Commentary on Revelation 1:12-20
The candlesticks. (1:12, 20) What John sees first upon turning around is a vision of the seven churches, represented, according to Jesus, by seven golden "lampstands" called "candlesticks" in other versions. The seven churches then, and all churches with them, are seen as potential bearers of Light. It is important to keep this in mind when thinking of the vision of our own "local" assembly. The church is to be a light "on a hill", a beacon for the community to see, a place where Jesus' true character can be manifest in word and life.
7 1 4 Saw
It is not merely coincidental that the lamp-stand of the Jewish Temple, aka the "menorah" (Exodus 25:31-40) had seven individual lamps on it, seven lights representing the fullness of God's character, but manifested through His people on earth. Such is the character of these seven churches that they represent all the strong and weak points of the Christian people of all times. There is not a church in existence to this day that cannot draw instruction from one or more of these letters, even feeling it is being addressed personally to them! Such is the living nature of these correspondences. One need look no further to discern some "mystical" meaning, some supposed "church ages". All seven churches are in very age known to man.
One like the Son of Man. (1:13-15) Ezekiel saw such a Man (Ezekiel 1:26) And Ezekiel more than any other Bible man except Jesus, is also referred to as "Son of Man" by the Lord. What does it mean? A representative of mankind that pleases God? A true man among men? Daniel wears the title in Daniel 8:17, but also sees "one like the Son of Man" coming with the clouds (Daniel 7:13). Notice that in Daniel, in Revelation, and in all the Gospel references to Jesus as being the Son of Man, the definite article is used, separating Jesus from the others who may seem to have the same title. (Luke 7:33-34, 9:58, Mark 8:31, 14:21, all refer to The Son of Man.) Stephen calls upon that Son as He dies (Acts 7:56).
So how is Jesus the Son of Man? The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6) talks of a Son to be born who will also be the Everlasting Father. It is "Unto US" that this Son will be born! He is OUR Son, born of a virgin. The Son of God indeed. But mankind's Child also. Our purest, our finest, our "favorite Son".
Now this is not the first time that John has seen the glorified Christ. He, his brother James, and of course Peter once trekked to the top of a hill with Jesus and there Christ was transfigured before them. John has also seen the risen Lord, even to the point of His ascension into the Heavens. But this vision is different somehow. This is glory that is beyond anything John has ever seen. And it has the same effect on John that it did on Daniel 700 years earlier. In fact, there are many similarities to point out between these 2 men and their visions.
Both Daniel and John are being held by the State when their visions occur. Both men are quite elderly. Yet both men had a vibrant relationship with God from their youth. Both have overcome evil for many years, and been a blessing to many. Both are told the future. But it is the vision of Christ in His glory that is their finest moment. Let's look at the Man they saw, and compare notes.
Jesus commissions and comforts John. (1:16-20) The stars in his hands (v 16, 20) are said to be the "angels" of the seven churches. Now, the Book of Revelation is filled with angels, from that special angel known as "His angel" in verse 1 to the angels of the seals, trumpets, and bowls, to the angels guarding the pit, and even to fallen angels. Knowing this, we believe that the Spirit would not seek to confuse us here by having "angel" suddenly mean "pastor" or "Preacher". I believe it is always safe to stick with what is written. angellos is nearly always translated "angel" in the New Testament. Only in the translating of Malachi's prophecy regarding John the Baptist (Matthew 11:10) does it ever refer to anything but angelic messengers.
You say, wait! That would mean that each of the seven letters to follow are written by John first to an angel? And the angel then speaks to the church? That could well be. Just like the entire book came to John through the ministry of angels. Angels take their orders from God. And God here is speaking to them through a Spirit-filled human, while they deliver the message from God's mouth to John.
It was angels who communicated the coming destruction of Sodom, Genesis 19:1. They met Jacob in 32:1. I have documented the very busy life of the "angel of the Lord", and how He communicated often the word of the Lord to God's men. Angels were active in Jesus' life and in the lives of the men of Acts. Paul mentions his catching up to glory, where we are sure he was ministered to by angels. The Book of Revelation then just follows suit and is likewise an angelic book. Here we are given the details of a specific message they are given to pass along to the Church. The job of a messenger, after all, is to pass on messages. They pass the message on to John, he writes it, and they take it on to the churches.
See again verse 1, "[Jesus] sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John." The seven messages to the churches come first from God, through Christ, then John is directed to write the message to the specific angels watching over particular congregations. How the angels enable the particular saints involved to hear the message of the Spirit, is not given us, and it seems we get a little too curious when we want to go beyond what is written. Enough to be content with the network of angels protecting God's people individually and corporately. Enough to know that the Law (Gal 3:19) and probably the entire Bible was communicated in some way through the ministry of angels. Enough to believe that we are encompassed about with an innumerable company of angels, yes and by the grace of God one day we shall judge those angels that fell.
For the record, also, John was the "Pastor" of the Ephesian Church, and would not be writing a letter to himself! (2:1) And, never are leaders of the church (always spoken of in the plural by the way) called "messengers" in the writings of John or any of the other epistles.
Comfort. (1:17-20) John's counterpart Daniel had similar problems with the Vision of his day: (Daniel 10:8) "...no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength..." As for John, he falls at Jesus' feet "as a dead man". Who can comprehend the glory He saw and felt at that moment?
Jesus simply tells him to be unafraid, and then further identifies Himself. There's the secret! Not strengthening ourselves, but knowing Who Jesus is, that is how we recover from our bouts with fear. When we know we are in His will, we can face whatever we need to face.
Here is a clear definition of His Deity for those who need one, such as the cultists who continue to prey on God's people. This One Who died and rose is the First and Last. He has the keys of Death. He is eternal. What need we more witness? He is God Almighty!
Christmas Sales Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake 201
Dec 11, 2011 15:24:19
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Christmas Sales Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake Feature
- Quick change from 0° to 45° and back using positive stops that are connected to easy-to-grip-levers
- Electric brake for maximum productivity
- Easy-to-read number and ruler markings on base and depth guide allow user to measure and follow cuts accurately
- Reinforced power cord withstands jobsite abuse
- 1 year warranty
Christmas Sales Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake Overview
Most refined saw with magnesium components for less weight, better balance and jobsite durability. With a proven 15 amp motor this saw is powerful enough to cut through the densest lumber. Two built-in LED lights illuminates the line of cut for increased accurancy. Includes: carbide tipped blade, hex blade wrench, rip fence and tool case.Christmas Sales Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake Specifications
The Makita 7-1/4-Inch Magnesium Circular Saw with Electric Brake features highly durable magnesium components and a powerful 15 AMP Makita-built industrial motor. The 5007MGA seamlessly balances weight, power, durability, and ease of use, making it the most refined circular saw on the market. | ||||
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The 5007MGA features a Makita-built 15 AMP industrial motor that delivers 5,800 RPM, combined with well-balanced magnesium components for a lighter weight saw that delivers true power the professional user demands. The saw has a large cutting capacity (2-1/2 inches at 90°) with a maximum bevel capacity of 56° and positive stops at 22.5° and 45° for quick back-and-forth changes. The 5007MGA includes an electric brake to stop the blade quickly for maximum productivity.
Ergonomic and Ease-of-Use
Features Magnesium components allowed Makita to engineer a saw with less weight (10.1 pounds) that is well-balanced and jobsite tough. Additional design details include greater clearance between the rear handle and the blade case to provide a better grip for larger hands or for users with gloves, as well as a wider space between the blade and housing for a clearer view of the blade and measurement scale. The saw features twin L.E.D. lights for better illumination, as well as ducting designed to blow dust away from the line of cut. Makita also engineered ergonomics and ease-of-use into the saw, including clearly visible depth and bevel markings and ergonomic hand grips to improve overall control while minimizing operator fatigue. The large rubberized levers provide quick, one-handed adjustments for more efficient work.
Includes Ultra-Coated Framing Blade
The 5007MGA includes a Makita 7-1/4-Inch Premium Ultra-Coated Framing Blade with Advance Tooth Design. The "M" shaped tooth design features a two-pointed tip and two 10° bevel faces to maximize cutting performance for a faster, cleaner and longer lasting cut. The carbide tips are specifically set to withstand the harshest conditions such as plowing through nail-embedded wood. The blade is also ultra-coated to reduce heat and pitch build-up for faster, smoother cutting, with special Makita heat vents strategically set to dissipate heat and increase performance. The 5007MGA also include a blade wrench attached to the saw for fast and convenient blade changing.
Engineered for a Range of Applications
The 5007MGA is built for framing walls, floors and roofs using a range of dimensional lumber and dense engineered lumber, including LVL, PSL and I-Joists, headers, and microlams; as well as ripping panels such as plywood, OSB, particle board, and dense structural panels. Other applications include plunge and bevel cutting, as well as masonry and metal cutting. The 5007MGA is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's Magnesium Series
Magnesium components are stronger and lighter than conventional materials, resulting in saws that weigh less with improved ergonomic features. There's plenty of power thanks to Makita engineering, and a precision balanced design that delivers clean, accurate cuts.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita tool is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory. If you are not satisfied with any Makita tool within 30 days of purchase, return it and Makita will provide a replacement or refund. Each Makita tool is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for the period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase. Should any trouble develop during this one-year period, return the COMPLETE tool, freight prepaid, to one of Makita's Factory or Authorized Service Centers. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the Box
Makita 5007MGA 7-1/4-Inch Magnesium Circular Saw, 24T carbide-tipped framing blade, hex blade wrench, rip fence and tool case.
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