THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 20, JUNE 16, 2002

          A MAGNIFICENT VISION  

            The book of Revelation is one of the most misunderstood and misused books of the New Testament.  It is also one of the most awe-inspiring and faith building when properly approached.  It belongs to a particular literary genre known as “apocalyptic literature”.  This is important because it helps us to understand the message of the book and the methods used to reveal that message.

            The apocalyptic style of writing was used by various authors in times of great national crisis. In the Word of God, we find examples of it in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah, in addition to the book of Revelation.  It was used when a powerful enemy threatened the life of the people, or the very existence of a nation.  It consists of visions and symbols, the purpose of which was to instruct and encourage the suffering people.  It was meant to show that even in the darkest of times God was with them.

            Yet another purpose was served by this style of writing.  The people to whom the book was written were familiar with the meanings and significance of the images and symbols used.  The enemy was not.  Thus the message was both revealed and concealed.  Revealed to the intended recipients, concealed from the enemy should the book fall into their hands.

            I want to consider just one example of the magnificent visions seen in the book of Revelation.  In chapter 1:13 – 18, is the vision of the glorified Christ.  This is what John saw:

            “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.  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.  And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.  And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

            The seven golden candlesticks are representative of the seven churches of Asia – verse 20 tells us that that is so.  Yet, even that has significance.  Seven is the perfect number in Revelation, representing perfection or completeness.  Thus the candlesticks are truly representative of all the churches, and here is the glorified Christ in the midst of them.  He is clothed in garments that signify a high rank and office, with white hair – a symbol of purity and holiness. 

            The glorified Christ has eyes “as a flame of fire”, showing the penetrating nature of His vision, burning into the heart and soul of all, discerning the thoughts and intents of each.  He is all-seeing.  The strongest metal of John’s day was burnished brass, and that is how His feet appeared.  His very foundation was that of strength, and the voice that John heard was like the sound of ocean breakers, crashing into the shore – strong, powerful, resolute.  In the right hand of the Lord, suggestive of power, were the “seven stars” – which I believe are a personification of the character, temper, and conduct of each congregation.  It expresses the idea that each congregation, while comprised of individual members, is really a unity.  Whether that is true or not, it certainly does indicate that they are under the Lord’s protection

            From the mouth of the Lord protrudes “a sharp two-edged sword”.  Coming from His mouth, that must be symbolic of His Word.   It calls to mind Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  It must truly have been something for John to see His face shining in all its brightness and glory, showing the majesty of divinity.

            So what was the meaning of the vision for Christians experiencing the persecution of the Roman Empire ?  Simply this – a living, holy, majestic, omniscient, authoritative, powerful Jesus stands in the midst of the churches, holds their destiny in His hand and says, “Do not worry.  I was dead; I am now alive forever.  I hold in My hand the keys to death and the grave.  Do not fear any place to which I hold the key.  You many be persecuted to death, but I am in control and all will be well.”

            There is comfort.  There is encouragement.  There is the strength to go on. This is just a little taste of the nature of apocalyptic literature.

                                                Greg Litmer

A NOTE ABOUT TAPES  

            Just since our gospel meeting we have received about 50 requests for tapes of various sermons.  Lauren is handling that and doing a great job, provided the preacher remembers to push the button on the recorder. 

            The tapes can be used in different ways.  You can keep them yourself and build a tape library for future personal study and edification.  You can give them to a friend or neighbor.  You can mail tapes of specific topics to people you know would be interested.  It is another method to be used in evangelization.  Why not take advantage of it?