Pictures of Jesus in Revelation
These things says He … who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. Revelation 2:1
When the apostle John saw the extraordinary vision of chapter 1, He saw Jesus in the middle of seven golden lampstands. Jesus does not leave us guessing what this means. He says, “The seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches,” (1:20). These seven churches would be recipients of letters from Jesus through John.
What a blessing to know that Jesus walks among believers! We are assured by Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” These words were spoken in the context of the authority given for believers to speak on Christ’s behalf when it comes to forgiving or retaining sins. That is one way Jesus is among believers, but there is so much more. He gathers believers together to learn of Him, to partake of His body and blood in Holy Communion, to praise Him and to do His kingdom work. Jesus is among us to bless and keep us.
There was also a warning Jesus gave to the congregation of Ephesus. “Repent and do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand,” (Rev. 2:5). We dare not take Jesus’ presence among us for granted. We, like the Ephesians, may go through the motions and focus on what we do for Jesus rather than why we do works for Him.
Just as there is nothing better than having Jesus walking among us, there is nothing worse when He is not. Jesus gives us the opportunity to learn from the Ephesian’s mistake and realize anew the importance of His presence for forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
Lord Jesus, lead us to never take Your presence among us for granted. Amen.