His Countenance Was Like the Sun

"Lord, give me the ability to take these truths from Your Word and incorporate them into my life today."


"He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength." (Revelation 1:16)


Continuing to look at the descriptive imagery portraying our risen Lord, we see seven stars in His right hand. seven is the number of perfection, and these stars speak of all creation. It's John's way of saying that Jesus regulates the universe. Nothing is out of His control.


But a deeper symbolic meaning for these stars is revealed: "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20). This shows us that Jesus also has His church in His hand. He is building His church, and all the forces of hell will not prevail against it. He is the regulating Christ with unequaled mastery.


And the sword coming from His mouth shows He is the revenging Christ with unspoiled victory. This sword speaks of His Word, just as Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." it is a weapon of vengeance (Revelation 2:16). Later we'll find that it is the weapon He uses to destroy the antichrist and all satan's minions. Be careful how you handle the Word of God, for this blessed blade cuts both ways. If it does not bless you and save you, it will cut you and condemn you.


Lastly, we see the resplendent Christ with undimmed glory. We dare not dream how dazzlingly glorious is our risen Lord! He shines brighter than the noonday sun - with a radiance that will light all of heaven for eternity. None of us can describe it, but those who are saved have experienced it: "For it is the God Who commanded light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). The light of heaven is the face of Jesus Christ. We have the light of the knowledge of God now, but someday we will bask in His full glory!


~Adrian Rogers~