June 18, 2003 (13)THE TWELVE STARS IN HER CROWN. Both the symbol and the number used, speak to us of divinely appointed leadership. The number twelve is the figure that is used from the twelve sons of Jacob to these twelve gems in the crown of the Bride to indicate God appointed and ordained authority. Perfect order and guidance is an attribute of the Lord. As with the early church He established twelve Apostles, so with the church in the end of the age there will be an Apostolic administration which will lead and guide the church into perfection. Rev. 12:1 That stars are emblematic of church leaders is illustrated to us by the reference of the stars being the pastors of the seven churches in Asia. Rev. 1:20 The mystery is openly revealed, which of course, is the object of the book of Revelation.
TO RIGHTLY ESTABLISH THE FULFILLMENT OF THE REVELATION. Some, place the events of which we have written as having been fulfilled in the days of Christ. The book of Revelation itself, will give us the proper answer to that question. The book was introduced with the comment originating from the Lord that these statements are faithful, trustworthy and true, this is said in relationship to the whole of the book. Also that the events recorded here were for the future and were to take place in the time to come. Rev. 1:1 As if to seal the message of the end times found in the volume of the Revelation, in the concluding chapter the statement is reiterated, things which must shortly be done. Rev. 22:6 The communication of the entire book is projected into the future from the time when John was in exile on Patmos. The year being approximately 94 AD. The year of the introduction of the Revelation would preclude the woman of chapter twelve from having any reference whatsoever to the virgin Mary. The whole history of the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ was past. Nothing in chapter twelve relates to Mary or His birth. THE
BOOK OF BLESSINGS FOR THE READER. The book of Revelation is the only book which contains this message of blessing for those who read and hear its message. In the midst of all its judgments there is a beautiful message of deliverance and love of Christ for His Bride. Rev. 1:3 Please note, once again the futuristic message of the book. Here in Rev. 1:3 the time is stated as being at hand. It is used again in Rev. 22:10 It could be said that the reference to those things at hand related to the messages sent by the Lord Jesus to the seven churches in Asia. The conditions related concerning them were the particular circumstances which existed in them at that time. The word hereafter or in the future is used in Rev. 1:19, 4:1 There is most certainly ample evidence in the statements made in the book that it is to be fulfilled in the end of the age. The establishment of the woman in chapter twelve is the key to the rapid completion of the events recorded in the book of Revelation