Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15

Question:

A mystic once ascribed this passage about my future.

Comment:

You asked about the phrase 'rule with an iron rod' in Revelation. It actually appears three times, as cited above. Since the entire Revelation to John is a vivid description of our personal journeys in consciousness to the new dimension of understanding that Jesus calls 'the kingdom of heaven,' I think the significance of the phrase lies in where it appears each time.

At 2:27 "rule with an iron rod" is part of the letter to the church in Thyatira. It follows an angry tirade against pagan practices that are apparently tolerated in the city, and in which some congregants have participated. It's a fairly straightforward statement: choices have consequences. No exceptions. So those who "keep my works until the end" will achieve the new consciousness; those who are tempted back to old beliefs and choices will find the consequences severe. It takes an iron rod—a firm commitment—to subdue the negative thoughts of the dark and hold strong against their attempts to turn us back to old and false beliefs.

When we get to 12:5 "a woman clothed with the sun" gives birth to a male child who, we are told, will eventually "rule with an iron hand." She gives birth to a male child who represents our own Christ Spirit as we are beginning to recognize that potential in ourselves. We still have a journey to complete while that Christ awareness reaches maturity. Now it's simply a promise and purpose held in the throne—our heart chakra.  

At 19:5 the battle has ended, and the Christ—here named 'the Word of God'—is now triumphant. We have attained Christ Consciousness. Now the rod of iron is a symbol of victory and of the certainty that our Christ self can now withstand any opposition.

If I were going to choose which citation the mystic meant, I think I'd go with the last.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed