How does Revelation 1:20 connect with Jesus' authority over His church? Setting the Scene • Revelation opens with a majestic vision of Christ (Revelation 1:12-18). • John sees “seven golden lampstands” and “seven stars” held in Jesus’ right hand. • Verse 20 interprets the symbols: “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” Unpacking the Symbols • Stars = messengers/angels of each church. • Lampstands = the congregations themselves, shining Christ’s light (cf. Matthew 5:14-16). • Right hand = biblical picture of power, authority, and security (Isaiah 41:10; John 10:28-29). Authority in His Right Hand • Jesus “holds” the stars—He sovereignly commands the spiritual overseers of every congregation. • Colossians 1:17-18: “He is before all things… He is the head of the body, the church.” • Ephesians 1:22: “God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church.” • Because the stars never leave His grip, no power can thwart His purpose for His people. Walking Among the Lampstands • Revelation 2:1 repeats that He “walks among” the lampstands. • His presence is intimate and ongoing, not remote. • Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Acts 20:28 links His nearness with shepherding care—He purchased the church with His own blood, so He watches over it personally. Jesus as Head of the Church • Complete, unrivaled authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) • Protective authority: “No one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:28) • Purifying authority: Each message in Revelation 2–3 shows Christ commending, correcting, and commanding the churches; His lordship shapes their doctrine and conduct. Living Under His Lordship • Security: resting in the grip of His right hand. • Accountability: remembering He walks among us, seeing deeds and motives (Hebrews 4:13). • Mission: shining as lampstands, reflecting His light into a dark world (Philippians 2:15). Revelation 1:20, therefore, anchors Jesus’ absolute authority over His church—He holds its leaders, indwells its congregations, directs its destiny, and guarantees its ultimate victory. |
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