When it came time for Jesus Christ to be sent by God to redeem mankind, he first sent a man from out of the wilderness, to proclaim his entrance. He had this to say about himself:
Joh 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
Joh 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
Joh 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
Joh 1:22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
Joh 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
Joh 1:24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
Joh 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
In Mat. 3:3 he is described as the same spoken of in Isaiah which foretold of him--
Mat 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
In this discription the idea is that every obstruction shall be so removed as to reveal to the whole world the salvation of God in Him whose name is the “Savior.” (Compare Psa_98:3; Isa_11:10; Isa_49:6; Isa_52:10; Luk_2:31, Luk_2:32; Act_13:47). (JFB comm)
Johns life and mission was the beginnings of several distinct aspects of God's voice spoken clearly, and distinctly to a world steeped in sin and degradation. His voice through John was the first rumblings of what was to be a series of God's proclamations of who Jesus is; and God's open acknowledgement of him as his only begotten Son.
Joh 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
Joh 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
Joh 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
Joh 1:22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
Joh 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
Joh 1:24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
Joh 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
In Mat. 3:3 he is described as the same spoken of in Isaiah which foretold of him--
Mat 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
In this discription the idea is that every obstruction shall be so removed as to reveal to the whole world the salvation of God in Him whose name is the “Savior.” (Compare Psa_98:3; Isa_11:10; Isa_49:6; Isa_52:10; Luk_2:31, Luk_2:32; Act_13:47). (JFB comm)
Johns life and mission was the beginnings of several distinct aspects of God's voice spoken clearly, and distinctly to a world steeped in sin and degradation. His voice through John was the first rumblings of what was to be a series of God's proclamations of who Jesus is; and God's open acknowledgement of him as his only begotten Son.
Immediately after this baptism a Voice is heard from heaven:
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. See also Joh 1:32
This is also recorded in Mar 1:11, and Luk 3:22, establishing "every word by the mouth of two or three witness". This is the fulfillment of Isa 42:1 "Behold My Servant, Mine Elect, IN WHOM MY SOUL DELIGHTETH." also the words that follow, "I have put My Spirit upon Him; He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." Also see references in Psa 2:7
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. See also Joh 1:32
This is also recorded in Mar 1:11, and Luk 3:22, establishing "every word by the mouth of two or three witness". This is the fulfillment of Isa 42:1 "Behold My Servant, Mine Elect, IN WHOM MY SOUL DELIGHTETH." also the words that follow, "I have put My Spirit upon Him; He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." Also see references in Psa 2:7
Now, moving forward with the Lord, we see transcribed for us in Mat. 17 the transfiguration of Christ. In this event his diety, and his glory is revealed by those standing by, and the appearance of the two witnesses, Moses and Eiljah from heaven also with him brought greater weight to the majesty of the moment. It brought the three disciples to the ground; rightfully so. This account is also recorded twice more in Mar 9:2-8 and Luk 9:28-36
Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Mat 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Mat 17:6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
The F.B. Meyer comm. below gives a beautiful description of this glorious event:
JESUS SHOWS DIVINE GLORY
Moses’ face shone after having absorbed the divine glory, as some diamonds burn with sunlight after being carried into a dark room. Stephen’s face shone because for a moment he had seen the Son of man. But the face of our Lord shone, not from without but from within. The shekinah of His heart was for the most part hidden, but here it burst through the frail veil of flesh, Joh_1:14.
The Apostle uses the same word when he says, “Be ye transfigured,” Rom_12:2. He does not mean that for a brief moment we should see and reflect our Lord’s face. He wants us to enshrine Him in our hearts, and then to rid ourselves of all hindering veils, so that the light of the knowledge of the glory of God may make even the common garb of daily drudgery beautiful.
This was the great climax of our Lord’s earthly life, when He definitely turned away from the glory that was set before Him, to endure the Cross for our redemption.
Another point I will bring out about this event is recorded in Luk 9:35-here God chooses to speak from heaven and give this instruction:
Luk 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Here we see the inseparable relationship between the two; Father and Son, and God the Almighty admonishing the men on the ground, and us;
HEAR HIM.
For those interested in the historical points of this; It's noted in the PNT comm. that this took place probably on Mt. Hermon. It could not have been Mt. Tabor, for, as we learn from Josephus, who lived in that time, the top of Mt. Tabor was then occupied by a town and fortress. On the other hand, the Lord was in the vicinity of Mt. Hermon (Mat_16:13, note); Hermon was a "high mountain," ten thousand feet high, visible over most of Palestine.
On a personal note, as a new believer many years ago, I studied these accounts and cross-referenced these verses with others that told of Christ before he was even born throughout the Old Testament, and saw the historical evidence of who he was. It did something to my heart and life that changed me forever. No one can force faith on anyone; you have to finally come to the place yourself that you not only believe; but know beyond doubt that what you've been shown is the truth. I finally came to that place when scripture revealed Christ to me with undeniable evidence. As I searched historical documents, and continued to find scripture backing it up, faith became solid. I know He is who He says He is,
He tells us if we seek Him with our whole hearts, we will find Him. I know this to be true.
Through the years, many answered prayers have also watered my faith. Every answered prayer is a seed of faith that grows in the heart.
Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Mat 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Mat 17:6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
The F.B. Meyer comm. below gives a beautiful description of this glorious event:
JESUS SHOWS DIVINE GLORY
Moses’ face shone after having absorbed the divine glory, as some diamonds burn with sunlight after being carried into a dark room. Stephen’s face shone because for a moment he had seen the Son of man. But the face of our Lord shone, not from without but from within. The shekinah of His heart was for the most part hidden, but here it burst through the frail veil of flesh, Joh_1:14.
The Apostle uses the same word when he says, “Be ye transfigured,” Rom_12:2. He does not mean that for a brief moment we should see and reflect our Lord’s face. He wants us to enshrine Him in our hearts, and then to rid ourselves of all hindering veils, so that the light of the knowledge of the glory of God may make even the common garb of daily drudgery beautiful.
This was the great climax of our Lord’s earthly life, when He definitely turned away from the glory that was set before Him, to endure the Cross for our redemption.
Another point I will bring out about this event is recorded in Luk 9:35-here God chooses to speak from heaven and give this instruction:
Luk 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Here we see the inseparable relationship between the two; Father and Son, and God the Almighty admonishing the men on the ground, and us;
HEAR HIM.
For those interested in the historical points of this; It's noted in the PNT comm. that this took place probably on Mt. Hermon. It could not have been Mt. Tabor, for, as we learn from Josephus, who lived in that time, the top of Mt. Tabor was then occupied by a town and fortress. On the other hand, the Lord was in the vicinity of Mt. Hermon (Mat_16:13, note); Hermon was a "high mountain," ten thousand feet high, visible over most of Palestine.
On a personal note, as a new believer many years ago, I studied these accounts and cross-referenced these verses with others that told of Christ before he was even born throughout the Old Testament, and saw the historical evidence of who he was. It did something to my heart and life that changed me forever. No one can force faith on anyone; you have to finally come to the place yourself that you not only believe; but know beyond doubt that what you've been shown is the truth. I finally came to that place when scripture revealed Christ to me with undeniable evidence. As I searched historical documents, and continued to find scripture backing it up, faith became solid. I know He is who He says He is,
He tells us if we seek Him with our whole hearts, we will find Him. I know this to be true.
Through the years, many answered prayers have also watered my faith. Every answered prayer is a seed of faith that grows in the heart.
Going forward now to the days of John the apostle, exiled on the Isle of Patmos, imprisoned for the witness of Jesus Christ. Again, the Voice from Heaven comes to him with power.
This is John's testimony:
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
This begins the unfolding of the Apocalypse as it's revealed to John.
The Revelation. Apocalypse, or uncovering, so the Greek word means. The curtain of the future is lifted.
Of Jesus Christ. The revelation is made by Jesus Christ. See chapter 5.
God gave him to shew. See chapter 5. He who sits on the throne gave to the Son the sealed book of the future to open it.
Shortly come to pass. The series of events began to unfold in a few years after John wrote, and has rolled on through all the centuries. Lange renders the Greek translated "shortly" by the phrase "in quick succession," which is nearly its meaning. It implies successive order.
He sent and signified. The things "which must shortly come to pass."
By his angel. Here, and throughout the Apocalypse the office of unveiling the different scenes appears to be assigned to a particular angel. See Rev_4:1; Rev_21:9; Rev_22:1; Rev_22:8, etc.
To his servant John. A usual designation of the prophets. See Isa_49:5; Amo_3:7; Rev_19:10.
Who bare record. John is meant, who made the record of all he saw and heard.
Blessed is he that readeth. There is a reference to the custom that had already grown up, at the close of the first century, of reading the apostolic writings publicly in the churches. The benediction is pronounced on the public reader; on those that hear, and lastly upon those that keep the words contained in this prophecy.
The time is at hand. The period to which the prophecy relates is near.(PNT comm)
Now, in ch. 4 we see John transported to the throne of God; and once again he hears the Voice. The same as in Rev. 1:10
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
The PNT comm gives this food for thought:
I was in the spirit. At once he was lifted to that spiritual exaltation which enabled him to behold the heavenly visions.
A throne. The throne of God was revealed and One sat on the throne.
He that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius. We learn from Rev_21:11 the qualities of the jasper meant; a stone of dazzling brilliance, a mountain of light, clear as crystal. The two probably symbolize the splendor, holiness and judgments of God.
Rainbow round about the throne. The rainbow was a pledge of God's faithfulness to his covenants (Gen_9:13). God sits upon the throne, splendid, dazzling, terrible, but compassed about by the Covenant of Grace.
I could go on into greater depths of the Voice of God revealing the Son, but I will end with this last account;
Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Those who believe in Christ earnestly wait to hear that Voice again; saying "Come Up", when it does, will you be ready?
This is John's testimony:
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
This begins the unfolding of the Apocalypse as it's revealed to John.
The Revelation. Apocalypse, or uncovering, so the Greek word means. The curtain of the future is lifted.
Of Jesus Christ. The revelation is made by Jesus Christ. See chapter 5.
God gave him to shew. See chapter 5. He who sits on the throne gave to the Son the sealed book of the future to open it.
Shortly come to pass. The series of events began to unfold in a few years after John wrote, and has rolled on through all the centuries. Lange renders the Greek translated "shortly" by the phrase "in quick succession," which is nearly its meaning. It implies successive order.
He sent and signified. The things "which must shortly come to pass."
By his angel. Here, and throughout the Apocalypse the office of unveiling the different scenes appears to be assigned to a particular angel. See Rev_4:1; Rev_21:9; Rev_22:1; Rev_22:8, etc.
To his servant John. A usual designation of the prophets. See Isa_49:5; Amo_3:7; Rev_19:10.
Who bare record. John is meant, who made the record of all he saw and heard.
Blessed is he that readeth. There is a reference to the custom that had already grown up, at the close of the first century, of reading the apostolic writings publicly in the churches. The benediction is pronounced on the public reader; on those that hear, and lastly upon those that keep the words contained in this prophecy.
The time is at hand. The period to which the prophecy relates is near.(PNT comm)
Now, in ch. 4 we see John transported to the throne of God; and once again he hears the Voice. The same as in Rev. 1:10
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
The PNT comm gives this food for thought:
I was in the spirit. At once he was lifted to that spiritual exaltation which enabled him to behold the heavenly visions.
A throne. The throne of God was revealed and One sat on the throne.
He that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius. We learn from Rev_21:11 the qualities of the jasper meant; a stone of dazzling brilliance, a mountain of light, clear as crystal. The two probably symbolize the splendor, holiness and judgments of God.
Rainbow round about the throne. The rainbow was a pledge of God's faithfulness to his covenants (Gen_9:13). God sits upon the throne, splendid, dazzling, terrible, but compassed about by the Covenant of Grace.
I could go on into greater depths of the Voice of God revealing the Son, but I will end with this last account;
Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Those who believe in Christ earnestly wait to hear that Voice again; saying "Come Up", when it does, will you be ready?
