Chapter 1 (Part 3)

Verse 9

John, who identified himself as our brother and companion in tribulation, was a living martyr exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Notice the mention of 'kingdom' and 'patience' together, signifying not a passive waiting but an active longing for God's kingdom to replace that of fallen, rebellious human government and rule. This 'patience' speaks of endurance in adverse circumstances when the easy way out is to quit or give up.

Verse 10-16

John related his encounter with the glorified Jesus who speaks with great authority and power, telling him to write down what he was about to see into a book, and to send it to the seven churches He mentioned by name. The vivid description of the resurrected Lord is unlike the Son of Man veiled in human flesh which John was familiar and accustomed to. Indeed, Paul himself also was given a preview on his road to Damascus and later in a vision when he was translated to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), where he saw and heard things which he was not allowed to divulge. As a result, he insisted:

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ in this manner, we no longer do so. (2 Corinthians 5:16)

In John's vision, Jesus Christ was seen walking among the seven golden candlesticks and holding seven stars in His right hand, indicating that He is the Head of the Church, holding its life force in His hand. If we truly believe that we belong to Christ, then our lives should reflect the awe and admission of His right to rule, not just when we feel like it, but in deep awareness every moment and in every breath we take.

The two-edged sword is a representation of the power of God's Word, the very Christ Himself, the Logos of God, with searching eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass of the furnace, to test every thought and word of men:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing right to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

The countenance of Christ in full brilliance is reminiscent of John's memory on the Mount of Transfiguration where Jesus revealed His glory before His three closest disciples. Yet within that overwhelming brightness and glory the grace of God flows out to touch any repentant heart that surrenders in contrition of spirit over their sins.