Berean Standard Bible
and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
King James Bible
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
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The verse Revelation 1:13, which describes John’s vision of “one like a son of man, standing among the seven golden lampstands, with a long robe and a golden sash around his chest,” presents a striking and majestic image of Jesus Christ, the glorified Lord, as the central figure in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. This verse, situated early in John’s revelation, sets the tone for the entire book, revealing Christ’s divine authority, priestly role, and intimate presence with His church. To fully grasp its significance, we must explore its context within the book of Revelation, the symbolism of the “Son of Man,” the imagery of the lampstands, robe, and sash, and the theological and practical implications for believers today.
Revelation, written by the apostle John while exiled on Patmos, is a prophetic and apocalyptic work addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor, offering hope and encouragement amidst persecution and spiritual challenges. The opening chapter establishes the authority of the vision, with John receiving a direct revelation from Christ Himself. In verses 12–20, John describes his vision of the glorified Christ, a scene rich with Old Testament imagery and theological depth. The placement of verse 13 within this vision is pivotal, as it introduces the central figure—Jesus, the exalted Son of Man—who speaks to the churches and oversees the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. The description is not merely decorative but laden with meaning, drawing on biblical symbols to convey Christ’s identity and mission.
The phrase “one like a son of man” immediately evokes the imagery of Daniel 7:13–14, where a figure “like a son of man” approaches the Ancient of Days and is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently used “Son of Man” as a self-designation, combining the ideas of His humanity and divine authority. In Revelation 1:13, this title underscores both Christ’s identification with humanity—He is one who shares our nature, having lived, suffered, and died—and His exalted status as the divine ruler. The phrase “like a son of man” suggests a figure who transcends mere human appearance, radiating divine glory. For John’s audience, facing persecution under Roman rule, this title would have been a powerful reminder that Jesus, their risen Lord, reigns with the authority promised in Daniel’s vision, offering hope that He is sovereign over the powers that oppose them.
The setting of the vision, with Christ “standing among the seven golden lampstands,” is rich with symbolic significance. In verse 20, John explains that the seven lampstands represent the seven churches, symbolizing the church as a whole, called to shine as a light in the world. The image of lampstands recalls the menorah in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, where God’s presence dwelt among His people. Christ’s position “among” the lampstands signifies His intimate presence with His church, walking among His people, knowing their struggles, and sustaining their witness. This is a profound encouragement for believers, both in John’s time and today, assuring them that Christ is not distant but actively present, overseeing His church with care and authority. The number seven, a biblical symbol of completeness, suggests that the vision encompasses the universal church, not just the specific congregations addressed in Revelation 2–3.
The description of Christ’s attire—a long robe and a golden sash around His chest—further deepens the vision’s theological richness. The long robe, reaching to His feet, evokes the imagery of a priestly garment, reminiscent of the high priest in the Old Testament who ministered in the presence of God (Exodus 28:4). In Hebrews, Jesus is described as the eternal high priest after the order of Melchizedek, interceding for His people and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:24–25). The robe signifies His priestly role, mediating between God and humanity, a role that is especially comforting for believers facing trials, as it assures them of Christ’s ongoing intercession. The golden sash, worn across the chest rather than the waist, suggests regal authority, as gold in Scripture often symbolizes divine purity and kingship. This combination of priestly and kingly imagery portrays Christ as both the compassionate mediator and the sovereign ruler, uniquely qualified to guide and protect His church.
Theologically, Revelation 1:13 reveals the glorified Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament hopes and the center of God’s redemptive plan. The “Son of Man” title connects Jesus to the messianic expectations of Daniel, while the priestly and kingly imagery underscores His dual role as mediator and ruler. This vision counters any notion of Jesus as merely a historical figure or a gentle teacher; here, He is the exalted Lord, radiant with divine glory, holding authority over history and eternity. For the churches in Asia Minor, facing external persecution and internal challenges like compromise and apathy, this image of Christ would have been a powerful reminder of His supremacy and presence. He is not only aware of their struggles but actively engaged, walking among them, ready to judge, correct, and encourage as needed.
The verse also carries eschatological weight, as Revelation unfolds the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. The Son of Man, standing among the lampstands, is the same figure who will return to judge the living and the dead, as depicted later in the book (Revelation 19:11–16). His presence among the churches now is a foretaste of His ultimate reign, assuring believers that the one who walks with them today will one day establish justice and righteousness forever. This hope sustains perseverance, as believers are reminded that their struggles are not in vain but part of a larger narrative where Christ’s victory is certain.
Practically, Revelation 1:13 calls believers to live in light of Christ’s presence and authority. The image of Jesus among the lampstands challenges churches to examine their faithfulness—are they shining as lights in a dark world, or have they allowed compromise, fear, or division to dim their witness? The priestly robe invites confidence in Christ’s intercession, encouraging believers to approach Him with boldness in prayer, knowing He sympathizes with their weaknesses. The golden sash, symbolizing His kingship, calls for submission to His authority, trusting that His commands are for the good of His people and the glory of God. For individual believers, this verse prompts reflection on whether their lives reflect the reality of Christ’s presence—do their choices, words, and priorities honor the One who walks among them?
The vision also speaks to the communal nature of the church. The seven lampstands represent not isolated individuals but a collective body, called to shine together. Christ’s presence among the lampstands underscores His care for the church as a whole, urging unity, mutual encouragement, and shared mission. In a world that often fosters division or individualism, believers are called to foster communities where Christ’s presence is evident—through love, service, and bold witness. The image of the lampstands also implies responsibility: just as a lampstand requires oil to burn, the church depends on the Spirit’s power to fulfill its calling, a reminder to remain open to His guidance and empowerment.
For contemporary believers, Revelation 1:13 remains a source of both comfort and challenge. In times of cultural pressure, personal trials, or spiritual uncertainty, the vision of Christ among the lampstands assures us that He is near, knowing our struggles and sustaining our faith. His priestly role invites us to rest in His intercession, while His kingly authority calls us to obedience and trust. The verse challenges complacency, urging believers to live as those who reflect the light of Christ in a world desperate for hope. It also calls the church to unity, to shine as a collective witness, demonstrating the reality of God’s kingdom through lives transformed by His grace.
In conclusion, Revelation 1:13 presents a majestic vision of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, standing among His church as both priest and king. The imagery of the lampstands, robe, and sash reveals His intimate presence, divine authority, and ongoing intercession, offering hope to believers in every age. For the churches of John’s time, this vision provided strength to endure persecution and remain faithful. For believers today, it is a call to live in light of Christ’s presence, to shine as His witnesses, and to trust in His sovereign care. The verse anchors the hope of Revelation, pointing to the One who walks among His people now and will one day return to establish His kingdom forever.
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Beloved in Christ, called and chosen, sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption, I invite you now to lift your eyes with trembling wonder to behold the risen and glorified Christ, as revealed not in meekness nor in a manger, but in majesty and awe, as seen by the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos. Let every distraction fall silent, and let every heart awaken, for we do not stand now in the presence of mere prophecy or poetic vision, but before a revelation of the exalted Lord who walks among His people and rules from heaven’s throne.
The Apostle John, exiled and aged, imprisoned for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus, is not forgotten. In his solitude, heaven opens, and he is caught up by the Spirit on the Lord’s Day—not into despair, but into glory. And what does he see? Not angels alone. Not signs or beasts. First, he sees Him. The centerpiece of all history, the fulfillment of all prophecy, the Lord of the Church. He sees one "like a Son of Man," and those words carry the weight of heaven’s authority and earth’s great hope. This is not merely a man. This is the Ancient of Days come in flesh, the Son of Man from Daniel’s vision, now unveiled in splendor.
Where is He found? "In the midst of the lampstands." O Church, hear the comfort and the warning in these words. The lampstands, as John later explains, are the churches. And Jesus, the glorified Christ, is not far off, not aloof, not observing from a distance—He is in the midst. He walks among His people. He sees. He knows. He is present with every congregation, small or great, faithful or faltering. He is not merely remembered in doctrine; He is present in Spirit. And His presence is not to be taken lightly. He is no longer the suffering servant veiled in frailty, but the reigning King who searches hearts, disciplines with love, and holds the churches in His hand.
He is clothed, John says, with a long robe and a golden sash about His chest. This is no common attire. This is priestly and royal. This is the robe of dignity and the sash of authority. Here is the Great High Priest—not offering animal blood, but presenting His own perfect sacrifice once and for all. Here is the King—not one to be elected or deposed, but the One who reigns with righteousness forever. In His garments we see both mercy and majesty. He is not a distant observer—He is the intercessor, the advocate, the sovereign who upholds and judges with justice.
How much we need this vision today. In a time when many treat Christ casually, as a mere friend or helper, we must be reminded that He is in our midst as Lord, as Judge, as the holy Son of God whose eyes are as a flame of fire. In a time when the Church is tempted to fear the world, to conform to culture, or to grow cold in devotion, we must remember that Christ walks among the lampstands, trimming the wicks, correcting, encouraging, and purifying His Bride. His presence is not symbolic. His authority is not optional. His gaze is not blind.
And yet, though His appearance is terrifying to the flesh, it is life to the soul. For this same Christ who stands in glory is the One who laid down His life. The same Son of Man who reigns with power is the Lamb who was slain. He is robed in glory, but He is also robed in grace. He calls out not only to warn but to restore. His presence among the lampstands is not merely a posture of judgment—it is a ministry of fellowship. He comes to dwell with His people, to walk among them, to speak to them, to kindle their flame, and to prepare them for His return.
Therefore, Church of the Living God, take courage. Your Savior is not far off. He is not absent in your trials nor unaware of your toil. He walks among you. He sees your perseverance. He knows your tears. He examines your heart. He strengthens what remains. And when you feel forgotten, remember John—exiled, isolated, and aged—and yet he beheld the Lord more clearly than ever before.
Let every pastor know: you are not shepherding alone. Let every congregation remember: you are not gathering in vain. The Son of Man walks in your midst. Let us not grieve Him with compromise or neglect. Let us not insult His majesty with cold hearts or false worship. Let us prepare a holy place for Him, a people purified by truth, a fellowship bound in love. And let every lampstand shine bright—not with borrowed light, but with the fire that comes from His Spirit.
And when He comes—and He will come—may He find His lampstands burning, His people faithful, His name exalted. May He say to each of us, not, “I have this against you,” but, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
To Him be dominion and praise, both now and forevermore. Amen.
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Almighty and everlasting God, Father of glory and Lord of the Church, we lift our eyes and hearts before You, beholding in awe the splendor of Your Son, Jesus Christ—He who walks in the midst of the lampstands, who is clothed in majesty and girded with the golden sash of eternal priesthood. We come before You not in the strength of flesh, nor in the works of our hands, but by the precious blood of the Lamb, who is risen and glorified, who stands among His people even now, watching, judging, sustaining, and interceding.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of Man and Son of God, we tremble at Your presence and yet we are drawn to You, for You are holy and You are merciful. You are high and lifted up, and yet You walk among us. You are exalted beyond the heavens, and yet You dwell in the midst of Your Church. You are not distant, though You rule all things. You are not silent, though Your voice is as many waters. You are not idle, though You reign in glory. You are here, among Your lampstands, trimming every wick, refining every flame, inspecting every soul, calling each heart back to Your truth.
O Lord, give us eyes to see You as John saw You—not merely as a figure from history, but as the living Christ, whose eyes are as fire, whose feet are like burnished bronze, whose voice commands the heavens and shakes the earth. May we not approach You lightly or casually, but with holy fear and reverence, for You are the same One who once was dead and now lives forevermore, holding the keys of Death and Hades. Let us behold You in Your fullness, clothed not in the garments of suffering but in the robes of eternal priesthood, with the golden sash of divine honor across Your chest.
We cry to You now, King of Glory, and we say: walk among us. Walk through Your Church again, O Lord. Come into every congregation, every gathering, every hidden place where two or three are gathered in Your name. Let Your presence not be assumed, but sought. Let Your footsteps be heard again in the house of God. Speak, Lord, and awaken what is asleep. Rebuke what is false. Strengthen what remains. Kindle what has grown cold. Heal what has been broken. Expose what is hidden in darkness and call us back to the first love from which we have drifted.
Let every lampstand shine with fire from heaven, not with the flicker of man-made religion, not with the smoke of entertainment or ritual, but with the light of Your Spirit. Purify Your Church, Lord. Cleanse us of compromise, deliver us from fear, tear down the idols that have crept in unnoticed. Remove the veil from our eyes. Let us see You—not as we imagine You to be, but as You truly are. Let every throne of pride be cast down before You. Let every crown be laid at Your feet. Let the name of Jesus be lifted high once again, not in word only, but in power, in holiness, in truth, and in love.
We confess before You, Lord, that we have often failed to remember that You walk among us. We have sung to You while forgetting Your presence. We have preached about You while neglecting to yield to You. We have gathered in Your name, yet at times for our own agendas. Forgive us, Lord. Forgive us for treating what is holy as common. Forgive us for fearing the opinions of men more than the eyes of the One whose gaze burns with righteousness. Forgive us for exchanging the golden sash of Your priesthood for the filthy rags of our own efforts.
Renew us, Lord Jesus. Let this vision of You not pass from us, but be burned into our hearts. Let the lampstands shine again with the brilliance of faith, hope, and love. Let every servant and shepherd, every elder and evangelist, every disciple and child of God live with the awareness that You are near—that You are inspecting, that You are speaking, and that You are preparing Your Bride for Your return.
Let Your robe of glory fill the sanctuary of every faithful church. Let the golden sash of Your priesthood remind us that You are our Intercessor, our Mediator, our Advocate with the Father. Let us live and move and minister with the knowledge that we are not alone, for You walk in our midst, and where You walk, there is light, there is fire, there is truth, there is power, there is life.
So now, Great High Priest, Risen Son of Man, come and take Your place among us. Be enthroned in our worship, be exalted in our preaching, be magnified in our service, be honored in our hearts. Let us be found faithful when You appear. Let not our lamps go out, nor our love grow cold. Let us be a people prepared, a bride made ready, burning with holy flame until the day when You come not only to walk among us, but to reign visibly and gloriously forever.
To Him who walks among the lampstands, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, to Him be blessing and honor and glory and might, now and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
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