The First Scene in the Great Revelation
Evan Lewis, B. A. Revelation 1:13-20 And in the middle of the seven candlesticks one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot… I. THE RECIPIENT OF THIS GLORIOUS REVELATION. "I John," etc. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FIRST SCENE WAS USHERED IN. 1. The fulfilment of the vision is guaranteed. "I am Alpha and Omega." God will ever live to carry on His work. 2. The permanency of the revelation is implied. "What thou seest, write." 3. The universal reference of this revelation is expressed. III. THE REAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCENE ITSELF. 1. The Saviour's relation to His Church. (1) He occupies a central position, "in the midst of the seven candlesticks." This was a position of authority and honour. (2) He assumes a brother's form. This was intended for the comfort of the saints; for while the Saviour wore a brother's nature, He would retain a brother's heart. (3) He performs the office of an intercessor. Long robes were worn by men of lofty station: but the girdle seems to refer to the priest's official robe. 2. The Saviour's relation to the opponents of His cause. (1) His supreme authority. The white hair is intended to remind us of the knowledge, experience, and authority of age. (2) His clearness of vision. Not a tear was ever shed, but the eye of Jesus saw it; not an act of cruelty or of crime was ever perpetrated, but the Saviour marked it in His book. (3) His irresistible force. He can tread to dust His fiercest foes. (4) His terrible majesty. Nothing is more majestic than the crash of the cataract. Those who have seen the Fall of Niagara never can forget the impression it made upon the mind. 3. The Saviour's relation to Christian enterprise. (1) The safety and guidance of His agents. "He had in His right hand seven stars."(2) The power of His word. "And out of His mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword." The two edges show the manifold effects of Christian teaching. (3) The unsullied glory of the Saviour. Whatever happens, the glory of Jesus will never pass behind a cloud. No greater comfort can the Christian find than this. (Evan Lewis, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.