11-24-2024 "Let's Hear It For Someone Who Needs No Introduction"

Thomas J Parlette
“Let’s hear it for someone who needs no introduction.”
Rev. 1: 4b-8
11/24/24
          Some of you know that I am a certified Master Biblical Storyteller through the Network of Biblical Storytellers. It takes a couple of years to complete the training. It is something short of a Doctor of Ministry degree, but the training is very similar. We read books and wrote papers, videotaped ourselves telling stories and received feedback. The program culminated with a full evening story telling concert of about two hours and a project such as a teaching resource or a book of some kind. All in all, it’s a pretty rigorous program.
          One of the things we learned was the importance of introductions – how to give a good introduction and what you should suggest for your own introduction.
          We learned it was important to do some research, gather some information, establish the speaker’s credibility, build anticipation – and remember, keep it concise and engaging.
          You’ve heard these sort of introductions at conferences or classes or concerts. You’re familiar with expressions that usually get tacked on the end, such as…
         Please join me in welcoming…
          It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the one and only…
          Please give it up for…
          Let’s have a round of applause for…
          Let’s hear it for a person who needs no introduction…
          An effective introduction takes a bit of thought, and a bit of homework. But if you do it well, it can launch your guest into a great lecture, lesson or performance right from the beginning.
          This morning, in our text from the Book of Revelation, John has the task of giving an introduction for Jesus, our Lord and Savior. An intimidating task, for sure. How would you go about introducing Jesus?
          Well, you might go online and see what one of the Artificial Intelligence apps might provide. For instance, here’s one example that came from Yoodli AI, imagining that the speaker is introducing Jesus to the Jewish Sanhedrin in A.D. 29:
“Honorable members of the Sanhedrin.
It is with great reverence and humility that I stand before you today to introduce a figure whose presence has captivated hearts and minds throughout the land of Judea and beyond- Jesus of Nazareth.
In the bustling streets and dusty villages of our land, Jesus has emerged as a teacher, a healer, and a beacon of hope for the masses. His words, spoken with authority and compassion, have stirred the hearts of the people, drawing crowds wherever he goes.
Yet, amidst the fervor and admiration that surrounds Jesus, there are also questions and concerns that weigh heavily upon the minds of many, including members of this esteemed council… Jesus’ ministry, marked by acts of healing and compassion, and inclusivity, has raised eyebrows among some members of our community. His willingness to associate with tax collectors, sinners and outcasts challenges our understanding of righteousness and purity according to the laws of Moses. Moreover, Jesus teachings have sparked debate and controversy among scholars and religious leaders. His interpretation of the Scriptures, particularly regarding matters of Sabbath observance and ritual purity, diverges from the traditions handed down to us. Therefore, I urge you, my esteemed colleagues, to approach this deliberation with open minds, guided by righteousness and compassion. Let us engage in thoughtful dialogue and prayerful reflection as we seek to discern the path forward in our interactions with Jesus and his followers. May the wisdom of our ancestors and the guidance of the Almighty be our companions in this sacred endeavor.
Thank you.
          Not bad for a computer. But John takes a bit of a different tack. Today’s text is John’s attempt to introduce Jesus to his readers scattered throughout the Roman empire, and subsequent readers from that time on. The intro is short, but powerful. It is all about Jesus Christ, fitting on a day like this when we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, or, as it is sometimes called, Reign of Christ Sunday – the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Next Sunday we start a new year with the First Sunday of Advent. This is when we inaugurate a new journey through the life of Christ, beginning with his birth. But today, we are at the end of our liturgical year, and we end with a celebration of Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the One and Only, the One seated on his throne as King of kings and Lord of lords.
          So, let’s take a closer look at how John introduces Jesus, our Lord and Savior, seated at the right hand of God. What does John have to say?
          John argues that the Jesus he is now introducing is and has always been eternal. This must be an important point because he begins and ends his introduction by stressing this concept. In verse four he says: “Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come.” Then in verse 8: “I am the Alpha and the omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” This declaration encapsulates the timeless nature and absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ. He is the beginning and the end, the eternal and unchanging foundation upon which all creation rests.
          We’ve heard it so often we might need to remind ourselves why that is important. In a world marked by uncertainty and transience, the truth of Christ’s eternal nature provides a firm anchor for our faith. He is the unchanging constant in a world of flux, the source of hope amid the ebb and flow of human history.
          It is a pretty recent phenomenon that we have devoted so much time and energy into making sure we understand what is real and what is fake. That’s why in times of uncertainty, conflict and fear, it’s reassuring to remember that Jesus Christ is the one constant we can depend on and that his will is going to ultimately prevail.
          In practical terms, what does this mean? It means that we can trust God’s faithfulness. When we feel overwhelmed by the pace of life or the pressures of the moment, we know that God transcends time – which is why we can trust in God’s timing and plan for our lives.
          It means that we can find comfort in God’s constant presence. It’s no accident that the Angel told Joseph before Jesus was born that the child’s name would not only be Jesus, but Emmanuel, meaning “God with Us.” Remember, John’s audience were people suffering under the yoke of Roman oppression. They were lonely and full of fear. John’s Revelation paints a picture of the triumphant Christ, who is the Alpha and Omega, signifying that in moments of loneliness and fear, we can draw strength from the truth that God is always with us, and Christ will triumph over the powers of this world.
          It also means on this Christ the King Sunday, that we can tap into God’s unlimited power and resources. As we navigate a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, we can find hope in God’s sovereignty. Knowing that God is God reassures us that nothing happens outside the will of God and that God is actively involved in our lives.
          John’s introduction continues as he calls Jesus the faithful witness. This doesn’t mean that Jesus was an eyewitness to some disputed event, but that he was a martyr who “loves us and frees us from our sins by his blood.” He voluntarily laid down his life for us. The Greek word “witness” in our reading is Martus. If you claim to believe in something, what is the ultimate test? You die for it. A martyr is someone who bears the ultimate witness. Jesus is the faithful witness or martyr of faith mentioned in v. 5. It is Jesus who loves us and died to save us from our sins by his blood.
          And here is the most amazing part – It isn’t just good people that Jesus died for. It was – according to Paul, for sinners like us that he died as a witness, a witness to God’s love and compassion. Imagine someone voluntarily giving up their life for a known rascal, criminal or just all-around bad person… a sinner. John’s introduction notes that Jesus was not only death defying – he conquered death completely.
          John also introduces Jesus as the first born of the dead, having been resurrected from the grave. We understand his resurrection as a complete validation of his divinity, proof that Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture. We also know that the empty tomb represents total and absolute victory over death – humanity’s greatest enemy – and, finally, that it is the hope of our future resurrection. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have the hope and assurance that we, too, will be raised to eternal life.
          John wraps up his introduction with the assurance that Jesus will return, to reign in glory – “Look, he is coming with the clouds…” The promise of Christ’s return fills us with anticipation and expectation. It is a reminder that our present struggles and sufferings are only temporary, and that a day is coming when all things will be made new. As the 19th century Scottish minister and writer Alexander MacLaren once wrote, “the early Christians were looking, not for a cleft in the grave called a grave, but for a cleavage in the sky called Glory.” And so should we. As we await Christ’s coming, let us live with hope and faithfulness, knowing that the one who promised to return is faithful, Jesus Christ is the One who is, was, and ever will be, the Alpha and the Omega, that he was born to die; but death could not hold him, and we await his return to rule in Glory.
         May God be praised. Amen.