Revelation 1:9-20
This unveiling of Jesus is called a prophecy simply because it’s God speaking through a man: John. He hasn’t stepped into the spiritual realm yet but described (vs. 1-8) what he knew about Jesus and broke into praise because John knew He’s returning. Let’s pick it up at verse nine and prepare to enter this new dimension through his alluring words.
What John wrote in verses 1-8 was so exhilarating it was necessary to remind his readers he was also a brother and companion in suffering. They were from the same spiritual family and as they suffer, so had he. This letter was written to encourage us to patiently endure, in kingdom principles, whatever the world throws at us allowing the lower story to be building blocks for our upper story. In other words, no government or worldly kingdom trumps the Kingdom of God.
“My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, My followers would fight to keep Me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But My Kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
Let’s enter this ecstatic experience alongside John in verse ten as He heard Jesus’ voice loudly trumpeting instructions: document your experiences and send them to My Church for all ages.
John saw Jesus pictured as a High Priest in verses 10-18 walking among His Body: the Church, His Bride, always with us, from beginning to end, helping us through difficult experiences (tribulation). Whatever government controls your life: He’s there. China, Iran, North Korea, their power cannot control a Spirit-led believer in Jesus Christ.
John turned, entering his vision and saw seven golden lampstands with Jesus walking among them dressed as a High Priest. These lampstands picture the complete Church for all time and reminds us of His position to represent us to Father God, keep the wicks and oil supplied, and offer blood sacrifices: each description is a fulfillment of an Old Testament priest.
His body (vs. 14-16), from head to feet, reveal His passionate love and faithful character toward us, His Bride. As we discuss The Revelation may we never lose track of that truth.
John’s response to this apocalypse or unveiling was to collapse at His feet but Jesus reassured him to have no fear but remember what he knew: He’s alive forevermore, therefore we also live forevermore, and He alone holds the keys to death and Hades. That truth hasn’t changed and brings any believer, anywhere, anytime … comfort.
Jesus closed this section with an explanation to help us understand His mysteries: the stars in His hand are the leaders in the church (not literal angels) that will care, in His place, for His Body. As Jesus ascended into heaven He released those positional gifts to the Church (Eph. 4:8-15) and now reminds us of the crucial responsibility of our church leaders. Chapters Two and Three are devoted to revealing commendable and yet correctional aspects of our churches and leaders.
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