John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day continued

 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 congregations, 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 expected in the congregation of anointed Christians of our own day. - REVELATION 1:10,19.

In this first vision, John sees the radiant Lord Jesus 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 this 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 almost 2,000 years ago, is now alive in heaven empowered to bring God's grand purpose to it 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 it 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 here is what he sees: "I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me, and, having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands." (Revelation 1:12)   Later, John learns what these seven golden lampstands  symbolize.  But it is the person in the midst of the lampstands that catches his eye.  There was  "In the midst of the lampstands someone like the son of man, clothed in a garment that reached down to the feet, and girded at the breasts  with a golden girdle." (Revelation 1:13)  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 lampstands.  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 priest of old, he wears a girdle-a golden girdle over his breast where it covers his heart.  This signifies that he will whole heartedly carry out his divine commission received from Jehovah God. -EXODUS 28:8, 30; HEBREWS 8:1, 2.

Next time: John Behold the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day Conclusion

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