The Glorified Christ Series

The seven lampstands with seven stems represent completeness and here designate the whole Christian body, of all times and all places. The symbolic lampstands are in a circle for they are being tended by the One so that they might shine forth Him and His message.

In verse 13 we see the Vision of Christ. And in the middle of the lampstands One like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle.

The son of man was Jesus favorite way to designate Himself which spoke of His humanity as well as being a title for the Messiah (Dan. 7:13). The word like is used because we will see that the glorified Christ has become again the Ancient of Days. Christ is seen in the midst of His lampstands or His churches. If you are going to see Jesus you must not divorce Him from church. Jesus is always most clearly seen in the midst of His church, where He cares and ministers to His people.

Jesus is always in the midst of His church. I don’t care what kind of problems they have. I don’t care what kind of mess they’re making of their stewardship of shining the light into the darkness. I don’t care what kind of hassles they are going through because of their carnality. They are His lampstands, and He is in their midst. Always working with them, disciplining them, cleansing them, always doing whatever is necessary to prepare His bride.

Jesus stood among "seven golden lamp stands," which He explained later were the seven churches. Lampstands, of course, light our way at night. When Christ was banished from the world, the world was plunged into darkness; however, the lampstands, representing the churches, throw their light on His perfections. The light is the Lord’s, not the churches, and the purpose of the light is to bring glory to the Father in heaven.

Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The responsibility of Christians is to let a lost world see the light of the glory of God. Church programs are fine, if Christ is at the center. Sunday school lessons may relate to immediate personal problems, if Jesus is the focus. The ultimate success or failure of social concerns, charity groups, or philanthropic organizations depends upon that focus. Jesus’ position must be in the place of prominence; the center of the church, where everyone can see Him clearly as the head of His church. [David Jeremiah, Escape, p 45].

Every stroke of the Spirit’s brush has a meaning. John saw the resurrected Christ in a long flowing robe reaching to His feet. The robe speaks of His greatness. [It was long like the high priest’s robe, yet longer to make it a royal robe. It was girded up high (the priestly figure in Daniel was girded at the loins) across the breast with a golden girdle again making it more royal than priestly (the High Priest’s girdle was threaded with gold).] The garments signified one of official dignity and royalty.

Verse 14 continues the startling description. And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.