Revelation and the Seven Stars.

Revelation and the Seven Stars.

I learned an interesting fact today about the seven stars in Revelation, which Jesus was holding in His hand. In this, John is portraying Jesus as higher than the Roman emperor of the day. Jesus, holding the seven stars in His right hand, the hand of much strength and power. A King of heaven and earth. An outstanding King and a King above all.

At this time in history, a new Roman coin was circulating, depicting Emperor Domitian’s dead baby son as an eternal celestial being, surrounded by seven stars - implying eternal life and deity for not only the son, but also Domitian himself, as the direct ancestor to his god-son.

Whereas John’s portrayal of Jesus is that Jesus is above the stars as He holds them in the palm of His hand, rather than amongst them as the dead son was. Here, John is revealing to us a picture of Jesus, ruling over all with superior strength and power. A greater rule with Jesus at the helm, than even Domitian and his son, is inferred by John.

The baby on the coin, portrayed as bald and naked, sitting on a sphere (the earth) is said to be a depiction of his rule over the earth. Bald; no crown of wisdom or glory. Naked; viewed by those who worshipped the celestial gods, as holy within the gods of the day.

Jesus, on the other hand, with hair white as snow (a display of wisdom and glory), glowing in His long white robe; a picture of purity, judgement and priesthood. The golden sash about His waist denoting superiority, royalty and dignity; a far cry from a bald, naked, small baby to small gods.

This particular coin was minted (AD 82-83) shortly before the time John was sent to the island of Patmos and while at Patmos, John was given the vision. All this after the death and resurrection of Jesus is an interesting point to ponder. The vision John saw of the Deity of Jesus coinciding on the time-line of Domitian’s perceived deity. One King ruling in power and strength, wisdom and glory. The other, naked, poor, lowly and even unaware of his condition.

We, given all authority as kings and priests through Jesus Christ, have the same power, strength, wisdom and glory as Jesus Himself. Let us be bold, in coming to His throne of Grace. Let us be bold in our petitions to the King. Let us praise Him in the worthiness and honour He richly deserves. Amen.