The book of Revelation is probably one of the few books of the Bible that most of us hardly read. We see it as a very hard and complicated book.
It is however one the most enlightening books of the Bible if one allows the Holy Spirit to help.
The book begins with a statement from John who was exiled in the island of Patmos.
Revelation 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
The opening chapter and verse make it clear that this is the revelation of Jesus Christ from God to His servants – the body of Christ.
In this book of the Bible you find the promise of being blessed to he who reads, hears and keeps those things written in it.
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
This month we are looking at the seven letters to the seven churches in Asia.
Revelation 1:11-12
11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
What is interesting for me in this scripture is that Jesus speaks to the Churches concerning their actions, in some cases warning them, before moving on to the revelation of things yet to come.
These letters come in the form of commendations, reprove and counsel.
- The Loveless Church – Revelation 2:1-7
Jesus commends the Ephesian Church for their labour, patience, and their stance against evil. That they were not weary, they persevered.
He however had this one thing against them, they had lost their first love which was to God.
His counsel was for them to repent and return to their first love.
- The Persecuted Church – Revelation 2:8-11
Jesus commends the Church at Smyrna for their endurance in the face of tribulation, and Porverty. He reveals the devil’s plan to them.
Jesus advises them not to fear any of the things they were about to face.
His counsel was for them to remain faithful until death.
- The Compromising Church – Revelation 2:12-17
Jesus commends the Pergamos Church, for holding fast to His name and not denying their faith, even when Antipas one of Jesus’ servant was martyred.
Jesus however had a few things against them. They allowed and encouraged sexual immorality and had introduced other doctrines into the church.
Jesus’ counsel was for them to repent from their compromise.
- The Corrupt Church – Revelation 2:18-29
Jesus commends the Church at Thyatira for their works, love, service, faith and their patience.
However, Jesus reproved them for their compromise, the sexual immorality and their involvement in idol worshipping and tolerated false teachings.
Jesus’ counsel was for them to repent from their corruption and hold fast to what they have.
- The Dead Church – Revelation 3:1-6
The Church at Sardis had no commendation from Jesus. This Church was seen and known as an alive Church, but to Jesus it was a dead Church, they were spiritually lifeless, there was no power.
Jesus’ counsel to the Church at Sardis, was to be watchful and strengthen the little that remains. They were to keep in mind what they had been taught and repent from their spiritual deadness.
- The Faithful Church – Revelation 3:7-13
The Philadelphia Church was a faithful Church and Jesus commended them for their faithfulness. They were a Church with little strength but yet they kept the word of the Lord. They did not deny Jesus, despite their little strength.
Jesus’ counsel was for them to hold on to what they have received that no one take away their crown.
- The Lukewarm Church – Revelation 3:14-22
The Laodicean Church was a lukewarm Church, they were neither hot nor cold. They were proud, wretched, self-glorifying, they were spiritually blind and naked but were not aware of it.
Jesus’ counsel was for them to be fervent in the Lord or they will be thrown away. They were to submit to God and live a life of purity.
In looking at the seven Churches and the commendations, reprove and the counsel of Jesus I see a parallel in churches today. There are 4 things Jesus is saying to every Church from then, today and always.
Jesus began His letters to the seven Churches with these words
- I know your works – to the seven Churches Jesus said I know your works.
- To five of the Churches He said repent.
- To two of the Churches He asked them to be faithful.
- To the seven Churches Jesus ends with this powerful statement. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.
The question I will like ask you and myself today is into which category of the seven Churches do I fall. This message is not just to the seven Churches as corporate entities but to all His servants. To all of us who are the Church of Jesus Christ
Jesus said in Revelation 1:3
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
This is Jesus’ message to His body. He is speaking to us. Let us not be deceived by fanciful revelations of man. Let him who has ears to hear please hear what Our Lord is saying to us. Let us return to what our Lord is saying and take heed to His Words today.
