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There are a number of things that we must keep
in mind, when we study the book of Revelation. One important matter is the
fact that the book is written in symbolic language. These materials are
matters which the angel "signified" (Rev. 1:1). Therefore, such
references to the beast of the sea or the beast that rises up out of the land
are symbols. Also we must remember that our interpretation of these symbols
must not contradict other known passages of the Bible. If this happens then
we know that our understanding of the book is an erroneous one and must be
restudied. The book of Revelation is as its name means, an unveiling, written
to console Christians who were suffering due to the persecution of a wicked
world empire. The book assures us that the right will overcome the wicked and
the wicked will be destroyed. We may disagree over certain symbols and their
meaning, but we can all see that the basic thrust of the book is one that
teaches us that we will have victory in Jesus if we will trust and obey Him.
Jesus is that victorious rider on the white horse who prevails over His
enemies.
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CHRIST AMONG THE CHURCHES (1:10-20). Jesus addresses this
Revelation to seven churches in Asia. There were more
than just seven churches of the Lord in the region of Asia,
of course, but keep in mind that the book of Revelation uses the number seven
to mean completeness and perfection. Hence, this message is a timeless one;
it is one that is intended for all churches of the Lord everywhere and in
every generation. That means that this book was for both them in that day as they
were struggling to live the Christian life due to the suffering they faced,
as well as for us in our day as we struggle to live for Christ. Notice, any
interpretation that limits the message of Revelation to the first century
fails to take into account this important point. There are views toward the
book, which try to restrict its message to the future, leaving the churches
of Bible times out of the message altogether. This is equally mistaken. The
book is written for all Christians everywhere, no matter when.
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As you read this paragraph, you will find Jesus
in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. Notice the description given
to him. Christ is clothed with power and majesty, ready to judge the wicked
that are outside the church, as well as saints who are in it. He is the judge
of the world, the enemies of God's people. In verse 20 you have the
explanation of the mystery. He sends letters to seven churches in Asia.
In reading these messages you will find that He commends them for those
things which are commendable and condemns them for those things which are
wrong. This should cause us to stop and think. Jesus is depicted as walking
in the midst of the lampstands (churches). He
inspects them; He knows their work, and He continues to do that today. He
knows the work that we do and the work we fail to do. He knows this with a
divine knowledge that cannot be wrong. What if this revelation had been
written today? How would it be written if Jesus were inspecting us and
relating to us our work for Him? What would He say? Could He commend us for
what is right, or would He condemn us for what we are doing that is wrong. If
we will look closely at these seven congregations mentioned in chapters two
and three; we are likely to see elements of ourselves being mirrored in them.
Study carefully our Lord's admonition given to the seven churches of Asia
and then make your own spiritual inventory.
 REVELATION
continued
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