March 26: LOVE, CRIME, AND MYSTERY
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20
This explanation prepares the hearers of Revelation to tap into familiar Scriptural terminology. The apostolic age was riddled with conflict, as the archenemy of Christ was active in his attempt to thwart the establishment and growth of the church. Jesus identifies those He holds in His right hand: the angels of the seven churches. The most basic definition of angel is messenger. What a comfort to hear that Jesus holds the messengers of the churches—pastors, leaders, bearers of the gospel message—in His right hand!* And just as comforting is the fact of His presence among the churches, the lampstands (v.13) that shine the light of the everlasting gospel into this dark world. In John’s day and in our own, the enemy of the gospel would have God’s people to believe that He has abandoned them. Not so, dear believers!
The Holy Spirit, who is the ‘author-behind-the-authors’ of Scripture, employs the number seven in a special way throughout the Bible, and especially in apocalyptic writing. Its significance denotes a completeness and totality. Regarding the seven churches, chapters 2&3 contain a precious combination of affirmations, corrections, guidance, warnings, and rewards that applied to the churches in Asia and certainly apply to His church as a whole down through the corridors of time, as well as to individuals like you and me. We are a fantastic mix of personalities, abilities, and giftedness in widely varying areas. Some may see this as a “powder keg” just waiting to explode. However, in God’s economy we must remember that even the Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17) were lovingly molded into important members of that cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) that we benefit from right up to this very minute!
Of all literary genres, the top three best-sellers are love, crime, and mystery. It is interesting to note that the Bible is the single, best-selling book of all time! Its superior literary styles incorporate the truths of the Ultimate Love, the crime of all the ages, and the beauty of mysteries that are explained within its pages. May you, through the study of this Word, come to a better knowledge of these truths, and especially of our Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son. May you sense His readiness to reveal Himself to the humble seeker of eternal truth. And, most of all, may you develop an unwavering love for your Creator as you grow in the knowledge of His indescribably fierce love for you!
*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
For further study: Genesis 2:1-3; Jeremiah 9:24; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 12:12,27; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:19; Revelation 14:6