and Exile
[40:38] - Sharing in Suffering and Glory
[43:47] - John’s Vision: In the Spirit on the Lord’s Day
[45:03] - The Command to Write to the Seven Churches
[47:07] - Jesus Among the Lampstands
[48:16] - The Son of Man: Daniel’s Vision Fulfilled
[50:10] - The Priestly and Holy Attributes of Jesus
[52:14] - The Voice Like Rushing Waters
[55:21] - John’s Response and Jesus’ Comfort
[57:52] - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades
[61:58] - Examining Ourselves Before the Table
[67:12] - Prayer of Confession and Thanksgiving
[76:30] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 1:9–20 — (John’s vision of the glorified Jesus on Patmos)

- Daniel 7:13–14
(The Son of Man coming to the Ancient of Days)

- 1 Corinthians 11:27–28
(Self-examination before the Lord’s Table)

Observation Questions

In Revelation 1:9, how does John describe his situation and what three things does he say he shares with other believers?
What are some of the specific details John uses to describe Jesus in his vision (Revelation 1:13–16)?
According to the sermon, what do the seven lampstands and the seven stars represent in John’s vision?
What is John’s immediate reaction when he sees the glorified Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to him?

Interpretation Questions

Why does John emphasize that he is a “fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance” with the churches? What does this suggest about the normal Christian experience?
The vision of Jesus in Revelation 1 is very different from the “gentle, familiar Jesus” many people imagine. Why do you think John is shown this particular image of Christ?
What does it mean that Jesus is “in the midst of the lampstands” and holds the “seven stars” in his right hand? How does this affect the way we think about Jesus’ relationship to the church today?
Why is self-examination important before coming to the Lord’s Table, according to both Revelation 1 and 1 Corinthians 11:27–28?

Application Questions

John’s suffering and exile were a direct result of his faithfulness to Jesus. Have you ever experienced hardship or exclusion because of your faith? How did you respond, and what helped you persevere?
The sermon said, “You can’t fake it with Jesus.” Are there areas in your life where you have been “faking it” or just going through the motions spiritually? What would it look like to be honest with Jesus about those areas this week?
John’s vision of Jesus is awe-inspiring and even frightening. When you think about Jesus as the holy, glorified King who sees everything, how does that change the way you approach worship or prayer?
The Lord’s Table is for the broken and unworthy, not the perfect. Is there something in your life right now that makes you feel unworthy to come to Jesus? How can you bring that to Him and receive His grace?
Jesus comforts John by reminding him, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last… I have the keys of death and Hades.” How does the resurrection of Jesus give you hope in the face of fear, suffering, or even death?
The sermon challenged us to examine ourselves before the Lord’s Table. What is one practical step you can take this week to honestly examine your heart and seek God’s forgiveness and renewal?
Jesus is described as actively present in His church, searching hearts and calling us to faithfulness. What is one area where you sense Jesus calling you to deeper faithfulness or obedience right now?

Sermon Clips

It is imperative we understand how John is describing Jesus, because this is who Jesus is in his present state. This is who Jesus is in his glorified position. The glorified Son who watches over his bride in his holy state. [00:34:21] (26 seconds)

Jesus is Lord of the church. And Jesus' primary concern is always to watch over his bride. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves his church. He cares for it. It grieves him when his bride departs from truth. [00:47:23] (18 seconds)

His eyes are able to penetrate. His eyes are able to penetrate his church in which he gazes and see exactly what is going on inside of his bride. [00:51:00] (15 seconds)

But I also want you to not only see John's response, I want you to see how Jesus responded to him. Now remember, John is one of the beloved disciples. He's the beloved one. He was close with Jesus for his three and a half year ministry. He was in the inner circle, and he had a connection with the Lord. And the Lord sees John's response, and Jesus doesn't rebuke him. He doesn't chastise him. He doesn't say, what are you doing? Or he doesn't even say, stay on the ground. How does Jesus respond to John? Well, he placed his right hand on him, and he says, do not be afraid. I am the first and the last. [00:56:13] (51 seconds)

The eternal, holy, only wise God is looking at our church. He's examining who we are. And I pray as we listen to the text of scripture. And hear the words of Jesus spoken over his bride. That we see ways to continue to press on. Press forward. In the things that we're doing. That he is honored and pleased. But I also pray that we repent of ways that we are weak in. We know that God loves the church. And we know that Jesus is desiring for us to be ready to be with him. Why? Because we are his possession and prize. [01:01:06] (46 seconds)

Here's what I hear when I read Revelation 1 and I see the picture of the vision that John received: you can't fake it. You can't fake it with Jesus. If his eyes are penetrating looking into the hearts of those who know him and love him, if his feet are burnished bronze able to judge with equity, if he is the king of kings and he holds the church in his hand, how dare we approach this table in a lazy ceremonial fashion? We need to be awoken to the purity and holiness of the one that we celebrate today. [01:03:16] (51 seconds)

I would hope that as you examine your hearts the first thing you would realize is I'm not worthy to partake of this table. Like who of us can come to this table and say yep I deserve this I deserve the death of Christ I deserve his blood shed for me none of us deserve that it is a grace gift freely given on our behalf so that we can be in communion with him why because he loves us more than we would ever know. [01:04:12] (38 seconds)

When we are most unworthy come to the table and receive what you do not deserve. 18th century revivalist preacher Jonathan Edwards rightly stated you contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. There is nothing we bring except our brokenness and Jesus forgives us and restores us and heals us and calls us his beloved and this table recognizes that. [01:05:10] (45 seconds)

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