The Letters to the Seven Churches

 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:1-3 ESV).

 

Today I am beginning a new series of devotionals. I hope they will not seem redundant as you read them; and, that they will give you insight into your personal journey as you make your way to “the Chapel.” I hope you recognize that reference from yesterday’s devotional. It is my way of saying all believers are making their way to heaven. That is Jesus’ promise to us (cf. John 14:1-7). He is the ultimate “way” to our eternal home; however, we cannot deny that each of us face different twists and turns along the way. By looking at the message Jesus has for the seven churches of the Revelation, we will learn a great deal about our personal application of the grace of God in each of our experiences.

 

When a curtain is pulled back to reveal a new work of art, the assembled crowd responds with appreciation and applause. Something that was a mystery is made known. A similar thing happens in the Book of the Revelation. God pulls back a curtain that has been concealing the finished work of Jesus Christ. Here God reveals to believers in Christ the source of their comfort, courage, and hope. The Lord initially revealed all of this to the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest followers, through the work of an angel. And John testifies that this aligns with what he witnessed firsthand as one of Jesus’ disciples.

 

In our reading today, John writes about the Lord of the church of all ages, including the seven churches addressed in the following two chapters (Revelation 2-3). This testimony guides us to continue as the Church of Jesus today. As a part of this Church, we need to know its Lord and King, who at the same time is Lord and King over this world and all creation. It is a clear call for us to reject all that contradicts God’s word and God’s will. We are called both individually and corporately to stand for all that is righteous, true, and good. These letter to the seven churches will be challenging for us; however, we dare not ignore the direction of Jesus in them, especially in a day like our present time. Walk with me through these and renew your commitment to follow the words of Jesus! This is the way to be blessed (v. 3).