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Revelation 1:20
Revelation 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Why is the mystery so profoundly stated? It should already be apparent to John that the setting of Jesus, the High Priest, is in the Heavenly Sanctuary in which reside the objects familiar to the Temple and its Services. Still, for John, the last remaining apostle, the city of Jerusalem, its priestly functions and the Holy Place of the earthly sacrifices, are now more than twenty years beyond recognition. The Romans have seen to the destruction of all things Jewish, and our writer sits isolated on Patmos a witness to the Empire’s successful attack on Christianity. Yet, despite Rome’s great power, our Savior lives, and the place of His intercession continues to hold significance as a testimony of the eternal presence of God and His Word. Amidst the intentions of Satan to destroy the witness of Jesus on the planet, Light continues to shine through the darkness manifested in the tender and powerful right hand of the Messiah.
Perhaps to the setting of Patmos, the old Temple and its purpose have faded, especially in comparison to the reality to which they bore witness: the priesthood of Jesus. But the deeper meaning, which now Jesus commissions to John and to us, is that Jesus remains very much in control and that the light of His life is the light of His church, to whom He appoints as His messengers. The church of Jesus Christ, throughout the ages, carries His message of hope and His revelation of history and the plan of salvation.
Is it not mysterious to John and to us that such a profound duty is entrusted to humanity? Even as John looks back to the failure of Israel and the destruction of that nation, can he have hope for the future? With Jesus in Sovereign control of the church, it can not fail. He continues always to guide. That is the profound mystery to which John has witness. We need not doubt. In the contrasted paths that will be dictated to John, and what will seem to be the failure and danger of the future of Christianity, Jesus prevails always through a remnant. He is able! And the mystery of God working within us to bring about His destiny upon this planet is indeed a wonder to behold.
To John, about to face the end of his life, there seems to be a failure of the Christian world around him: the Empire, perhaps too strong to resist. Yet the hope of Jesus’ reigning, directing and maintaining His truth throughout time, encourages and strengthens. This is the true mystery: God’s omnipotence in changing the lives of sinful beings such as you and me; entrusting us with the Light of the world. To John, God’s people have many years to work out God’s plan, and his vision will prove God to be true and faithful. God reveals this incredible possibility, thanks to Jesus Christ. Home | About Us | Bible Study | Billerica Blog | Bible Commentary | Devotional | Online Giving | Ministries | Prayer | Media | Bookstore | News | Calendar | Contact Us | Sermons
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