Series: The Book of Revelation

Sun am 21 March 2010 – Kobus Swart

(John 13:5); (John 14:7, 9); Psalm 133; Eph. 5:22-32; John 17:20-21; John 16:5-15; Rev.22:17; Matt. 25:1-13; (1 John 3:3);  (1 Cor. 15:24-28)

John the apostle carried a special grace upon his life. In John 15, 16 and 17 we find one of the deepest expositions of oneness. The word “unity” does not usually carry the same meaning as oneness; oneness here refers to an interpenetration of spirit. When Jesus said, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:7-9), what did He mean?

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! (Ps. 133) The word “dwell” here does not simply refer to meetings; dwelling here means settling, a permanent covenant commitment like in a marriage; an interpenetration of spirit.

The oil first comes on the Head (Jesus) and then down to the edge of the garment. But it did not end there. He came to bring many sons to glory. He is the firstborn of many brethren. It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. This seems to be the theme that you pick up in the writings of John – also in the book of Revelation. He is looking at the Alpha and the Omega.

Effectiveness comes from having a sense of identity. There is going to be a wedding. The whole universe is waiting for that wedding. Every Godly marriage must reflect the character of that which we are going to see in the great end time wedding feast. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Eph. 5:25-32). Christ and the Church will become one flesh like husband and wife; an interpenetration of God and man. We must know our identity. When we see this, we also know that the “… bride has made herself ready.” (Rev. 19:7b).

That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me (John 17:21). Where is the Holy Spirit in this process? The Book of Revelation is about what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Here is the function of the Holy Spirit in bringing about this oneness described in John 17. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. (John16: 14-15). The Holy Spirit must first come and He will take of Christ and disclose, impart, work into the Bride, so that this interpenetration can take place. The Holy Spirit has an integral role in this marriage. We have limited the function of the Holy Spirit. God has an ultimate goal; He wants to fill all in all. Everything in the final picture is going to be God.

There seems to be a delay in the Parousia, but it is testing the readiness of the bride-to-be. Look at the parable of the 10 virgins. These ten virgins were coming to the wedding feast (Matt. 25:1-13). While the Bridegroom was delaying, they became drowsy and began to sleep. The number most frequently used in the book of Revelation, is 12. Something is missing in this parable, why only 10 virgins? Was the Bride perhaps already inside? The Bridegroom found the Bride prepared. In Revelation we read, the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come” (Rev. 22:17).

Those who expect Him, who will be like Him when He comes, prepare themselves. It is an open invitation. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3).

Know who you are! We are being prepared by the Spirit of God for the greatest wedding feast of all time!