9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, – (the seven Asian regional churches, listed above. A separate letter is spoken by Jesus and recorded by John for each of these in the following two chapters!) 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, – (Jesus the Son of God who became a man) clothed with a long robe – (the robe of rank) and with a golden sash around his chest. – (sign of royalty) 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. – (the sign of wisdom and maturity, It is possible that it indicates both earthly and heavenly wisdom!) His eyes were like a flame of fire, – (this indicates powerful discerning insight. You can’t fool God!) 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, – (strength to carry out His judgement.) and his voice was like the roar of many waters. – (Jesus can be gentle but this doesn’t indicate a tinkling brook rather a roaring river or waterfall!) 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, – (either seven guarding heavenly Angels, or the human leader of the local church!) from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, – (Double-edged swords are primarily used for thrusting and cutting, versatility and superiority of carrying out the spoken judgement!), and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Have you ever worked for a day under the blazing sun!)
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that 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 are the seven churches. – Are you surprised that John fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet? Jesus reaffirms that He has the power and authority to do what He is going to tell John!
Psalm 62: 11&12 – Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
Prayer: Teach me, O Eternal God, to stand in awe of Your mighty Power and Grace. Thank You for Jesus!