July 19 Stars in Hand

Revelation 1:14-16 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
 
WHO is Jesus? John tells us he is one of wisdom, fire, heat, water, light and conquest. He is majestic and holy; we dare not minimize his power if we believe he is truly Lord and Savior.
     The white hair and blazing eyes are an image of wisdom, dignity and complete understanding. Jesus sees all in your heart. He possesses the knowledge to direct you to the full life of his salvation. He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. (From John 14:6).
    Bronze is an image throughout the Bible of wealth and strength. “More bronze than could be weighed” (1 Chronicles 22:3) was gathered to build the first temple in Jerusalem. Bronze is solid, unyielding. Fire purifies and strengthens bronze. You can confidently stand on the firm foundation of faith in Jesus’ resurrection power. Matthew 16:18b “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
    His voice is as the rushing waters of a great waterfall. It is relentless and unyielding. Jesus’ voice powerfully and persistently commands, urges, encourages, confronts and comforts us. He is Living Water, who is the source of life through his spoken word, sacrifice, risen and ascended power.
    His right hand, the hand of authority, holds the seven stars. God is the Creator who said: Genesis 1:14-15 “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” He has created his church, too, to  illuminate our dark hearts. The stars symbolize the leaders of the seven churches. They are to shine the gospel’s light. The churches are the Lord’s possession. His message will guide the early church and his church on earth until he comes again.
    The double-edged sword in his mouth is a fearful picture, isn’t it? But this image should deeply assure us. The Word of God is the Sword of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.) What does the Word do? It convicts those who sin and separates the unbeliever from the believer. The Word of God cuts the believer from sin and temptation, destroying the Evil One’s deadly slings and arrows.
    The Holy Lord Jesus Christ is your wise, firm and true Savior. Celebrate his majesty. Know the comfort of his authority over his church and his power in you.
 
Prayer: I thank you, Jesus, that you are truly Lord of heaven and earth. Amen.