Revelation 1:12-20 (NRSV)
Read Revelation 1:12-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, Verse 13and in the midst of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest. Verse 14His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, Verse 15his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. Verse 16In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force. Verse 17When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, Verse 18and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Verse 19Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this. Verse 20As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Devotion
“This sword does not enter His mouth but issues from it, signifying that He will reign with the sword of His mouth. Christ’s kingdom is not to be administered with physical power, with the sword or the rod. It is the province of the parents to wield the rod, and that of government and executioner to use the sword. No, His are an oral rod and an oral sword.” (Luther’s Works 22, 222)
Prayer
Lord, we thank you that Christ rules over us. Teach us to hear his Word and receive it in faith. Amen.