Journey Through The Bible
 Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 8-10
 New Testament Reading: Revelation 1

Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. (Revelation 1:12-16)

We continue our look at the writings of the Apostle John with his final book, the book of Revelation. This book has probably caused more controversy and confusion among Christians than any other book of the Bible. Many Christians’ view of Revelation can be summed up in Winston Churchill’s quote about Russia “It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”

It’s ironic that the book of the Bible that is least understood is called Revelation, which simply means unveiling. The title means to uncover, to reveal, or to make known. In this book, the Holy Spirit pulls back the curtain and gives us the privilege of seeing the glorified Christ in Heaven.

In it, God reveals His plan and purpose for His church, but primarily John’s prophecy is the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of future events. John did not write this book and send it to the seven churches to satisfy their curiosity about future events. God’s people were going through intense persecution, and they needed encouragement. John wrote, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it (v3).

In verses 12-16, John gives us this magnificent depiction of Jesus and His relationship with His churches. Verse 20 informs us that the seven lampstands represent seven churches. Before houses had electric wiring and a ceiling light to light a room, there were tall stands where they placed a lit lamp to illuminate the entire room. What a wonderful image of the purpose of the local church. God places His churches so that His light can shine to the entire community. We as a church, are to give light to a dark world. And the darker the day, the brighter the light must shine. (Matt 5:14-16, Phil 2:15)

Walking among the lampstands is the glorified Christ. This vision of Jesus is far different in appearance than the Savior John knew in the flesh when He was ministering on earth. He is not the gentle Jewish carpenter that walked with His disciples along the shores of Galilee. This is the risen, glorified, exalted Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

It is so encouraging to know that Jesus is not far off somewhere sitting on His throne, oblivious to what is happening in His churches. No, instead He is pictured here tenderly walking among His churches, watching over them.

In His right hand are seven stars, the seven pastors of the churches. Not only is Christ watching over and directing the affairs of the churches, but He is also holding onto, lifting up and protecting the shepherds He ordained to tend and feed His flock.

How encouraging it is to know that no matter what we are going through as individual Christians or as a church, Jesus Christ is there walking among us.