Seven Stars and Double-Edge Sword
The seven lampstands, which we now know, represent the seven churches. Each church had a leader, as we do today. The leaders of each church were responsible for the spiritual health of that church, thus represented by the seven stars in John’s vision. Church leaders are to let their lights shine brightly for Christ. The Bible says: “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). Similar to John, Daniel compares those who lead others to God to the stars in the heavens.
Another excellent example of stars and leadership is how the star led the wise men to Jesus. The Bible says: “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:9-10). The wise men had to follow the star not to lose their way to give their gifts of worship to Jesus. Therefore, the stars that Jesus held signify the angel of the house or leadership over the churches and their responsibility as shepherds to lead their flock to God. Therefore, those in leadership must ensure that their light shines bright and not be the equivalent of a falling star that will grow dim.
Out of Jesus’ mouth came a double-edged sword. The Bible tells us that the Word of God is likened to a double-edged sword. The Bible says: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus never departs from the Word of God. He has and still does the will of his Father. Therefore, all that Jesus says comes from the mouth of the Father as they are One. The Bible says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). We have this Word of God in a tangible written form through the Bible; it is for the instruction of our lives, so that we may be submissive and perfectly aligned in the complete will of our Heavenly Father. The Bible says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Jesus’ Face
Jesus’ face was described as a show of brilliance. There is no darkness in Heaven. God is the Light to all who find themselves wondering in the darkness. This is why sin cannot stand in the presence of a Mighty God. His Light exposes who we are to the depths of our soul. During Moses’ leadership, he had many talks with God. As a result, his face reflected God’s presence with a bright glow. It was so bright that he had to cover himself with a veil because the Children of Israel could not bear to look upon him without fear. The Bible says: “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord” (Genesis 34:29). Isaiah lets us know that there is no darkness in Heaven.
God created the sun, moon, and stars for us to have as light. However, He is the constant Light that never grows dim. The Bible says: “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory” (Isaiah 60:19). Before John’s vision, Jesus had shown him, Peter, and James the Father’s brilliance in what’s called the Mount of Transfiguration. The Bible says: “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (John 17:1-2).
The Mighty Presence of the Lord
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches’ ” (Revelation 1:17-20).
John fell as though dead
Whenever we are in the presence of the Lord, there is a reverence that we are to display. God is not a God of foolishness. Therefore, we are to come before Him with all due respect and honor. God’s presence is so mighty that the Bible gives several instances that people fell to the ground in fear because of Him.
a.) The Disciples – “But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.’ The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus” (Matthew 17:5-8).
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b.) The Roman Guards – “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men” (Matthew 28:2-4).
c.) The Prophet Daniel – “As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet” (Daniel 8:17-18).
God never wants His children to be afraid of Him. He does require, however, that we honor, respect, and be obedient to Him with our lives as a daily sacrifice. The type of fear that God requires is one of reverence and humility.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega
Jesus has no beginning or end. Even though He was sent down to earth in the form of a baby, Jesus always existed. The Bible says: “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:3). We never have to worry about Jesus dying again. He conquered death when He died upon the cross so that we may live. He rose from the grave on the third day; therefore, completing the task that His Father had sent Him to do. There were no repeats. There were no reruns. There were no mistakes made. Jesus, in all His completeness, did the work that man within himself could have never accomplished. This is the Gospel of Christ by which we are saved. Now that you understand what Revelation means, let’s dig into the next lesson and see what Jesus had to say to the seven churches.
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