12/25/16 A Letter from Jesus

READING: Revelation 1-3

Imagine what would happen if your church received a letter from Jesus, delivered by an apostle. First, what do you think Jesus would say to your church? Then, how do you think your church would respond? 

Today’s reading shows us that seven churches in Asia received such a letter. John may have been the mailman, but Jesus was the author – and that fact matters immensely. He wasn’t just another letter writer seeking to send a message to some churches. No, He was (and is) the One who walks among the churches (Rev 2:1), the “First and the Last, who died and came to life again” (Rev 2:8), he who carries a “sharp, double-edged sword” (Rev 2:12). He knows what the churches think, believe, and do; no one deceives him. He rewards the faithful and judges the unfaithful.

His is a voice that we must hear – and obey.

Meanwhile, Satan works among the same churches to whom Jesus wrote. He is the ultimate source of persecution, raising up Jews to slander and fight against the people of God (Rev 2:9, 3:9): “the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and will suffer persecution for ten days [a brief, but intense time]” (Rev 2:10). In the city of Pergamum, he enticed people to worship false gods, thus setting up that city as his throne where he resides (Rev 2:13). He delighted when churches lost their first love for God, tolerated false teachings, slept in spiritual apathy, and followed Christ with only a lukewarm commitment.

Jesus’ command in turn to these churches was simple: “Open the door to me, repent, wake up, return, be faithful, hold on, and finish the task.” If we have ears to hear, let us hear what the Spirit is saying to our churches today. 

Respond to the letter God has written to you. 

ACTION STEPS: 

  • Evaluate your church in light of the letters to the churches in Asia. Pray passionately and intentionally for your congregation.
  • Knowing what Jesus told the churches to do, do what you must do in response to the Word today.

PRAYER: “God, I don’t want to be lukewarm. I don’t want to tolerate false teaching. I want to love you like never before. Help me.” 

TOMORROW’S READING: Revelation 4-8

 

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