Jesus, the Heavenly High Priest for His Body.

`…We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected and not man. ` (Heb. 8: 1 & 2)

The apostle John saw a vision of our heavenly High Priest. The details draw upon the imagery of the High Priest in the Temple in the Holy place with the golden lampstand. These represent the Body of Christ down through the ages.

`…I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands one like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to His feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. `   (Rev. 1: 12 & 13)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

The long garment is as the priest wore, symbolic of holiness, yet Jesus very character is holy without spot. The golden girdle was worn by the High Priest to indicate his high office and authority, but Jesus, the eternal High Priest, ever lives to intercede, giving eternal blessings.

`His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace. ` (Rev. 1 :14 & 15)

The whiteness of His head and hair symbolizes the maturity of His understanding and the perfection of His intellectual knowledge. The eyes are another essential factor for discernment if judgment is to be righteous. Jesus` vision penetrates every realm and sphere and scans the innermost thought of every mind and heart.

The symbolic picture of the feet refer to the uprightness of all Jesus` dealings. He is perfectly just, never misjudges, miscalculates, or misunderstands any case in question. He rewards every worthy achievement and recognizes the sacrificial suffering of His people.

`…His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword… ` (Rev. 1: 15 & 16)

We are shown Jesus` great authority. He speaks to many people on various subjects. He combines His sovereign commands and counsel with His heartfelt comfort as He delivers His messages.

The stars are symbols of His administrative authority, and by His word, the sword of the Spirit, He executes judgment or justification.

Finally, His countenance is like the sun, referring to His unspeakable glory.  (Rev. 1: 16)