“ The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands”–Revelation 2:1.
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Perhaps many of you remember the old Gospel hymn, ‘ I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked.’ This was one of my favorite songs as a young believer. If you’re not familiar with it, the first lines go like this:
I walked today where Jesus walked,
In days of long ago.
I wandered down each path He knew,
With reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed,
A sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked,
And felt His presence there.
As we would sing those beloved words in church, I would think about how incredible it would have been to have actually shared in that unimaginable privilege with the twelve disciples. They literally walked ‘where Jesus walked,’ with Him all the way, wherever He went. Of course, that honor was bestowed only upon those twelve men chosen directly by Jesus. Theirs was a most unique calling, and it is why we speak of them as “Apostles.”
Yet, while you and I will never be afforded such an opportunity in this present life, there is actually something much better that is reserved only for us right now! The Apostle John, one of the men who actually walked with Jesus, received a vision from the Lord that we know as the Apocalypse, or the Book of the Revelation. It’s the final inspired Book in the Bible, and its stated purpose is to encourage the saints who are still on this earth and are undergoing the tribulations and sufferings that Jesus spoke of and endured Himself.
As you will remember, this amazing Epistle was originally addressed to seven local churches in ancient Asia-Minor, each squarely in the target zone of imperial persecution. What John saw (and heard!) was meant to bring comfort and strength to the faithful believers in those local congregations. The message of the letter is timeless in the sense that it is for all generations of Christians as we await the Second Advent of our Victorious King.
In Revelation 1:9-18 John presents a breathtaking vision of our Savior. What he is allowed to see is not what simply was, or what only shall be in the future, but what is right now! In short, John is permitted to see the reigning Lord and Master of the whole universe whose appearance is unspeakably glorious and whose sovereign voice is “ like the roar of many waters” (v. 15). It is this One alone who holds the “ keys of Death and Hades” in His hands (v. 18).
While that vision all by itself is sufficient to comfort suffering Christians in every era, there is even more!
John sees that Jesus our Lord and King is presently walking “ among the seven golden lampstands” (2:1). Of course, there is significant symbolism here as there is throughout the whole Epistle. John, however, explains the rather odd terms he uses as he sees and writes. The “ angel” of the seven churches represents their seven pastors who, like angelic heralds, sound the Gospel boldly to the world. The “ seven stars” are the seven local churches themselves, which are also represented as “ seven golden lampstands.” By their presence, they illuminate the dark world with their persistent witness to the resurrected King. It is “ among the seven golden lampstands” that Jesus, the Sovereign One “ who holds the seven stars in His right hand,” is ever walking!
Now, just try and imagine how comforting this message would have been to those first-century believers who were enduring the wrath of Rome and her pagan emperor! Where was Jesus? Reigning from heaven for sure. But also walking “ among” His beloved sheep, holding each of their lives and their little churches in His mighty hand! How incredible! While on earth those thirty-three years, our Lord walked only with twelve. But now in heaven, He is walking with every single believer and is in the midst of every church that faithfully proclaims His message!
What this means for us is, then, twofold.
First, our little congregation of believers, Christ Presbyterian Church, is not only being held tightly in the hands of our Risen Savior, He is always walking “ among” us, especially in our seasons of affliction and tribulation. We are never, ever, away from Him! His presence is always with us and He will never depart from us until He comes again in glory! Our weekly celebration of Communion, following the preaching of His Word, is the high point of our experience of His presence among us.
Secondly, you as one of His precious elect sheep, are never, ever, walking alone in this life! He “ walks” with you, and you with Him! There is never a place, nor time, nor circumstance when He is not standing right at your side! This is true especially when you are called to “ walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” He is there with you, always comforting you with His “ rod” and “ staff” (Psalm 23).
Could there ever be a more comforting thought than this!
Let us find our encouragement and consolation for today in this blessed fact: The Holder of the stars is here! While we patiently await His glorious Second Advent He is already present by His eternal Spirit. And every step we take we take with Him by our side! Our church is in His hands! Your life is in His hands! And He will never leave us or forsake us!
I love you all so very much,
Mike