Continue with: In The Lord's Day

Most of the Prophecies in Revelation were to be fulfilled after John's time. They referred to "the things that will take place after these." But the counsel to the seven congregations deals with "things that are ," situations that really existed in the seven congregations at that time. The messages were valuable aids to faithful appointed elders in those seven congregation, as well as in all other congregations of anointed Christians of the time. Since the vision has its prime application in the Lord's day, what Jesus says serves notice that similar conditions are to be experienced in the congregation of anointed Christians of our own day.-Revelation 1:10, 19.

In this first vision, John sees the radiant Lord Jesus Christ in his heavenly glory. What could be more fitting for a book of prophecies relating to the great day of this Lord commissioned by heaven? And what could be more important to us, who are now living in that time period and giving careful heed to his every command? Moreover how thrilling it is for supporters of Jehovah's sovereignty to be assured that the Messianic Seed, having endured all the tests and persecutions brought by Satan and having suffered an agonizing death when his "heel"was bruised 1,900i years ago, is now alive in heaven, empowered to bring God's grand purpose to its triumphant completion!-Genesis 3:15.

It is evident that Jesus is now poised to go into action as enthroned King. He has been appointed as Jehovah's Chief Executioner to carry out Jehovah's final judgments against this old wicked system of things and its diabolic god, Satan. He is also on hand to judge those of his congregation of anointed ones and the great crowd of their associates, as well as to judge the world.- Revelation 7:4, 9; Acts 17:31.

John turns at the sound of the loud voice, and her is what he sees: "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands." (Revelation 1:12) Jesus, the "Son of man," here presents himself before the awestruck witness, John, as a magnificent, glowing figure. He appears in brilliant glory among flaming golden lamp stands. This temple like setting impresses on John the fact that Jesus is present in the role of Jehovah's great High Priest, with judgment powers. (Hebrews 4:14; 7:21-25) His long impressive garment conforms to his priestly office. Like the Jewish high priests of old, he wears a girdle-a golden girdle over his breast where it covers his heart. This signifies that he will wholeheartedly carry out his divine commission received from Jehovah God.-Exodus 28:8, 30; Hebrews 8:1, 2.

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