“And I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.'” Revelation 1;10,11
Dear Ones:
Sometimes it only takes one glance at some object, or person, to change a life forever. We do not know how much, or how long, or to what extent this “man in Christ”, that Paul mentions in his second letter to the Corinthians, glanced into “Paradise and heard inexpressible words.” (1 Cor. 12:2,4) Paul relates that, because of the abundance of the revelation, he was changed. We catch a glimpse of this change when he writes to the Philippians: “…having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil 1:23-24) What did God reveal to Him, and for what purpose? Most certainly it was to give to the Apostle a vision of what was before him, in light of the difficulty, and even suffering that awaited him. It was for the “joy set before Him,” that Christ knew was before Him, and thus conquered the cross. The vision of things past, present, and to come is essential if we would be the over-comers that God has called us to be.
In the fist chapter of God’s revelation of the exalted and glorified Christ, given to John, his specific instructions were that they should be written down, most certainly for clarity and conciseness. Secondly, the “revelation” was then to be sent to the seven churches of Asian Minor. Why? If each body of believers in the seven localities was to be, and keep being, what God had pre-ordained that they should be, fulfilling His purpose, their vision of the risen, conquering Christ had to be seen, grasped, and believed in. Only the Almighty God, the One how is the author of history, possessing the sovereign authority and power to accomplish all His will, could meet the deep needs of the believers according to their needs. If they would receive the all-sufficient grace of God, their vision of Him must correspond to what He truly was, is, and is to come. What did the Lord reveal about Himself so that this could be so?
All through the first chapter of Revelation is the consistent, powerfully clear declaration of Jesus Christ, as being the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Why? It is a continuation of Jesus’s words before ascending into heaven, when He declared: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18) Why is this important? It has to do with the following words: “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.” ((v.19) Here is a commission, which is part of the great purpose of God, to reach the world for Christ. How is this to be done unless the vision of the His resources, motivation, and the faithful commitment of Christ, His power and authority, are seen. Otherwise, it is an impossible task, in the face of “insurmountable odds,” from a human standpoint.
Returning to the Revelation, when John turned to see the voice behind him, one that sounded like a trumpet, powerful and clear, he saw “seven golden lamp stands.” These are the seven churches of Asian Minor. They are of gold because they have been created by God. They are “lamp stands” because they were made to give off light…light unto the world. They are lamp stands created to shine forth the glorious truth and life of Christ by the Spirit of God. The oil in those lamps is God Himself, by the Spirit. The message to the seven churches is aimed at remedying any issue, problem, or need, within the church, so that the will rise to the height of the lamp where the light will shine most powerfully, and effectively. The revelation of Christ in His glory not only gives an overwhelming conviction of the purpose of the church, but of His sovereign involvement IN the church. He is still “seeking to save that which was lost.”
Dear Father, open our eyes to see the Lord Jesus as He IS this day, giving us grace to truly fall before Him to BE His and His alone. Fill us with the knowledge of Thy will for us, and with this blessed “oil,” the Holy Spirit, that the brightness of Thy witness through us will be seen and known far and wide. We praise Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad