MEMORISE: Revelation 1:20
“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”
READ: Revelation 1:10-20 (KJV)
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15th And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Click here for yesterday’s Open Heaven message by Pastor Adeboye
We see in our Bible reading today that Jesus Christ was about to dictate letters for John to write and deliver to the seven Churches. The Almighty God chose these seven Churches because they represent all the strengths and weaknesses of Christians all through the ages. In the next few days, we will be looking at each of these letters and drawing lessons from them because they are meant for the body of Christ in general and also for the individuals that make up the Church. Thus, you should regard them as letters from your husband – Christ is the husband of the Church and we are His bride.
The statement, “He that hath an ear let him hear” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29, 3:6,13,22) makes it clear that He is talking to individuals. On judgment day, you will get the reward for your works here on earth, regardless of which Church you were attending.
When John turned to see the voice that spoke to him, there were seven candlesticks representing the Churches and in their midst, he saw Jesus (Revelation 1:12-13). This tells us that Jesus is in the midst of the Churches. Jesus is in our midst in The Redeemed Christian Church of God and every other Church of God out there. Hallelujah!
As soothing as this information is, it should also bring fear to those who are not doing His will. He is right there in your midst and He can see all the atrocities that you are committing in the Church. On the other hand, He can see all the faithful ones and He has a reward for everyone according to their works. What reward does Jesus have in store for you?
John also saw seven stars in the hands of Jesus and these seven stars are the angels of the Churches. Since it is the angels of these Churches that the letters were addressed to (Revelation 2:1), it means these were the leaders of the Churches – the Pastors. The Pastors are in His hands. This is why He says that you should touch not His anointed and do His prophets no harm (Psalm 105:15).
If you are a Pastor, ensure you do not bring abomination to His vineyard so that you do not get crushed by His everlasting hands.
REFLECTION:
Based on your works so far, what kind of reward do you think Jesus has prepared for you?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Song 3 – 8
HYMNAL:
Hymn 14 – Nearer, my God to Thee
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