Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:19.20 ESV
Jesus commands John to write all that he sees, current things and things that are yet to take place. This verse helps us to get a grasp on the revelation. Things that are covered in the book are both current and future. Current to the first century church and future events that are not given a specific time of occurrence. But, they are to come. The time span is not definitive.
Jesus then goes on to explain the meaning of the seven stars and lampstands. In His explanation we see that Jesus is actually present in His churches. He is keenly aware of the activities and circumstances of every congregation.
As we will see when get into the letters to the seven churches in Asia, Jesus has great concern for the members of His body and their spiritual well-being. He knows the influences within and without the congregations and how faithful every body is.
So today, as we study the revelation we can know that our Lord is very aware of our congregations and our strengths and weakness. As we look at the letters to the churches we can learn from them and apply the lesson to our congregations.
© 2013 Leo J. Woodman
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