📖 Sermon 167 — Jesus in the Midst of the Candlesticks
Date: Not listed
Text: Revelation 1:9–20
Preacher: Not listed
INTRODUCTION
John is on the island of Patmos.
He receives a vision of the glorified Christ who walks among His churches.
A. John identifies himself
1. He is a brother of those who are in Christ Jesus.
2. He is a partaker with others in tribulation, in the kingdom, and in the patience (endurance) of the saints.
B. John is an exile on the island of Patmos
1. A rocky, treeless island off the coast of Asia Minor.
2. No doubt because of his faithful preaching of the Word of God.
3. Persecuted on account of his testimony for Jesus Christ.
C. John was “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day
1. Sunday — the day of worship.
2. He experienced a special spiritual preparation.
3. No doubt he was worshipping his Lord when the vision came.
D. A mighty voice speaks
1. Great and loud, like a trumpet — penetrating and clear.
2. It instructs him to write what he will see.
3. He is told to address the message to the seven churches in Asia Minor:
a. Not meaning it was only for them.
b. They represent the entire Church of all ages.
A. John turns to see the Speaker
1. The command implied an invitation to look.
2. Perhaps the voice had a familiar sound — reminding him of the Lord he knew.
3. The vision was so glorious that afterwards John praised God for bringing him to Patmos for this great privilege.
B. “Like unto the Son of Man”
1. Jesus often called Himself the Son of Man.
2. John sees the One with whom he once walked in Palestine, upon whose bosom he had leaned — the One crucified, risen, ascended.
C. He appears among the golden candlesticks
1. Seven individual lampstands.
2. Jesus explains these represent the seven churches — His congregations.
3. The churches are light-bearers: “Ye are the light of the world.”
4. Shows Jesus keeps His promise: “Lo, I am with you always.”
D. His garments
1. Long robes.
2. Bound with a golden girdle.
3. Symbol of majesty and authority — the exalted Christ with all power in heaven and earth.
E. His head and eyes
1. White hair — symbol of holiness and purity.
2. Eyes like flame of fire — penetrating, nothing hidden.
3. The majestic head of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
F. His feet
1. Like burnished brass — bright, unbreakable, strong.
2. Ready to trample His enemies — He comes in judgment.
G. His voice
1. First compared to a trumpet — clear and authoritative.
2. Also as the sound of many waters — powerful, overwhelming.
H. His right hand
1. The hand of power and honor.
2. Holds seven stars — explained as the messengers (angels) of the churches.
I. Out of His mouth goes a sharp two-edged sword
Symbol of the Word — its power, authority, and judgment.
J. His face
1. Radiant in full splendor.
2. Shining like the sun in its brightness.
A. He is “in the midst” of the seven churches
1. John first sees Him standing among them.
2. Later described as walking — active presence.
3. He identifies them as His churches — the whole Church.
4. Shows the glorified Christ is with His Church on earth: “Lo, I am with you unto the end of the age.”
B. He holds the seven stars
1. They are the angels (messengers) — likely ministers and elders.
2. Indicates:
a. They are permanently in His hand.
b. Their authority comes from Him.
c. They are under His care and direction.
d. They are responsible to Him.
C. He comforts and instructs John
1. John falls at His feet as dead — overwhelmed by the glory.
2. Jesus lays His right hand upon him — symbol of power and love.
3. He assures him:
a. Fear not.
b. I am the First and the Last.
c. I am the Living One.
d. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.
e. I have the keys of death and Hades.
4. He commands John to write:
a. What he has seen.
b. The things which are.
c. The things which shall come to pass.
CONCLUSION
Christ is the Lord of the Church — majestic, glorious, present among His people, ruling all things for their good.
Let us behold His glory, trust His presence, and listen obediently to His Word.
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