Finding The Real Jesus - The Golden Lampstands

Finding The Real Jesus - The Golden Lampstands

In the first chapter of Revelation, the Apostle John sees a vision of the heavenly Jesus that drops him flat on his face in awe. As he describes his vision of the Lord, we get a glimpse of who our Lord is and what He is like.

The first thing we learn is where Jesus is. He is standing, John tells us, in the midst of seven golden lampstands.

Revelation 1:12-13

“...And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man...”

John explains what that means.

Revelation 1:20

“As for 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 are the seven churches.”

John is telling you something about Gods’ church. His message is this: God wants you to know that Christ is with His church and He is in control, even when it seems that He is not. He wants you to understand how greatly He loves His church.

The picture that John is painting for us is a visual affirmation of the very words of Jesus:

Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

The image of the glorified Lord standing among us in power and might is intended to encourage us and to give us hope and strength. God is telling us that He is right here, right now.

He is aware of our difficulties. He knows our pains. He hears our cries and prayers and He cares.

And He is coming. The book of Revelation is the story of the final chapter of our separation from our God. The time is coming when we will see Him and know that He is with us. A time of unimaginable nearness with God is coming and we will be His people and we will know Him face to face.

He is worthy and He is near. Amen!