Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. (Revelation 1:12-20 ESV)
I. There Are Wounds in His Hands
In Revelation 1:12-20, we encounter a powerful vision of Jesus, the Son of Man, who stands in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, holding seven stars in His right hand. One of the most poignant aspects of Jesus’ hands are the wounds they bear. These wounds are a testament to His immense love and the price He paid for our redemption. Zechariah 13:6 captures this beautifully: “What are those wounds in thine hands?” to which He responds, “Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” The wounds in Jesus’ hands are an everlasting reminder of His sacrifice, illustrating that He was wounded for our transgressions, as Isaiah 53:5 tells us: “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed.” These wounds signify not just the physical suffering but the spiritual anguish He endured to reconcile us with God.
The commentator Matthew Henry once remarked, “The wounds of Christ are the tokens of His love to us and the trophies of His victory over death and hell.” These wounds reveal the depth of Christ’s love and the extent of His sacrifice. They are not marks of defeat but symbols of victory over sin and death. When we reflect on the wounds in His hands, we are reminded of the infinite cost of our redemption and the boundless love that drove Him to endure such suffering. This realization should stir a sense of gratitude and awe within us, encouraging us to live in a manner worthy of such a sacrifice. It calls us to a deeper love and devotion, knowing that our Savior bore unimaginable pain for our sake.
II. There Is a Sword in His Hand
Another striking image in this passage is the sword in Jesus’ hand. Revelation 1:16 describes it as a sharp two-edged sword coming from His mouth, symbolizing the power and authority of His Word. This sword represents the Word of God, as noted in Ephesians 6:17: “And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The Word of God is a powerful weapon, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). In Joshua 5:13, Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword in his hand, who identifies himself as the commander of the army of the Lord. This imagery underscores the fact that Jesus, through His Word, wages war against the forces of evil and brings divine judgment and righteousness.
Charles Spurgeon eloquently stated, “The Word of God is the anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed.” This quote emphasizes the power of the Word of God to break through human pretensions and bring truth to light. The sword in Jesus’ hand is not just a symbol of judgment but also of purification and protection. For the believer, it is a tool of spiritual growth, cutting away the sin and impurities that hinder our walk with God. For those seeking to know more about God, it is a revelation of His truth and love, guiding them toward righteousness. This dual function of the sword as both a judge and purifier reminds us that the Word of God is living and active, shaping our lives and defending us against spiritual attacks. We are called to wield this sword with wisdom and discernment, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds.
III. There Is a Plumbline in His Hand
The vision in Amos 7:7 presents the Lord standing on a wall with a plumbline in His hand. This tool, used to measure the straightness of walls, symbolizes God’s standard of righteousness and justice. In the hands of the Lord, the plumbline represents His divine judgment, measuring our lives against His perfect standard. Unlike human standards, which can be subjective and flawed, God’s plumbline is absolute and unchanging. It reveals the true state of our hearts and our alignment with His will. This concept is crucial for both believers and seekers, as it highlights the importance of living a life that aligns with God’s standards rather than those set by society or personal preferences.
John Stott, a respected theologian, once wrote, “We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency, and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” This quote captures the essence of the plumbline in God’s hand. It is a call to examine our lives and ensure they are in alignment with God’s righteous standards. For believers, it is a reminder to continually seek God’s guidance and correction, striving to live holy and blameless lives. For seekers, it is an invitation to discover the transformative power of God’s truth and to begin a journey toward spiritual integrity. The plumbline challenges us to abandon complacency and pursue a life of righteousness, measured not by human standards but by the divine benchmark of God’s Word.
IV. There Are Sheep in His Hand
In John 10:28, Jesus assures us that those who belong to Him are secure in His hand: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This promise of eternal security is a source of immense comfort and assurance for believers. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, holds His sheep with a firm and loving grip, ensuring that nothing can separate us from His care. This imagery of sheep in His hand underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. We are not just part of a flock; we are individually known and cherished by Him. This promise also serves as an invitation to those seeking God, assuring them that once they enter into a relationship with Jesus, they are safe and secure in His loving embrace.
As theologian A.W. Tozer puts it, “The sovereign God wants to be loved for Himself and honored for Himself, but that is only part of what He wants. He also wants us to know that when we have Him we have everything—we have all the rest.” This perspective highlights the completeness and sufficiency of being in Jesus’ hand. When we are in His hand, we lack nothing; we are fully provided for, protected, and guided by the Good Shepherd. This truth should inspire confidence and peace in our hearts, knowing that we are under the care of the One who has conquered death and holds the keys to eternal life. For those still searching, this assurance offers a compelling reason to trust in Jesus and to seek refuge in His hands, where they will find true security and eternal life.
V. There Is a Cup in His Hand
Psalm 116:13 says, “I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” This cup represents the salvation and blessings that God offers to those who call upon His name. In John 4:10, Jesus speaks of the living water that He gives, which will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life. This living water symbolizes the eternal life and satisfaction found in Jesus. The imagery of the cup also appears in Revelation 3:20, where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” This invitation to share a meal signifies fellowship and communion with Christ, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of salvation.
Commentator Matthew Henry notes, “The cup of salvation is the portion of all true believers; it is their cup, which the Lord gives them, and they have reason to be thankful for it.” This perspective underscores the gratitude that should accompany our acceptance of God’s salvation. The cup in Jesus’ hand is not just a symbol of what we receive, but a call to a deeper relationship with Him. It is an invitation to partake in the life He offers, to experience the fullness of His grace and mercy. For believers, it is a reminder to continually call upon the name of the Lord, to drink deeply from the cup of salvation, and to live in gratitude for the abundant life we have in Christ. For seekers, it is an invitation to open the door of their hearts, to accept the living water that Jesus offers, and to enter into a life-transforming relationship with Him.
VI. There Is a Scourge in His Hand
Hebrews 12:6 states, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” This discipline is represented by the scourge in God’s hand, signifying His loving correction and guidance. God’s discipline is not punitive but redemptive, intended to bring about growth and maturity in our lives. It is a sign of His deep love and commitment to our spiritual development. The idea of discipline can be uncomfortable, but it is essential for our growth as followers of Christ. Just as a loving parent disciplines their child to teach and guide them, so too does God discipline us to shape our character and draw us closer to Him.
As C.S. Lewis once remarked, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” This quote highlights how God uses various means, including discipline, to capture our attention and draw us back to Him. The scourge in His hand is a reminder that God’s discipline is an expression of His love, aimed at refining us and aligning our lives with His will. For believers, it is a call to embrace God’s correction with humility and gratitude, recognizing it as a necessary part of our spiritual journey. For seekers, it serves as an assurance that God’s discipline is not about punishment but about guiding us toward a fulfilling and righteous life. It is an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and to submit to His loving guidance, knowing that He desires the best for us.
Thought for the Hour
Reflect on the many things found in the hand of God: His wounds that signify His love, the sword of His powerful Word, the plumbline of His righteousness, the secure hold on His sheep, the cup of salvation He offers, and the scourge of His loving discipline. In His hands, we find all we need for life, salvation, and growth. Let this truth guide you today, reminding you of the fullness of His provision and care.
Intentional Faith 
Amen 🙏🤗
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