Week 25, Day 1: The messages to the seven churches

Today’s Reading:  Revelation 3:1-4:11

Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…

Have you ever considered what the Lord would write to you if He sent a message addressed to you about your labors?  Certainly all of God’s word is intended for our instruction and encouragement but what I am referring to is a message that analyzes and critiques your work.   What would such a message say?  Would it praise you for doing a good job or would it say you are lacking much?  These are some of the question I think about when we come to the message to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation chapter 2.  Here are seven groups of Christians whom the Lord is directly addressing regarding their service. 

But again, if you consider why this letter was given to us; we are to learn and grow through the messages to these churches.  Our times may be different but when we consider what the Lord noted about these churches, we can easily see applications for us today.  Consider this brief summary of what is said to the churches in chapter 2:

Ephesus – Praised for testing what men taught them.  But they had left their first love. 

Smyrna – Praised for undergoing tribulation and remaining faithful.  Told they will endure much tribulation, they must overcome through faith.

Pergamum – Praised for holding fast to His name even though they dwell where “Satan’s throne is”.  But they also allow false teachers among themselves.

Thyatira – Praised for their love, faith, service & perseverance.  Their deeds have increased more than at the beginning.  But they tolerate Jezebel (immorality taught and encouraged by her). 

When we look at the messages given to these churches I hope that we see warning for each one of us in our conduct and what we allow to go on within the Lord’s church.  I hope when we finally do receive that the message telling us how we have done, that we recieve a good report.  The time will come at judgment that we will be told how we did.  But for now we have the opportunity to consider what has been said in God’s word, repent when & where needed and continue to improve in those areas where we lack. 

The things the church should be doing can be seen in what the seven churches of Asia were praised for and what we should fight against is also presented here.  Let us consider carefully and be on our guard.