“When all else fails, read the instructions.” This well-known saying reveals a tendency of human nature to assume we know how to do something without needing to be instructed. It is intriguing that, male or female, young or old, there is something in our human nature that seeks independence and self-sufficiency. We don’t like to be told what to do, which usually leads to problems or serious failures.
I am guilty of this. I’ve had to go back and partially disassemble a project I was working on because I either didn’t read the directions at all or didn’t read them carefully enough. What did it cost me? Some frustration and a little loss of ego and time. Not too serious. But what if I haphazardly read the most critical instruction manual of all time, the Bible? What are the consequences of that error?
A few weeks ago, here on The Voice of Hope, we embarked on a study of the Book of Revelation. I highlighted the critical fact that this book is not meant to conceal things but to unveil or expose them. If we read it, as we do with the other Scriptures, literally, we can more easily uncover its meaning. Trying to over spiritualize or allegorize the text leads us to some bizarre conclusions and interpretations.
I understand that chapter 1, verse 19, gives us the outline for the entire letter. Jesus instructed John to “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”
The things you have seen (past tense) are described in chapter one. The things which are (present tense) are the letters to the seven churches in chapters two and three. The things that will take place after this (future tense) are described in chapters four through twenty-two. This will be our guide as we investigate this incredible letter.
The text for our consideration today is Revelation 1:9-20. I’ve titled our study “The Glorified Christ.” This emphasis on the glory of Christ is the letter’s theme. It culminates in His Second Coming to earth, recorded in chapter 19. Together, let’s listen, learn, and worship. Here is the Word of God from Revelation 1:9-20.
This text provides the theme of the book of Revelation—the glorified Christ. Let’s observe together the several MANIFESTATIONS of that glory and bow before Him in worship.
The First MANIFESTATION is,
His Announcement
Before we look specifically at what that announcement was, we must look at the setting. Where, when, and how is the announcement given? Why is it given?
John introduces himself as the one receiving the revelation and explains the situation he finds himself in. He was exiled on the island of Patmos, a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey. He writes that he was there on account of his preaching the Word of God and testifying of His Savior, Jesus. John was an elder in the church at Ephesus before his exile.
We need to remember that the Roman emperors claimed divinity and demanded that every citizen proclaim, “Caesar is lord.” Of course, the followers of Jesus couldn’t and wouldn’t make that confession. As a prominent leader of the early church, John became a target of persecution by the Roman government under Emperor Domitian.
Notice, he is not a disconnected onlooker. He says, “I am your brother and companion.” I am one of you, and I am experiencing the same things you are. The order of the following three words is interesting; the tribulation and kingdom, two opposing ideas, are joined, with a true insight into their relation, and patience is added as the element through which the tribulation is translated into sovereignty, or, we could say, the kingdom.
In this setting, on the island of Patmos, John “came to be in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day.”
This phrase, “in the Spirit,” denotes a state of trance or spiritual ecstasy. Much like Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and others, revelation was received from God through visions and dreams.
What do we make of the “when” question? “On the Lord’s Day.” Three possible interpretations: The Sabbath, though Jewish literature never describes this day in this way. Sunday, the first day of the week, has similar difficulties. Or “the Day of the Lord,” Joel 1:15; Obadiah 1:15; Zechariah 14:1, etc. Further, “Lord’s” is an adjective describing the day. The only other place this construction is used is in 1 Corinthians 11:20, where it refers to the “Lord’s” Supper.
Since the first two interpretations add nothing to the meaning of what follows, it seems logical that in his visions, John was transported into the future Day of the Lord. So, while John was writing in a specific historical time in a specific geographic place, he was caught up and surrounded by the future Day of the Lord.
In this ecstatic condition, John heard behind him the unexpected, overpowering entrance of the divine voice. It sounded like a war trumpet, and it focused his attention on the forthcoming announcement. Remember the emphasis on hearing and seeing throughout this letter.
The voice said, “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.” The unique identity of this voice assures John and us of who this is, and of His complete grasp of the scope of history from beginning to end.
Not only does the voice announce who, but it also gives the what. John is commissioned to write what he sees on a scroll. This commission covers the whole series of visions that grow out of this first vision of the glorified Christ.
What John wrote was intended for the seven churches. While these seven were specifically named, the letter was meant to be read (and perhaps copied) in every church. When you think of those churches, don’t picture stained-glass windows, steeples, or even dedicated buildings. These were local assemblies that most likely met in private homes or rented spaces.
This is the announcement —the prelude to what is yet to come. Naturally, as John hears the voice, he wants to see its source. This leads us to the next manifestation of the glorified Christ.
The Next MANIFESTATION is,
His Appearance
This manifestation of the glorified Christ in verses 12-16 is a picture of royal authority and magnificence beyond anything on earth! However, before we delve into this, I need to say something about the imagery of this letter.
It is important to note that the imagery in Revelation is Hebrew, not Greek. In Greek culture, the aesthetic element is dominant, satisfying the senses of beauty, form, and proportion (think Greek sculpture). In Hebrew, the first necessity is that the symbol fully and truly sets forth the religious idea intended. Appearance and tastefulness are secondary. In addition, these symbols are designed to reveal truth, not hide it. While not all symbols are explained, the great majority can be understood in one way or another in Scripture.
For example, gold is a common theme in Revelation. It is a symbol of great value, incorruptibility, and strength. It was (and is) the metal of the gods and of royalty.
So, what did John see? He saw seven golden lampstands, not candlesticks, per the KJV. According to verse 20, each of the golden lampstands represents one of the seven churches. Take note, these are not identical to the 7-branched menorah of the Tabernacle, but individual lampstands seemingly arranged in a circle.
Standing among these golden lampstands (His churches) is a figure like “a Son of Man.” This is none other than the risen, glorified Christ! Son of Man was the title Jesus used most often for Himself. It speaks of His humanity and Messianic character.
He is dressed in a garment that covers Him “from head to toe.” The long robe is the garment of dignity and honor. It may be either royal, or priestly, or both. His garments are reminiscent of the garments the High Priest wore on the Day of Atonement. These descriptions are intentional to show that Jesus was fully prepared and qualified to carry out His priestly office.
One unusual feature of this clothing was the sash worn across His chest. Typically, the sash was worn around the waist. However, the Levitical priests wore their sashes high across the chest.
Furthermore, the sash worn by Christ was golden. The sash is an Old Testament symbol of power, righteousness, and truth (see Job 12:18; Isaiah 11:5). In Ephesians 6:14, the belt of the Christian’s collective armor is truth, which binds together the whole array of graces as the sash binds together the upper and lower parts of the armor. The sash suits equally Christ’s kingly and priestly office. He possesses all the attributes of His Father, God.
The descriptions contained in verses 14 and 15 are reminiscent of Daniel 7:9; 10:6, and Ezekiel 43:2. “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters…” Brass represents divine judgment as typified by the brazen altar in the Tabernacle. His eyes, like a flame of fire, may symbolize His omniscience—He sees and knows all things.
In John’s vision, the glorified Christ is holding seven stars in his right hand. The right hand signifies complete and unquestioned control of whatever these stars represent. As we learn from verse 20, the stars represent the churches. They are under His control, and He will protect them with His power.
“And out of His mouth went a sword, two-edged, and sharp.” This is a metaphor for the power and authority of His Word. It has the power to slay His enemies. Isaiah 11:4 uses a similar metaphor. “He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.” The Hebrew writer concurs with a slightly different emphasis: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The countenance or face of this supernatural figure was “like the sun shining at noonday, full-strength.” This is a similar description of what Saul experienced on the road to Damascus when he encountered the risen Christ.
After announcing His presence and making His appearance, the Divine messenger presents His authority and deputizes John to write the things he is about to see and hear. That leads us to the final manifestation.
The Final MANIFESTATION is,
His Authorization
Remember, during Jesus’ earthly ministry, John was “the beloved disciple” of the Lord, the one who rested on His bosom at the Last Supper. Yet, like every other mortal exposed to a heavenly being, he falls as a dead man at the feet of this glorious figure. The Shekinah glory of the Lord completely overcame him, plus the overpowering influence of the vision.
In a response of compassion, Jesus lays His hand on John, saying, “Do not fear; I AM the first and the last (eternality), the Living One who was dead (past), and behold I am (present) living forevermore (future). Amen. I have the keys (authority) of the grave and of death.” And, according to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16, everyone who dies goes to Hades or Sheol (the place of departed spirits). Gehenna or hell is reserved for the wicked. By His death and resurrection, Jesus stripped Satan of any authority he may have previously had.
Hebrews 2:14-15 reminds us of this. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Because this authority is invested in Jesus, He tells John, “Write the things which you have seen (chapter 1), and the things which are (chapters 2 and 3), and the things which will take place after this (chapters 4-22).” This outline for the letter is the only one that allows the book to speak for itself without manipulation and leads us to a consistent futurist interpretation.
In the final verse of the text, the explanation of verses twelve through sixteen is given. The seven stars in the right hand of Jesus emphasize His preeminence and authority. These stars represent the angels of the seven churches.
Some believe these angels are bishops of the churches. However, at this time in history, the churches had not yet reached that level of ecclesiastical structure. They were primarily “house churches,” especially considering the persecution.
“Further, not once in 102 occurrences in the Old Testament and 7 in the New Testament where a human being is in view did the translators render the original angelos as the word ‘angel’. The translators of the KJV and RV render angelos in Revelation as angel. If these scholars thought that angelos referred to a human being, they would have rendered it “messenger” here as they did elsewhere.”[1] The angels mentioned here are celestial beings, not human officials.
Finally, the seven golden lampstands represent the churches. Christ walks among His church. These lampstands represent the Church’s principal function – giving light. Gold represents the deity and glory of Christ, and the implied olive oil represents the Holy Spirit. We can say without a doubt that the complete, triune God is present in these opening scenes of Revelation.
Because most of us live in relative peace, free from the daily threat of physical danger and punishment for our faith in Christ, it may be difficult for us to imagine how encouraging these words were to those suffering for Jesus’ sake. This picture of the True King of Israel was meant to bring great comfort and hope to these suffering ones. Kings and emperors will come and go, but our King was and is, and is to come. He is the True and Faithful Witness, the firstborn from the dead. He is eternal and almighty. He has not forgotten us! He holds us in His right hand with strength and authority. We are secure and have nothing to fear!
Oh, how you and I need a renewed glimpse of the glorified Christ. If we could grasp His glory, majesty, love, and compassion in just a small measure, our lives would be transformed.
If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, a glimpse of his glory should leave you trembling in terror. His eyes, like flames of fire, see everything; you can hide nothing. Either you allow the sharp two-edged sword of His Word, wielded by the Holy Spirit, to enter your heart and transform you today, or you will be condemned by that same Word at the judgment. The choice is yours! But don’t delay; you have no promise of tomorrow.
For those of us who have already received Christ as Savior and Lord, such a glimpse of the glorified Christ would sweep away our spirit of ungratefulness and complaining. The shiny attractions the world places before us would lose their luster; they are so cheap and temporary.
We would agree with the apostle Paul that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Take time today to bow before the glorified Christ in humble, genuine worship.
[1] Smith, J. B., A Revelation of Jesus Christ, p. 253
