Devoted Sons & Daughters

The Apostle John relays a physical depiction of God, and then he says, “In His right hand He held seven stars, and coming out of His mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword...” (1:16). There has been much dispute about what the seven stars represent. Many believe they are the guardian angels of the seven churches, and some believe that they are the ‘messengers’ of the seven churches or some other metaphorical representation.

Regardless of the interpretation, Jesus is holding these seven stars in His own hand with seven lampstands around Him. The lampstands are the seven churches, and the stars are most likely the angels or messengers assigned to each church. The Lord tells the church of Ephesus, which John pastored, that if they did not repent of their sins, He would come and remove the lampstand from its place.

What does this mean for us? We have a responsibility. As His church, we are charged with a duty to walk according to His purpose for us. He’s holding seven stars in His hand, and a double-edged sword is coming out of His mouth. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating the soul and spirit and judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). When He speaks, it pierces.

This verse reminds us that we will all stand before the throne for judgement. We will all give an account of our lives to the only righteous Judge. No more pretenses, no more shadows.

God has charged every person with a mission. In Ephesians, Paul says, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (verse 4:1). The sons and daughters of God are each given a responsibility, some a higher level of authority than others. While this passage in Revelation is most likely in reference to church leaders and specifically, pastors, we should all be reminded that God has poured out His Spirit to each of us equally, and we must accept the calling He’s given us, walking in it with devotion.

John reminds us to pay attention, be devoted and not indifferent. We need to walk in accordance with His will, and carry our callings with diligence.