Vision

John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, by the Roman government because of the Word of God and John's testimony. He was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, which means he was in fellowship with God, when he saw a vision.

Revelation 1:12 "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13: And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14: His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16: And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength."

In verse 20, the candlesticks and stars are explained as the 7 candlesticks being the 7 churches, and the 7 stars are the angels of the 7 churches. We can see that since Jesus is in the middle of the candlesticks that He walks amid the churches, and He guards the angels of the churches in His hand. Describing Jesus as one like the Son of Man tells us that He was human in appearance, since it is one of the titles frequently applied to Him in the gospels.

"dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet" shows Jesus as the High Priest. This was typical dress of the priests as they ministered in the Holy Place in the Temple. Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our great high priest.

"with a golden sash around his chest" refers to a symbol of strength and authority common in the ancient world. Only those in authority wore a girdle. Remember, Jesus said of Himself, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18)

"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow" speaks of the righteousness of God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.

"His eyes were like blazing fire" represents all-knowing, all-seeing.

"His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace" speaks to us of judgment. It reminds us of the brazen altar of the tabernacle, where sin was judged.

"His voice was like the sound of rushing waters" tells us that the sound was deafening, as if you were standing beside a giant waterfall, that would be all you could hear. Other things seem to take precedence over the voice of Jesus in our lives, but in the end, this will be the sound we hear, and everyone will hear.

"Out of His mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword" which is the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is "sharper than any double-edged sword." The spoken word of Christ will go forth as a sharp sword against which there will be no defense in the day of judgment.

"His face was like the sun shining in all it's countenance" is the divine nature of Christ and reminds us of the event that took place on the Mount of Transfiguration, where His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:2)

Jesus laid His right hand on John and told him, "Do not be afraid" and gave four reasons for John not to be afraid.

1. "I am the First and the Last" speaks of Christ's eternity. He is forever and ever, and will still be in control in the last days.

2. "I am the Living One; I was dead" speaks of Christ's sacrificial death for our sins and reminds us that we worship a risen, living Christ.

3. "I am alive forever and ever!" tells us that Christ died for sins once and for all. He will always be!

4. "And I hold the keys of death and Hades." Jesus stated that in His hand He held the "keys of death and Hades", and these keys were evidently purchased by His own blood. Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us that "by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."

So even though the vision may seem scary, we have the assurance that Jesus is in control, and if Jesus is in control, who can be against us? He will protect His people.