This summer, we are embarking on an 8-week journey through the book of Revelation. Our prayer for you as you read this book and we tackle it together is that you will be able to see Jesus clearly each day, and that it will help you to remain faithful and live in hopeful anticipation of the day when Jesus will return!
Welcome to Week 1!
Day 7: Reflection Day
Read Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
“…because the time is near.” Are You Ready?
I am a planner! I like a well-organized approach to just about everything. I don’t like grocery shopping without a list, and I don’t like making a list without having a plan for the meals we will eat with the groceries we will buy. I make a plan for Christmas shopping for each member of our family, and then keep a list of items purchased and those still needed. I make plans for holiday meals, right down to the place settings and serving dishes needed. I do much the same with my work – trying to work ahead and plan as much as I can, so that I am ready to put the plan into action when the time is right. There are always things that come up unexpectedly, that’s just part of life, but I find that I am better equipped to handle whatever comes my way if I think ahead and plan with the end in mind.
I think that is what the book of Revelation is all about if we look at it from a 30,000 ft perspective. It is about arranging our lives – whom we choose to follow and how we choose to live, NOW – in full view of what is to come: Jesus’ return.
This week, we discovered what God had to say to some of his churches. The takeaways for each church are ones we can draw parallels to in our own lives, which help us ask the questions: Am I ready? And, what needs to change in my heart so that I am ready?
Let’s take a look back at each one and see how the lessons they learned might be for us, too.
- The Church in Ephesus
First recognized for their hard work and the good things they do, staying the course and making the truth about the Gospel the main thing, Jesus notes that they have lost their first love. Can you remember your first love? Do you remember the excitement surrounding the time you spent together? Or maybe looking for opportunities to bring your new love up in conversation with anyone who would listen? Do you remember when that newness started to wane? Many times, the newness fades, and we settle into routine. Actively pursuing the relationship slows to a comfortable existence. I think that is what Jesus was getting at. Perhaps they had forgotten the thrill of what it means to be truly forgiven. They knew who Jesus was and how to live, but they had lost their excitement for the journey; knowledge without enthusiasm.
- The Church in Smyrna
This is a church that is well acquainted with poverty and suffering, yet Jesus calls them rich because of their faith. They are called to strengthen their resolve and continue in their faithfulness amid further persecution and trouble. I’ll admit, the thought of continued persecution doesn’t make me terribly excited. But it gives me hope to know that God knows what I will experience and that He is encouraging me to stay the course because the hard times won’t last forever. I can stay close to Him no matter what I face, knowing that my reward is heaven. That’s a pretty good trade-off.
- The Church in Pergamum
Pergamum was a city steeped in Greek culture and education. It was a hub of activity for those worshiping idols. People from around the world made their way to Pergamum to seek healing from the gods worshiped there. The believers there were not strangers to the pressures of their culture. While they had not renounced their faith in Jesus, some had compromised their faith, mixing in the sinful practices of the gods worshipped around them. I get the sense that some had adopted things that felt good or benefited them. That sounds horrible! But it is easy to be tempted to compromise when something looks good…feels good…might be enjoyable – even though it is not the life God has called us to, because it replaces Him as first in our lives. Their call is one to resist compromise.
- The Church in Thyatira
In Thyatira, we see a people committed to faithful service and love – they have even stepped up their game! But a false prophet is teaching among them and has drawn people away from the practices of following a Holy God. They are encouraged to stay the course, living lives that honor God in everything they do. In short, holiness matters. It matters how we treat our bodies and our neighbors. It matters that we are trustworthy and that we have integrity. It matters that we seek after God’s heart, allowing him to shape our words and our actions.
There is truth expressed for these ancient churches, but it is no less important for us today. What is Jesus calling the Church to today? What does that mean for you…for me? Where is God calling you to love, repent, endure, and grow? How will you use these truths to help you be ready? …because the time is near?
