The Way - Day 212 (Revelation 2)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
REVELATION 2:1-7
In Revelation 1, God gives John a vision of Jesus Christ, who is walking among the seven churches. This vision indicated that Jesus had a personal knowledge of the condition of the churches. In Revelation 4 John will begin revealing future events, but first, in Revelation 2-3, he documents a message given to him by God to deliver to the seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These churches were historical, but are also comparable to the modern-day church.

Ephesus is the first church to receive a message (2:1-7) and John is careful to write that the letter he is delivering is not from him but from God.

"These things says He [Jesus Christ] who holds the seven stars [leaders of the seven churches] in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands [seven churches]...." (Revelation 2:1)

The church at Ephesus was commended for their good "works, labor, and patience" (2:2). They had taken a stand against those who were evil and faithfully discerned the truth about those who claimed they were teachers of the truth but were not (2:2-3). John even mentions that the church of Ephesus hated the "deeds of the Nicolaitans" (2:6). The Nicolaitans remain unidentified in Scripture, but they were most likely guilty of teaching false doctrine. By all appearances, the church at Ephesus worked very hard to keep their doctrine pure and continue in the things they knew to do (2:3b).
 
Although their works were good, Jesus pointed out something that needed to change. John writes, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love" (2:4). The church at Ephesus was doing all the right things outwardly, but they had lost their passionate love for Christ inwardly. Every Christian needs to evaluate this danger in their life. Are you going through all the right motions, but still lack a passionate love for God? John gives the solution to getting this passion back.

"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent." (Revelation 2:5)

Working for God does not necessarily lead to loving God. Work for God must be first driven by a love for God. A person must continually examine their heart to make sure that their love for God has not diminished. How can this love for God be sustained? I believe we must get back to "old school" basics of the faith - reading/meditating on God's Word, prayer, Christian fellowship, reverence for God, and thankfulness for His goodness. Without these simple disciplines, we cannot grow in our love for God. It is imperative that every follower of Christ develop a personal relationship with God and not allow their work for God to be the measurement of their love for Him. May all of us be challenged to love God first and then be motivated to work for Him.

REVELATION 2:8-17
John has just written a vivid reminder to the church at Ephesus to restore their passionate love for God or else they would be judged (2:1-7). John then turns his attention to Smyrna, which is the second church to whom he writes. They are often referred to as the persecuted church because they were facing opposition from the religious system called Judaism, a Jewish belief system which elevates the Old Testament law while rejecting Jesus Christ as the Messiah (the promised Deliverer from sin). John describes these Judaizers as "those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan" (2:9). There was ongoing persecution of the early church following the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which most likely stemmed from Judaism. John wanted the church at Smyrna to be prepared for what would soon take place.

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days." (Revelation 2:10a)

With a challenge to endure this hardship, John records God’s words of encouragement to them, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (2:10b). Although their persecution would be brief and limited, God wanted them to be faithful to Him and look forward to the hope of eternal life. Those who would die in this persecution were to remember that they would not "be hurt by the second death" (2:11). Their bodies would die, but their soul would go on to live forever in the presence of God. Christians all over the world are experiencing what the early church experienced. It is said that more people are being persecuted for their faith today than at any other time in history. Pray for the persecuted church - for their strength to stand, for their families, and for God's comforting upon them.

The church at Pergamos was the next to receive a letter from John, who was writing on behalf of God. This church is commended for their faithfulness to God in the midst of a very wicked city. Pergamos was the center of many false religions and gods. Zeus, Athena, and Asklepios were just a few of the false gods who were worshiped. It seems that one of their esteemed religious leaders, Antipas, had been killed for preaching the gospel, but the congregation stood firm during that time (2:13). Although God gave some admiration to Pergamos, John also writes about some of their shortcomings.

"I have a few things against you because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality" (2:14).

In Numbers 22-25, the story of Balaam and Balak unfolds when Balaam gave bad advice to King Balak, which led Israel to disobey God through intermarrying forbidden people and worshiping false gods. John calls them to repentance and warns of God's judgment if they continue to abuse the grace which was provided through the death of Jesus Christ. Christians are called to a holy life and abstinence from sin. Holiness and sin cannot co-exist. The church must cleanse itself from sin and live in purity before God and others.

REVELATION 2:18-3:6
The next church to receive a letter is the church at Thyatira.  On behalf of God John writes, "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first" (2:19). From initial appearances, this church received optimistic words about their increase of good works as their faith in Jesus Christ had grown; however, everything was not as it appeared on the surface.

Sending a message through John, God condemns the church at Thyatira for allowing a woman to "teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" (2:20). This church had permitted sexual immorality, as well as idol worship, to take place in their church without removing the woman who was propagating it. God promised that she would be held accountable for her deception and any who chose to follow her would also experience divine judgment (2:21-23). The deceit of God's people is an egregious sin and John warns those who have kept themselves pure from these sinful practices to "hold fast" until Jesus Christ returns (2:25). The church must guard against those who would enter in to deceive people. When a church is corrupt, such as Thyatira, it loses effectiveness and will eventually become useless.

Sardis is the fifth church to whom John writes and they are often known as the dead church. Much like the church at Thyatira, Sardis appeared healthy on the outside but were actually dead on the inside. Their reputation in the community was "alive" but God exposes that they were really dead (3:1). The following advice is given to Sardis,
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die....Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent." (Revelation 3:2-3)
Repentance seems to be a consistent message to many of the churches because it denotes a change in direction. Abandoning their sinful works and beginning to do what was right is the challenge given to them. If the church at Sardis failed to repent, God promised to "come upon [them] as a thief, and [they] will not know what hour I will come upon you" (3:3). Swift judgment awaited Sardis if they would not repent; however, there were a few people whom God commends for their faithfulness to Him (3:4-5). No matter what people are doing around you, be faithful. If you are living in disobedience to God, repent and do what is right. It's that simple.

Dear God, help me not to tolerate sin in my life or in the life of my church. May we quickly repent of any known sin so that we can be faithful witnesses of Your message.