Therefore

Revelation 1:19-20 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
 
JESUS heavenly glory is evident. He is not to be rejected or minimized. Remember, he holds the keys to life everlasting and the keys to lock away Hell. That is why he says, “Write therefore.” The Maker of Heaven and earth has come to reveal himself and the future to his creation. (That’s why it’s called Revelation.) Therefore, listen to him. Therefore, we have no alternative but to share the message if we claim to be Jesus’ faithful disciples. Therefore, we must evangelize the truth.
    Jesus begins to reveal some details of the vision, so John can write it. “Mystery” in Scripture refers to what God has previously hidden is now to be revealed. The seven stars in his hand are the angels of the seven churches. “Angels” comes from the Greek angeloi, which means heavenly beings or earthly messengers. Because the letter is directed to the heads of seven churches, Jesus reveals the angels are the church leaders. They are to be gospel messengers to their church. Each leader is accountable to the Lord God as he represents Jesus.
    The seven lampstands are the seven churches. Recall the original lampstand in the first tabernacle (Exodus 27) was of seven lights. Six branches came from the center. A church is to be as a lampstand, lighting the world with Jesus’ oil of gladness. Hear God’s beautiful promise of the oil of gladness – restoration, peace, joy and love – for his church from Isaiah 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. This beautiful scripture holds an everlasting promise.
    Imagine your church and your own life pouring forth the oil of gladness into a lost and broken world. All around us are people who need Jesus. They need to behold his majesty, his glory and wonder. They must trust he is risen and alive. With absolute certainty, each Christian must know Jesus is at the Father’s right hand to come in glory and power one day. People must hold tight to Jesus’ promise from John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Keep in mind John has written a gospel and other epistles to affirm Jesus’ ministry, God’s compassion and the Spirit’s resurrection power. Revelation is a message for now and for the future. Live in faith that Jesus has come. Rejoice that he is coming again. Be free to declare this great, eternal hope to the world.
 
Prayer: I pray I can be a faithful messenger for you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, empower and quicken my tongue for Christ. Amen.