March 20: A CLOSE, DAILY RELATIONSHIP
…and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. Revelation 1:13
The intimate involvement of the resurrected Jesus in His church is illustrated here. Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5), is the Source of the light that the church is to radiate into this dark world.
One like the Son of Man is the same description as in Daniel’s vision as He is conducted toward His Father, the Ancient of Days (see Daniel 7:13). Daniel recorded in chapter 7 that he saw down through the corridors of time to the fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong (v.7); that is, Rome, in both its pagan and papal forms, that would have cruel dominance over God’s people. Our Creator so closely identifies with His people that, of all the names that He is called by, His favorite is the Son of Man which reflects a very special and deep affection for us. His power to re-mold in His image those who come to Him in humble faith is assured. Any harm that comes to His people is considered by Him to be a personal attack. You can be certain that He is coming soon to set all things right. Do you feel honored that He identifies with you? Do you honor Him with your life? In speaking of history’s end, He said: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
John turned to see the voice that spoke with him (Revelation 1:12). Clearly, it was the voice of the Lord! John saw Him clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. This poderes (original Greek means a robe reaching down to the feet), signifies the long garment of the high priest, made for glory and for beauty (Exodus 28:2). Jesus is our Great High Priest! Let us tune our hearts to the reality of the heavenly sanctuary where He continues to serve the purpose of salvation in the world.
His regal robe, which also signifies royalty, is augmented about the chest with a golden band. Different from the band woven of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread (Exodus 28:8), the augmentation across the chest of our Great High Priest is all gold. The Bible teaches that Jesus is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6,10; see also Psalm 110:4). Melchizedek was also the king of Salem (Genesis 14:18). The golden band that the Prince of Peace wears points to the kingly role that He is to occupy throughout eternity.
Our Great High Priest lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:25) for His people. The high priest’s job was to fill the lamps with oil that they could shine brightly. Jesus gives us His Spirit, symbolized by oil, as we daily turn to Him. He is our daily “fuel” essential for every believer’s light to shine. We have an enemy who works at every turn to divert attention from the Light of Life. Apart from Him we are desolate. Daniel was led to warn us about the trampling (7:7) upon the concept of daily contact with the Son of Man:
Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot? Daniel 8:13