Notes of Faith April 8, 2025

Notes of Faith April 8, 2025

In the Midst

I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man.

Revelation 1:12-13

People think the book of Revelation is hard to interpret because of all the symbols. But the writer, John, interprets many of them for us. For example, the seven golden lampstands in chapter 1 represent the seven churches to whom this letter was originally addressed (Revelation 1:20). Jesus is walking among His churches on earth; He is in the midst of them.

Let’s consider two implications of this. First, the Lord is present—through His Spirit—whenever His people meet. He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Remind yourself of this as you prepare for church this weekend!

Second, this also pictures the desired fellowship Jesus longs to have with us. He wants to be in the center of His Church and the center of our lives. Imagine how hard it would be to ride a bicycle if the tires were off center, if some of the spokes were shorter and some of them were longer! As you go about your day, let Jesus be central and supreme in all that you do.

Christ does not exist in order to make much of us. We exist in order to enjoy making much of Him.

John Piper

I chose my email ID from Matthew 18:20 changing the number three to “or more” because He is in the midst of all gatherings…even those that are just you and God Himself! He lives within the true believer in Christ and is in the midst of everywhere that you take Him. (Something to consider for those who seem to sin easily). He is in the midst of spiritual conversations between two or three over lunch, as I do with our other elders, and elders of other churches. He is in the midst of congregations of all sizes. How then should we act in holiness and righteousness since God is always in our midst?

The inhabits the praises of His people! He loves to hear our worship and praise! May we live every moment realizing that God is always with us everywhere we go!

Pastor Dale