Revelation- the Book Opened Pt2 Revelation 1:12-20
12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.
Before we move ahead, for a refresher look back at Revelation 1:1AMP and Revelation 1:3AMP. You quickly notice that the book of Revelation is the book of the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s in complete control. And then in verse 3 you read, those who speak and hear Revelation is blessed. So let’s dig in- here we go.
Revelation 1:12NLT When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands.
These lampstand were pure gold, each lampstand held small oil lamps. Each lampstand represented a church from which the light of life shone. There were seven church listed here, and seven is the number of completeness.
Remember in Jesus’ mercy and grace He judges these churches before judgement day.
Revelation 1:13NLT And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest.
Son of Man is referred to Jesus in the gospels some 81 times.
This golden sash across his chest represents, a High- Priest (A High Priest wasn’t given in name only, He is ‘One’ who serves.)
The first depiction of Jesus after His ascension is, “One who serves.”
Hebrews 2:17NLT Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
Revelation 1:14NLT His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire.
White here doesn’t refer to a flat white color, but a blazing, glowing, white light. (Like the glory cloud, it’s a picture of His holiness.)
Daniel 7:9KJ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Revelation 1:14b And his eyes were like flames of fire.
His eyes were like two lasers, the eyes of the exalted Lord looking down into the depths of His church.
Hebrews 4:13NLT Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Revelation 1:15NLT His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.
The altar of burnt offering was covered with brass and its utensils were made of the same material.(Exodus 38:1-7) “His glowing hot brass feet are a clear reference to divine judgement moving through His church, and He exercises His chastening authority over sin.
Revelation 1:15bNLT... and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.
No longer is His voice like a clear voice of a sound of a trumpet, but His voice was likened to the waves crushing upon the rocks of the island. (The voice of authority.)
Ezekiel 43:2NLT Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory.
Revelation 1:16NLT He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
These seven stars are the pastors of these seven churches. Christ holding them in His hands represents He’s in total control of His churches and its leaders.
Verse 16b... and a sharp two edged sword came form His mouth...
This signifies judgement from God’s word on those that hate the church, and attacked His people.
Revelation 19:15NLT From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
Verse 16C...And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
The glory of the Shekinah stays upon Christ!
Revelation1:17NLT 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.
Can you imagine seeing Jesus with this glory?
Verse 17b But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.
Jesus tells John, Don’t be afraid...“I AM creation and I AM eternity!”
Revelation 1:18NLT 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.
Jesus Christ decides who lives and who dies and when.
Revelation1:19NLT “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.
Here’s a simple outline of the whole book. The things you presently see (the letters to the seven churches)- Revelation 1-5, and the things in the future- Revelation 6-22. (Write them down!)
Revelation 1:20NLT 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.
Angels aren’t church leaders, so here angels means elders, messengers, or pastors.
Prayer.
