The church in Thyatira - Pt. 2

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 2:18-29 ESV).

 

In this part of his letter to the church in Thyatira, Jesus calls for repentance. Though he does that in other letters too, in this letter repentance has center stage. The situation has to do with a woman called Jezebel and her resistance to God’s call for repentance. Here we see that refusing to repent is like building a stone wall against God’s grace. God’s season of grace is filled with Jesus’ calls to God’s children to turn from their ways of disobedience and ­toward a life that is “in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). We need to make good use of the time that God gives us for repentance.

 

When Jesus speaks about Jezebel’s “children,” we see how easy it can be to get caught up in a movement. It may be easy for us to ignore the call to repentance when we think, “Everyone is doing it!” Repentance demands that we listen more to Jesus than we do to our peers. In Jesus’ address to the rest of the church, we see how repenting and turning away from false teaching helps the community to flourish and grow in authority to live God’s way. We need a caring, supporting, and loving church community, and we need to “hold on to what [we] have” until Jesus returns. Repentance works best when we practice it quickly and often (cf. 1 John 1:9).

The Church in Thyatira - Pt. 1

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 2:18-29 ESV).

 

Jesus’ letter to the church in Thyatira is the longest of his letters to the seven churches in Revelation. It begins with a reminder that Jesus has eyes “like blazing fire,” which means he can see clearly into all things. And his feet are described as “like burnished bronze,” meaning he is powerfully firm and able to stand against any threats to his churches, whom he corrects and protects. Jesus begins with praises for this church because of the character and quality of their faith. From the time that they first started to follow Jesus, their faith had grown. Jesus can see that their faithfulness and obedience has increased.

 

Jesus identified several characteristics that defined this church. They had practiced love and faith. They had served God in the city where they had lived. And they had done this consistently, with perseverance. It was a great testament to their faith and practice. This provides us an incredible encouragement. Churches and followers of Jesus in every community can learn to live by faith more and more by following this example of the church in Thyatira. We can all find new ways to grow in our walk with God. Likewise, we are called to carry on in the good work we are doing.

 

Let love and faith show themselves in the way you live. Practice being a servant, as Jesus did, and do it consistently.

 

The Church in Pergamum

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has ethe sharp two-edged sword. I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also, you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’” (Revelation 2:12-17 ESV).

 

Jesus describes Pergamum as a city where “Satan lives” and where “Satan has his throne.” In this city one of the faithful Christians, Antipas, was put to death for his faith in Jesus. Faced with persecution and threats, the church in this city remained faithful to Jesus. John Updike, once wrote, “Sex is like money — only too much is enough.” But modern Americans aren’t the only people who obsess over sex; it has possessed the minds of men for millennia. The same held true for the third church addressed in our study of Revelation. Pergamum was like the Washington, D.C., of Asia. It was the seat of the Roman government for the province and the center of the imperial cult. It was the first to erect a temple to the Caesar Augustus, as well as to Zeus and the serpent-god Asclepius. And just like certain sectors in the church today, people in the church at Pergamum had succumbed to idolatry and were obsessed with sex which often go together.

 

In his letter to this community of believers, Jesus commended and praised the church for their loyalty. Indeed, remaining faithful at the risk of losing one’s life is to live by faith at a high price. Church communities continue to live in dangerous places. There are many communities in the world where believers live by faith in Jesus amid threats to life, property, and well-being. Many have also been forced to leave their homelands, where for centuries the church shone the light of Christ into dark places. Others have been killed or imprisoned.

 

Their continued loyalty as witnesses to Jesus provides strong encouragement to the church in all places. At great cost and even loss of life, they urge us to make the most of every opportunity to be faithful witnesses of Jesus. Today let’s remember those who, like Antipas, remained faithful, even at the cost of their lives. And let us pray for the safety of all believers who serve where Satan has power over many of the local leaders and citizens.

 

The Church in Smyrna

 

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’” (Revelation 2:8-12 ESV).

 

The next church Jesus writes to is in Smyrna. The Church of Smyrna was also one of the Seven Churches of Asia. In 110 AD, Ignatius of Antioch wrote a number of epistles among them to the people of Smyrna and its bishop, Polycarp. Their opposition to emperor worship was the primary source of their persecution. Smyrna was a center of worship for Rome and Caesar. The Christians, of course, would refuse to offer incense before the altar of the emperor. They would not call him Lord, so they were at odds with the government. Just as Jesus knew his church communities completely then, He knows our strengths and weaknesses today. He also knows our sufferings.

 

In his letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus reveals that he knew the afflictions of his followers there. He also knew that their suffering of injustices would grow worse. He composed this short letter to give hope and encouragement to their church community.

 

Suffering even more for their faith in Jesus would not be easy. Jesus described the enemies of the church as followers of Satan, the great deceiver who wants to destroy God’s people and all of God’s creation. Some of the Christians in Smyrna would be put in prison, Jesus said, and they would suffer persecution. John himself was being punished for his faith by being exiled to Patmos. Some others, like Polycarp of Smyrna, who was taught by John, were later executed for speaking out, teaching that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of the world. Like those early Christians, we too are called to “be faithful, even to the point of death.”

 

Suffering tests the character and strength of our faith in Jesus. We may also suffer terrible illness, grief, or financial loss—and find that it challenges our faith. But Jesus says, “Do not be afraid,” because, even though our enemy, the devil, may seem to have the upper hand, God will give us life forever with him. Whatever your challenges in life, be encouraged. Jesus knows and has won the victory for you!

 

The Church in Ephesus - Pt. 2

 

[Jesus said] “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” (Revelation 2:1-7 ESV).

 

Jesus knows each church community and each person in it. He knows our strengths. He knows our weaknesses. The community of believers at Ephesus received praise from Jesus for persevering in the truth. Yet there was a character flaw that needed their immediate attention. They had lost their first love. This is a powerful revelation. Church communities can be faithful defenders of God’s truth, but their love for God can also grow cold. Love is what happens when the amazing grace, mercy, and love of God wash over us, cleansing us, flooding our souls, and making us new. This is the description of when truth-telling overwhelms grace-giving.

 

It seems incredible, but God loves us without limit, though we do not deserve any of his love. Every church community and every member of it needs to linger and live in the wonder of God’s gracious love. We need ways to remember and celebrate this love in the songs we sing, the prayers we raise, the stories we share, the sacraments we celebrate, and the care we give to others.

 

Jesus uses a word in this letter that brings us back to the way he started his public ministry: “repent.” This is a call to turn around, change direction, and get back on course. For church communities to be Spirit-filled, “golden lampstands,” the passion of love needs to be at the heart of everything we do. Rule-keepers rarely love, while those truly in love often keep the rules.

 

The Church in Ephesus - Pt. 1

 

[Jesus said] “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” (Revelation 2:1-7 ESV).

 

Today we begin to look at the Seven Churches of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Ephesus is the first of these seven mentioned by Jesus. There is a very important truth to notice before we begin looking at the content of each of Jesus’ messages to the churches. It is easy to feel as if the work we do goes unnoticed or at least unacknowledged. However, our service as a believer and as part of the church of Jesus never goes unnoticed. In fact, Jesus knows exactly what’s happening in church communities. He even knows them better than they know themselves.

 

In this personal letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus reveals how close he is to this community of believers. He identifies himself as the One who “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” In a figurative way, Jesus expresses that he holds these communities in the grip of his hand. And he walks around amid these churches. This is a picture of Jesus intentionally being close to each congregation. Jesus is so close that he knows us in all our ways.

 

Jesus knew the church in Ephesus, and he begins this letter with rich compliments. He says this church has been a guardian of the truth. False teachers and false teachings found no foothold there. Perseverance in the truth defined this church. Jesus could say, “I know you, and I know all you are doing for me!” He says this about your church too. Jesus knows everyone in your church community because he holds you all in the grip of his hand and continues to walk where your church serves. That should affect our actions and decisions.

 

Our Great Enemy

 

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:17-20 ESV).

 

Death is a terrible enemy to us and to the entire creation. There is little that matches the misery and grief we receive when death comes our way. None of us escapes this enemy—and for our sake, even the Lord Jesus laid down his life (cf. John 10:14-18). However, as the Garden Tomb’s emptiness declares, this great enemy has been finally and forever defeated. The photo attached is the location that many believe to be the tomb of Jesus. Whether here or in the Church of the Ascension (both in Jerusalem) there is no doubt of the message: Jesus has forever conquered death for all who believe in Him!

 

In the way he identified himself to John in our reading today, Jesus recalled the events he experienced in Jerusalem at his crucifixion for our sake (cf. John 19-20). “I was dead,” Jesus said, referring to the painful details of his suffering, crucifixion, death, and burial. Jesus knows death firsthand. (See the closing chapters of the Gospel books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.) But Jesus wants us to see death as an enemy he has defeated. “I was dead,” Jesus says in the past tense. He was dead, but now look at him! He says, “I am the Living One . . . look, I am alive for ever and ever!”

 

Triumphant over death and grief, Jesus gives us this picture of his forever victory. Death does not have the last word with us. Jesus does! He alone holds the keys to unlock death’s door. The ascended Jesus is the same one who said at the grave of his friend: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). That is our eternal hope!