The Worthiness Of Jesus ( 4)

THE worthiness of Christ is based on very remarkable works and achievements that no one living or dead can contest. These achievements include His sacrificial death; His unique position in history ( Rev. 19: 11– 19); His conquest and victories ( Rev. 5: 4- 5); His preeminence ( Col. 1: 16- 19); and His enthronement ( Phil. 2: 5-). In Revelation 19: 11- 16, John ascribes titles and descriptions to Jesus in 12 ways that re- enforces the worthiness of Christ.

• “He is called Faithful and True,” ( v. 11). He is faithful and true to his covenant and promise. Warren Wiersbe wrote: “Suffering saints need to be reminded that God is faithful and will not desert them, because His promises are true.”

• “He judges and makes war in righteousness,” ( v. 11). Christian is both a judge and warrior. Moses describes him as a man of war ( Ex. 15: 3)

• “His eyes are like a fiery flame,” ( v. 12). This describes His piercing holiness and His searching judgment that sees all.

• “Many crowns are on His head,” ( v. 12). John sa w Him who was ‘ King of kings and Lord of lords,’ and ‘ on His head were many crowns.’ Thus, in a beautiful figure, the universal dominion of our blessed Lord is set forth.”

• “He has a name written that no one knows except Himself,” ( v. 12). This reminds us that the Lor d has not revealed ever ything about Himself and His plans. In the letter to the church at Pergamum, Jesus promises the victor a white stone inscribed with a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it ( Rev. 2: 17).

• “He wears a robe stained with blood,” ( v. 13). Commentators disagree as to whether this blood is Jesus’ redemptive blood shed on the cross, or the blood of His enemies. Possibly both.

• W arren Wiersbe comments: “The Word of God” is one of the familiar names of our Lord in the Scripture ( John 1: 1– 14). Just as we reveal our minds and hearts to others by our words, so the Father reveals Himself to us through His Son, the incarnate Word ( Rev. 14: 7– 11).”

• “The armies in heaven follow Him on white horses, wearing pure white linen,” ( v. 14). Note that John saw more than one army , indicating that both angels and saints accompanied Jesus.

• “A sharp sword comes from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it.”

( v. 15). This is figurative language describing the powerful spoken word of our Savior. John draws from His description of Jesus in Rev . 1: 16 in which a sharp double- edged sword proceeds from His mouth. And He may be referencing Heb. 4: 12 in which the word of God, sharper than any double- edged sword, penetrates as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and ideas of the heart.

• “He will shepherd them with an iron scepter,” ( v 15). This symbolises Christ’s justice as He rules the earth. “The word shepherd may be a reflection that, as Christ will tenderly shepherd His people, there is another side to that role – shepherding the unbelievers among the nations with an iron scepter.”

• “He will trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty,” ( v. 15). This reference is rooted deeply in Old Testament imagery. We see it in Isa. 63: 2- 3 ( as a future Davidic King judges the nations).

• “He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords,” ( v. 16). This is Christ’s exalted and victorious name.