Around A.D. 95, while John resided at Patmos, he witnessed a revelation brought to him by an angel of Christ. In this revelation, Jesus commands John to write down the visions and prophecies contained in the message and share it with the seven churches in Asia.
“9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 1:9)
John identifies himself as a Christian brother and companion in the faith, someone who shared the pain of the tribulation imposed on believers and ministers of the Christ. Exiled to Patmos to prevent him from sharing the truth about Jesus, John’s unwavering mission in spite of persecution would teach him, among other things, patience as he and others within the church endured ongoing trials.
“10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (Revelation 1:10-11)
On the Lord’s day, Sunday, the first day of the week dedicated to the day Jesus rose from the tomb, John heard the voice of the Lord instructing him to document the visions and prophecies to come. Once written on a scroll, the revelation would be shared with the seven churches in Asia Minor, the Roman province along the Aegean Sea.
“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.” (Revelation 1:12-13)
Here, John describes a vision brought on by Jesus, which featured seven golden lampstands, or candlesticks which symbolize the seven churches in Asia Minor. Then, among the golden candlesticks, John saw the Christ, wearing a long robe, like a high priest, girded with a golden band, as a king’s girdle.
“14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;” (Revelation 1:14)
In his vision of the Lord, John describes the Savior’s head and hair as white as snow, a symbol of purity, and His eyes piercing, all seeing fiery flames.
“15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;” (Revelation 1:15)
Then, the Lord’s feet, like brass, strong yet refined, and his voice, moving and mighty as raging 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.” (Revelation 1:16)
In the Lord’s right hand were seven stars, the angels of the seven churches in Asia, and from His mouth stretched a sword, symbolizing the divine, judging power of the word of God. John describes Jesus’ countenance, His appearance as bright as the sun when at its brightest.
“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.” (Revelation 1:17-18)
Awed by the magnificence of the Lord, John fell at the feet of Jesus where he was comforted by the Christ when He reminded the apostle who He was, the risen Christ, and that He, the Savior ruled over both death and Hell.
“19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” (Revelation 1:19)
Then, Jesus commanded John to write what he had witnessed in the vision, as well as document the state of the church and also write about events to come as revealed by Jesus.
“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.” (Revelation 1:20)
Lastly, Jesus reveals the meaning of the seven stars and seven candlesticks, which were symbolic of the seven churches in Asia and each corresponding divinely appointed messenger. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through your revelation delivered by your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
