Soon!

Here is a link to last week’s study in Revelation, “Soon”.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:17 & 18

Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

• Do you remember who was speaking to John in last week’s study?
• What did we discover is the symbolism of the seven golden lampstands?

One like the Son of Man was speaking to John. He revealed Himself as the risen, ascended and glorified Son of God. The lampstands represent the Church. Jesus is building that Church every day and nothing will crush it.

Another thing that I have learned is that the lampstands, (the Churches) don’t actually burn with light themselves. Their light comes from the reflected glory of Jesus. Jesus shines brightly in the lives of those who love Him. You should be able to see Jesus in your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

 Revelation 1:13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest.

• What is the significance of the robe and sash in verse thirteen?
• Why was Jesus standing among the lampstands (churches)?

John’s vision of Jesus describes His robe and sash, which according to Bible scholars a reference to His role as our High Priest. No one else speaks for believers. No one but Jesus pleads for you and me.

Romans 8:34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

Jesus stands among the lampstands as the leader of the Church. He has always had the Church, which are His sons and daughters. He always will.

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Revelation 1:14 The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame.

• Why was Jesus described as having white hair like wool?
• Why were His eyes described as a fiery flame?

Jesus’ hair is described as “white like wool”. This picture of Jesus is meant to symbolize His great wisdom and the fact that He is eternal.

The fire in Jesus’ eyes represents His penetrating vision into mankind’s very soul. He knows you and me intimately. He is never surprised by our sinful hearts. And He is responsible for the faithful souls that love Him. He holds us up with His mighty power and never loses those He loves. He wants that for all mankind. But many reject the Savior.

Revelation 1:15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters.  

• Why were Jesus’ feet described as bronze that is fired in a furnace?
• What is the symbolism of Christs’ voice as the sound of cascading waters?

Jesus has the power to judge every nation—every man, woman, and child. And His voice will one day wake the sleeping nations. Those who have rejected Him can no longer ignore the Savior of the world. And His Church will know that voice when it calls.

Revelation 1:16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength.

• What do the seven stars in Christs’ right hand represent?
• Does the double edged sword represent anger and death?
• Will Christs’ face shine or is this a symbol of light?

During the time of Jesus’ life on earth, the right hand was a symbol of power. So in relation to Jesus, this symbolized His power to save and protect. The stars represent the angels that were sent to protect and support the seven churches listed in the second and third chapters of Revelation.

The sword coming from Christs’ mouth represents the very Word of God.

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

Jesus is light. This verse tells us that His is the only light that will shine on the dark and sinful world.

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Revelation 1:17 & 18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Do you feel the amazing feelings that John likely felt? Do these passages make you excited to see our Savior?

Look at verse 17. Jesus is kind. He is good to us. He used His right hand, which we just learned symbolizes strength and protection, the power to save, and He used it to comfort John. “Don’t be afraid, John.”

What does that mean for you? The idea of such kindness, along with the strength to grant my freedom, fills my heart.

And then our reading for today in verse 18: Jesus tells us, I died, but I am alive! I am here with you and never leave my children. I hold the keys to destroy all death and suffering, so my children will never know the void of Hell.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Some of the information developed for this blog was taken from gutenburg.org. This is a site that is in the Public Domain and is an outstanding resource for study.

Title: The Revelation Explained

Author: F. G. Smith

Release date: August 20, 2004 [eBook #13229]
Most recently updated: October 28, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Joel Erikson, Christing Gehring, David King, and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team