John is describing his transition from worship to vision. He has _heard_ the voice of Jesus instructing him to write down what he sees and to send it to the churches.
Now John turns to _see_ the voice that was speaking to him...
So what did he see?
"Seven golden lampstands and someone like a 'Son of Man' among them."
(The lampstands are a symbol of the church)
So wait a minute! If Revelation is about Jesus being the victorious champion and John was turning to look for this voice that was speaking to him, why does he see the symbol of the church first?
Surely he should have eyes only for Jesus? Surely he should have seen Jesus first? And why is Jesus "among" (in the midst of) the lampstands?
Because Jesus _chooses_ to be revealed and seen in and through the church. Because He _chooses_ to be at work in and through the church. The church is God's plan in the world and Revelation consistently describes the church as the Bride of Christ. The church is the reason He came to the cross and the reason He is returning again.
But not the organised structural church with all its faults and foibles, but the church made up of people who love His name and long to have Him "among" us.
No matter how tough times are: Jesus is among His faithful church!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
