The King and the Seven Lampstands

Read: Revelation 2

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (v. 7)

This passage addresses the seven major churches in the Roman province of Asia, and subsequently all churches everywhere. In today’s reading, the church matters. That’s an important message today, when churches face so many pressures from within and without.

Jesus himself interprets the symbols for us (1:20). Why lampstands for churches? They shine the gospel into a dark world (Matt. 5:14-16; Isa. 49:6). Why are they golden? They are precious to the King. He walks among them, praising, exhorting, motivating. What are the stars in his right hand? The original word means angels or messengers. Here it means leaders who will read the letters to believers. They are afraid. Jesus holds them in his hand but sends some on dangerous missions.

Jesus said he was building a church the enemy could not resist (Matt. 16:18). But why have churches? Together we shine more brightly! We show Christ’s love, encourage each other in faithfulness, learn and grow together, but even more, we impact society, plant more churches, do relief and development work around the world, and so much else. What does Jesus say to good, believing people outside the church? Not a word. If you’re a believing person without a church, consider how God is calling you into relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. —Ruth Siemens

As you pray, ask God to help you live out your faith with other Christians.