“The mystery of the seven stars which 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 which you saw are the seven churches“

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands:

In this passage, Scripture interprets Scripture.

The New Testament usually presents the doctrine of the church as a “mystery.” A mystery was not something spooky but a secret not known to those not initiated (Ephesians 3:1-6; Colossians 1:25,26; Romans 16:25,26).

The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches,

The word “angels” means messenger. These are probably pastors or preachers who make announcements for God to specific churches. If the “lampstands” are churches, then the “stars” are pastors.

and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches

Jesus interprets the “lampstands” as churches. First, Revelation deals with the church (2-3), then it deals with Israel (4-22). These seven churches probably represent churches of all ages.

Churches are “lampstands” and are therefore light-bearers. They are not the lights themselves, but they witness to the light. The light is Jesus Himself.

Principle:

The business of the church is to bear witness to the light.

Application:

The church’s business is to tell the world the truth about Jesus, the Light of the world. The church should not be a holy huddle snuggled in a corner protected from the world. The church must get involved with its message about the Lord of Glory, the Lord Jesus Christ. The church must exert its authority on the world. Most churches are impotent at this. The central ministry of the church is as a dispenser of light in the midst of darkness.

It is the pastor’s responsibility to make sure the church stays on track of dispensing its message clearly.