- [00:00:00] I\'ve titled this sermon \"Are You Ready?\" Those of you who remember may recall that this was also the title of the last sermon in the Old Testament. Every time I go on a trip—and this year more than others—the first question I get even before stepping out of the house is, \"When will you be back?\" I\'m sure this happens in all of your homes as well. Toward the last quarter of this year, I traveled to Michigan to see our daughter. - [00:00:38] As I was flying back, we made an exhaustive plan to keep it a surprise for my wife. Everyone cooperated; they all came to the airport and were excited to see me. We successfully pulled off the surprise. When I walked out of the airport, our daughter came behind me, and I could see the delight in my wife\'s eyes. I was happy and sad at the same moment. I was happy because I thought that was the response I would get, but it was reserved for somebody else. - [00:01:19] But I could see that waitingness—the way you wait to see someone you love—and when they finally show up, there are all these beautiful emotions that come up. This is a small illustration of what we can anticipate when Jesus comes again. We are in the season of Advent. We celebrate the first advent as we look toward the final advent when Jesus will come again. There can be no better ending to Scripture than this chapter that talks about how it will all unfold. - [00:01:53] In the last sermon, we saw how God is preparing a new heaven and a new earth for us and how the New Jerusalem will descend with all the saints who ever lived before us. In this final chapter, we get to see how Jesus really is. At the first advent, celebrated at Christmas, Jesus was a baby. Our kids put together a beautiful nativity cantata yesterday, and we will see that again on Christmas. When Jesus first came into this world, He was a baby. - [00:02:32] But then He grew, embraced our humanity, endured the cross, overcame death, and was resurrected. Here in this chapter, we get beautiful images of how Jesus is going to be when He comes again. There are four beautiful images of Jesus in John’s vision in this chapter. The first is the predominant image: Jesus is not coming as a helpless baby anymore. He is coming as a king who will judge. We get a glimpse of how Jesus the judge looks, both literally and figuratively. - [00:03:12] The text uses several bipolar terminologies—not in a mental health sense, but in terms of personality attributes—such as Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End, which qualify Him as a king ready to judge. There are phrases describing Him as the root and descendant of David, the King of all kings, fulfilling His covenant promises. - [00:03:50] Another image is that of the bright morning star, literally illustrating how Jesus will light up the new heavens and the new earth. There will be no more nights, signaling the dawn of a perfect and beautiful age. Lastly, most beautifully, Jesus is described as the bridegroom coming for His bride, which is a beautiful ending to Scripture. - [00:04:27] So, what is Jesus calling us through these images—as Judge, King, Bright Morning Star, and Bridegroom? He is calling His children, you and me, to live lives of holiness amidst external pressures or internal challenges that could cause us to drift away. Today, we will look at three things in our passage, which are very simple through all these images: First, are you ready to meet Jesus? Secondly, are you ready to live for Jesus? And thirdly, are you ready to be with Jesus? - [00:05:07] Are you ready to meet Jesus? Are you ready to live for Jesus? Are you ready to be with Jesus? All three point toward one thing Jesus came for: to set apart His people for holy living. - [00:05:56] First, are you ready to meet Jesus? Revelation 22:12 says, \"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.\" Here, Jesus declares that He is coming as a judge—not as a helpless baby. We also get a vivid, graphic description of how Jesus will look. If you turn to Revelation 1, John’s vision shows Jesus in a majestic form. - [00:06:39] John writes to inspire Christians who were anticipating severe challenges and persecutions, including persecution under Nero for their faith. He wants to encourage them not to fear the emperor or the persecutions and not to drift into the culture. It will be worth it because of who Jesus really is. - [00:07:20] When a soldier goes into battle, the ultimate desire is not just to win the war, but to go home to see family. We\'ve seen veterans surprise their families after a long absence, a beautiful experience. John is preparing Christians enduring difficult times by giving them a glimpse of who Jesus is. - [00:07:56] Revelation 1:12 onwards describes Jesus in this majestic vision: \"I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white like wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace. 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.\" - [00:08:34] This description is graphical and metaphorical, even beyond comprehension. Jesus is no longer a helpless baby or a helpless man on the cross. He is victorious, able to see all things—His eyes pierce our hearts, motives, and actions. The golden sash reflects triumphant, ultimate righteousness. The two-edged sword from His mouth symbolizes His Word that penetrates and exposes our hearts. - [00:09:51] Returning to our text, Jesus can be the righteous judge because He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. These polarities indicate God\'s omnipotence and omnipresence. He originated history, was there at the beginning, will be there at the end, and has been present throughout. He will come back with recompense to reward each person according to their deeds. - [00:10:36] The word \"soon\" in \"I am coming soon\" is often misunderstood. Some speculate Jesus would come in the first or second century. But \"soon\" here means suddenness, not a specific time. Jesus can come at any moment. So, the call is to be ready, not to slack off or just wait idly. - [00:11:49] Jesus gave the parable of the ten virgins, where those who were diligent and had their oil ready entered the wedding feast, but the unprepared were left out. We are reminded that our works do not save us—salvation is by Jesus\' work alone—but our lives and works express the change within us. If we\'ve truly experienced Jesus\' love, it must show. - [00:12:23] The immediate audience of Revelation was the seven churches, representing various kinds of Christians throughout history. Jesus warns these churches, asking, \"Are you ready?\" - [00:13:02] For example, the church in Ephesus, ministered by Paul for three years, was commended for their works, toil, patient endurance, and doctrinal accuracy. They tested false apostles and had perseverance even under persecution. - [00:13:37] However, Jesus says to Ephesus, \"But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love you had at first.\" They had lost their first love. This church was busy and active with all the external marks of a healthy Christian church, but internally, the love had faded. It was a facade. - [00:14:20] This description challenges us today—do we look great on the outside but lack true love inside? Jesus says He will remove their lampstand, symbolizing removal of their church’s witness. - [00:15:03] This was not just a first-generation problem. The second generation of Christians after Paul’s time had lost something vital. There is no guarantee that godly living automatically passes to the next generation. Children learn more from what they see modeled than what they are taught. - [00:16:22] Other churches had different challenges: Smyrna faced severe persecution but remained faithful; Pergamum struggled with false teaching and moral laxity; Thyatira was commended for love and faith but tolerated immorality; Sardis had a reputation of being alive but was dead inside. - [00:17:39] The phrase \"I know your works\" repeats throughout these messages. These were busy churches, active externally. Sometimes busyness, especially during Christmas, can hide what is truly inside. - [00:18:17] So let me ask you this Christmas season: What\'s in your heart? Do you know it? Is Jesus reigning in your heart as King, or is something else? If Jesus reigns, you need not fear meeting Him as Judge. Jesus came to make us holy. We do not have to clean up our lives before coming to Him. When we embrace Him, we are immediately imputed with His righteousness. - [00:19:36] As we live in union with Him daily, He imparts His power and righteousness. We won’t fall into these categories of lost churches. If any of this describes us, let us pause and honestly ask God where we have lost our love, where we look good externally but are dead inside, and where we need to display more holiness. - [00:20:19] We don’t have to wait until next year to change; Jesus has already begun a good work in us and will bring it to completion. But we need to act now and not be like the unprepared virgins. Jesus says, \"He who has an ear, let him hear.\" Are you ready to meet this Jesus who sees through us? There will be no hiding, but if He is in our hearts, it will be a joyous reunion. - [00:20:55] Secondly, are you ready to live for Jesus? Revelation 22:14-15 says, \"Blessed are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.\" - [00:21:35] These verses describe two groups: those who have washed their robes and those who remain outside. Washing robes symbolizes cleansing and purity. When I first came to this country, I was tricked into buying a $500 special coupon for carpet and seat cleaning, which turned out to be useless for removing a bright orange stain. - [00:22:48] But with Jesus, washing of robes is absolute and certain. Revelation 7:14 says those who come out of great tribulation have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They stand before God’s throne, serve Him day and night, and God shelters them. They will hunger no more, thirst no more, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. - [00:24:39] This is a promise that no matter how messed up our lives have been or how far we have drifted, when we come back to Jesus like the prodigal son, He washes us white as snow. His presence is with us even in valley experiences of pain and suffering. - [00:25:44] Jesus promises to be with us when we take a stand, even if it costs us. The challenge in places like Silicon Valley is not suffering but comfort. It takes Herculean effort to step out of our comfort zones to live for Jesus. - [00:26:24] The second group—the dogs, murderers, immoral people—refers not to occasional sin but habitual lifestyles far from Jesus. They cannot enter the new heavens and new earth. - [00:27:02] Jesus calls all churches to live for Him as the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star. Are you ready to live for this Jesus who walks with you in pain and wipes every tear? - [00:28:21] Thirdly, are you longing to be with Jesus? The ending of Revelation is beautiful and romantic. Verse 17 says, \"The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.\" - [00:29:04] The Spirit refers to Jesus\' Spirit, the Bridegroom, who looks at us with all our imperfections and says, \"Come.\" The bride is the church, longing for the Bridegroom. This is like the time between betrothal and marriage, a special time full of hope and desire. - [00:29:35] That period changes people profoundly. You probably remember your own story when you decided who you would marry. The time between betrothal and marriage is charged with overflowing love and longing. - [00:30:47] The call is for those truly thirsty for Jesus’ love—far more beautiful than any worldly achievement, relationship, success, or family. After achieving much, when children grow and leave, or if a spouse leaves, where do you find satisfaction? Jesus is the only source that quenches this unquenchable desire. - [00:31:25] Jesus invites us to come and take the water of life without price. It’s grace—free, fully paid for. This call comes out of grace. - [00:32:49] The most beautiful image is the bride walking down the aisle, radiant and perfected. The Bible ends with Jesus perfecting every saint, including us, so that we glow with His righteousness. - [00:33:24] Paul’s last words, as he neared death, were about fighting the good fight, keeping faith, and awaiting a crown of righteousness. John MacArthur’s last phrase was, \"Grace has subdued my sin.\" Tim Keller’s last words were, \"I\'m ready; send me home.\" Stephen’s last moments were filled with seeing Christ’s glory and readiness to go to Him. - [00:34:41] What will your last thought be? A desire to experience righteousness and holiness, or fear? Many face death uncertain of their destination. Success, health, and wealth can cloud our minds, but sickness and death bring reality. - [00:35:22] Our motivation should not be fear but love and grace. We are the bride, and Jesus is the Bridegroom, ready to light up our lives for eternity. - [00:36:02] The last verse of Revelation warns us not to add or take away from the prophecy, echoing Moses’ words in Deuteronomy. Adding new morality or teachings pollutes the pure Word of God. Taking away minimizes its authority. God\'s Word is essential and central to holy living. - [00:37:21] Parents, ask yourselves: What model am I passing to my children? Would you be fine if your children thought and lived like you do now? Grace is for households, not just individuals. - [00:37:57] Families in Silicon Valley face constant pressure with over-scheduling and an achievement culture, leaving us exhausted. Faith can become just another activity, alongside children’s sports, on Sunday mornings. - [00:38:40] Revelation calls families to holy distinctiveness—choosing faithfulness over convenience, Sabbath rest over endless hustle—even on Sundays. Give your kids a break. Obedience over cultural approval means living for Jesus may require protecting time with God and saying no to good things for better things. - [00:39:18] Teach children that Christ, not success, is King. When we go on a long trip, children ask, \"When are we going home?\" Revelation reminds us this world is not our final address. - [00:40:01] The Christian home should cultivate longing for Jesus’ return. We teach children not to fear Christ’s return but to long for it and hope for it. - [00:40:15] At the end of life, families will not remember schedules but love, faith, and hope. May that be our final prayer. - [00:40:30] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen. This is not fear; it is a call to belong. - [00:40:40] So, my dear beloved friends, let me ask you: Are you thirsty for this Jesus this morning? If so, come. This grace is still free.