January 31, 2022
“To the angel at the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience…’” Revelation 2:1-2a
Here, in the first of the seven letters, Jesus identifies Himself as “He who holds the seven stars in His right hand…” The church in Ephesus is the church in its infancy. This parallels the first of the four horsemen in Revelation 6 where we see Jesus riding forth on a white horse, who “went out conquering and to conquer” (v2) with the pure gospel message that was sent into the world to give people victory over sin. The church in Ephesus was faithfully sharing Him who came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). The “seven stars” that Jesus is holding in His right hand symbolically represent (are a metaphor for) the complete list of faithful messengers of Good News: liberty for the captives of sin!
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Following the utter defeat of all who teach that God’s law is no longer valid, Jesus said, “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Matthew 13:43
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The Lawgiver imparts the power to obey. Jesus also identifies Himself as He who “walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.” He is with us, just as He says in the verse above. His Holy Spirit is represented by oil: the fuel that keeps the lamps burning. “Seven golden lampstands” refers to the church as a whole, all connected to Jesus. You can picture the menorah in the holy place of the tabernacle: all one piece (see Exodus 25:31 and 27:20).
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14