HE’S GOT THIS

Rev.2:1 – To the angel of 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:

This is quite an amazing start to an exciting yet disturbing revelation of the future of this world. Throughout this coming revelation called the Book of Revelation we will see earthquakes far beyond any previously seen in history, fire falling from the sky, hail, catastrophic pandemics and plagues, strange demonic creatures, the oceans and the rivers devastated, and wars that destroy major parts of the world. The Lord starts by saying ,”I have the leaders in my hand and I will walk with you through every tragedy that this world will face. You will not be left alone, I will walk with you and I have got you”. The Lord is revealing to John in the coming chapters the end of the age, the good news for the church is that this will be the beginning of God’s new age. Here is how the Christ Centered Expository Commentary describes this verse.

“Jesus is described in two ways in verse 1. First, He “holds the seven stars in His right hand.” He is in possession of His “church angels” with divine authority. He is responsible for them, and they, like us, are accountable to Him. Ladd says,

The Greek verb used here . . . [indicates] that Christ holds his churches firmly in his hand, that they should not be snatched away. Every church Jesus purchased with His own blood is dear to Him.

John says, secondly, Christ “walks among the seven gold lampstands.” Our Lord walks about among His people, His church. He is no absentee landlord or disinterested deity. He is there, up close and personal, intimately present.

For contemporary believers, this promise remains. Christ is our sustainer and protector. He is our vigilant watchman. He sees what we do, hears what we say, and knows how we think and what is in our heart. This brings great assurance. It also brings great accountability.”

So……if I am in the Lord’s hand and He is walking with us every step of the way I think I can do this. As a matter of fact I think these terrible times ahead will prove to be our best times for the church. Darkness will become more intense and obvious, the glory in His church will become undeniable and strangely attracting to many in the days ahead. So what is my job? Look to Jesus, follow His lead, read the Bible more, and stay filled with the Spirit.