Revelation Now :
Daily Devotional Bible Studies in Revelation
Next | Previous | Contact Ron | Introduction | Foreword | Index | Tellout Home
The Son of Man and the Lamp Stands : Day 5 
"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lamp stands, and among the lamp stands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance." (Revelation 1:12-16)
Seven Golden Lamp Stands
John's visions are saturated with Old Testament background and symbols.
John turns to see the voice and saw seven golden lamp stands. This image comes from the candlestick of pure gold in the Tabernacle. It had six branches, three on one side, three on the other, and one in the centre. Seven lamps give light (1). This comes from the picture of Solomon's Temple. There were five candlesticks of pure gold on the right hand and five on the left, "a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it"(2). The candlesticks indicate the seven churches intended to be a light to the world.
Son of Man
Here we find a son of man in the midst of the lamp stands. The kingdom and the power and the dominion are given by the Ancient of Days to one like a son of man(3). Jesus' used "Son of Man" as the title of the Messiah, and by using it here John makes it plain that the revelation which he is receiving is coming from Jesus Christ himself.
High Priest
The Son of Man is wearing a robe reaching down to his feet. The same Greek word is used to describe the robe of the High Priest(4). The historian Josephus(5) records the appearance of the High Priest in the Temple. "This vestment reaches down to the feet, and sits close to the body; and has sleeves that are tied fast to the arms: it is girded to the breast a little above the elbows, by a girdle often going round, four fingers broad, but so loosely woven, that you would think it were the skin of a serpent. It is embroidered with flowers of scarlet, and purple, and blue, and fine twined linen, but the warp was nothing but fine linen. The beginning of its circumvolution is at the breast; and when it has gone often round, it is there tied, and hangs loosely there down to the ankles."
Jesus is the High Priest "par excellence." Jesus' title, son of man, is from the prophecy of Daniel and refers to his humanity and his earthly ministry. This was the title Jesus used exclusively for himself during his earthly ministry. Jesus took a vague title from the Old Testament and injected it with new meaning in himself. Even in the heavenly places Jesus, the great High Priest, is still carrying on his priestly work, opening the way for all men to the presence of God.
Christ is King
But other people besides priests wore the long robe reaching to the feet and the high girdle. It was the dress of great ones, of princes and of kings. It describes of the robe of Jonathan (6); of Saul (7). The robe the Risen Christ was wearing was the robe of royalty. No longer was he a criminal on a cross, he was dressed like a king. In the vision of Daniel, the divine figure who came to tell him the truth of God was clothed in fine linen and wrapped with a fine gold belt (8).
Thus, the very dress of the Risen Lord is showing him to us as Prophet, Priest and King. He is the one who brings the truth of God, who enables others to enter into the presence of God and to whom God has given the power and dominion for ever.
Hair as White as Wool
Jesus' appearance is further described. His hair is white like wool as white as snow reminiscent of God himself (9). White hair indicates a person of great age and wisdom and pure motives. His eyes were like blazing fire symbolize his fierce all-knowing nature.(10)
Bronze glowing in a furnace, reminds us of the mythical and fabulously precious metal called electrum which was supposed to be a combination of silver and gold. Christ speaks with divine authority and his voice sounds like the sound of rushing waters. The brightness of his face symbolizes the divine majesty of Christ. A sharp double-edged sword like a short tongue-shaped weapon in Jesus' mouth shows the power of his message.
Meditation
How is the Son of Man most human for you?
Prayer
The highest place that heaven affords, Is his, is his by right.
The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, And Heaven's eternal light.
Notes
(1) Exodus 25:31-37 (2)Zechariah (3) Daniel 7:13 (4) Exodus 28.4 (5) "The Antiquities of the Jews 3.7.2,4" (6) 1 Samuel 18:4 (7) 1 Samuel 24:5, 11 (8) Daniel 10:5 (9) Daniel 7.9 (10) Daniel 10.6.
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."
