This guy is showing up at our house today for a long Christmas visit with GG and Pop!

Review of Revelation 2 & 3

Before we dig into the futuristic meat of Revelation beginning in chapter 4, I have been reflecting on the titles of Jesus. There are seven descriptions of Jesus at the introduction of each of the letters to the seven churches. Seems that it would be a cool little study to look at these titles. After all, this is our beloved Savior; our Lord; our immensely benevolent Master and friend.

This is Jesus

English words strain to describe Him in His infinite-ness and the breadth and depth of His work. One thought as I reviewed them is that He is active: in the world, His creation, in the church and in our lives. He is definite in His plan, active and ever-present in His work, always opening opportunities to save the lost and strengthen to saints. He is the “One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lamp stands.”  In 1:20 we are told the seven stars are the messengers (Angels) of the seven churches and the seven golden lamp stands are the seven churches. The seven churches of Revelation are actual churches in time (AD 90-95) but they clearly represent churches throughout the church age unto now and in the future until He comes.

Do the seven messengers represent actual angels that Jesus sends to oversee churches or it can mean a human messenger such as the Pastor or elders of the church? I’m not completely sure, but regardless, they are in His right hand. He is active and working in the leaders of the church. He walks among the seven lamp stands which represent the churches. The church will prevail, in all our weaknesses and flaws, we will prevail because and only because, Jesus is with us, always and to the ends of the earth. One of the fastest growing Christian movements in the world today is in Iran. No explanation for that except Jesus is in Iran the private communities of believers. He is active, walking among them, empowering the leaders with the Spirit. Seems impossible in such opposition, BUT Jesus…only because of Jesus. He is alive and active in our churches which means He is alive and active within us.  Jesus, You are the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega. You are all in all! Thank you for calling me and loving me. May I follow you and serve You always.