Jesus in the Midst of Us

Notes: Jesus in the Midst of Us
December 11, 2016
Coast Hills
Pastor Chet

Revelation 1:9-18 NKJV
[9] I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. [10] I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, [11] saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." [12] Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. [14] His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; [15] His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; [16] He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. [17] And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. [18] I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Isaiah proclaimed Jesus' birth 740 years before it happened.

The Book of Revelation was written 60 years after Jesus on the island of Patmos.

Patmos means "my killing". John was sent there to die.

1. John would turn and listen to Jesus.

Even on Patmos.

Patmos was considered John's Tribulation.

John knew Jesus' voice, do you know Jesus' voice?

John would listen to Jesus' voice in the midst of trial.

Psalm 56:3 NKJV
[3] Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

2. Jesus is in the Midst of Us.

Revelation 1:12-13 NKJV
[12] Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

These lamp stands are the church. Jesus is standing in the midst of the church.

John 19:18 NKJV
[18] where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.

Jesus is in the middle of our suffering with us.

Revelation 2:1 NKJV
[1] "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

Revelation 7:17 NKJV
[17] for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

When Jesus is in the midst, He is with you. The Generous Gift that keeps on giving.

3. Jesus is Our Wise High Priest

Revelation 1:13-14 NKJV
[13] and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. [14] His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;

Jesus is the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19 NKJV
[18] Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness";

Revelation 1:14-15 NKJV
[14] His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; [15] His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

John is describing the overwhelming presence of Jesus in our lives.

When Jesus comes, He burns away all those things that don't glorify Him in your life.

John describes how if you listen, you will only hear God's voice.

Psalm 130:6 NKJV
[6] My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

Revelation 1:17-18 ESV
[17] 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, [18] and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Jesus the Generous Gift that keeps on giving is the gift of faith and hope.

When someone has the keys, they are the owner.

Jesus gives us the touch of love.