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 saw 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 Lord has not revealed everything 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.
• Warren 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.
•Contact:pastoracukachi@gmail.com. Excerpts from oncedelivered.net
