1. John's vision of a son of man (9-16)

John was sharing in the suffering of churches, in prison on Patmos. In worship on the Lord's Day, he heard and saw a glorious vision, which was to be written and shared with seven named churches. He saw one like a son of man among 7 lampstands. His image was hard to describe. The adjectives reveal his glory: blazing, glowing, rushing, shining. His voice and mouth were important as John listened. Jesus revealed himself to John at that lowest point.

2. The Living Jesus and seven stars (17-20)

John fell down as dead in fear. But this glorious one, Jesus, who was dead, and is now alive forever, is eternally victorious over death. So we need not fear any more. The lampstands he walked amongst were the churches, and the stars his messengers. Seven represents the whole, meaning our Living Jesus is among his church always, and he has a message for us in his right hand.