True Warden of the Temple Courts, October 22

“These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.”—Revelation 2:1JNN 311.1

The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world.JNN 311.2

Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die; but He is the true watchman in the Lord’s house, the true Warden of the temple courts. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light.JNN 311.3

Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to naught, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ....JNN 311.4

These words are spoken to the teachers in the church—those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with God’s ministers, who are to reveal the love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under His control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power.... If they will look to Him as He looked to the Father they will be enabled to do His work. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world.—The Acts of the Apostles, 585-587.JNN 311.5

Further Reflection: How comforting is it to know that Jesus is in the very midst of His church, no matter its challenges?JNN 311.6