DECEMBER 2 READING…REVELATION 3
In chapter 3 we are given the Lord’s message to three more churches. Once again, I would like to remind you to not only see these messages in the historical context to individual churches, but also in the light of where we are in all our churches, and Christ message to us through these passages. The Lord speaks to the church at Sardis. He encourages them to remain watchful and strengthen themselves for what little faith they still had. Sardis had a reputation of being a vital, living, church…but Jesus said they were actually dead. The outward appearance of a church can be nothing but propaganda…the true life of the church is the Holy Spirit empowering it and working through it. Though this church was spiritually dead, it still had a remnant of people who continued to walk in the Lord. Jesus then speaks to the church at Philadelphia. To this church Jesus had no message of correction, but only words of commendation and encouragement. Jesus tells them that He has given them an open door of opportunity, and no one could shut that door. Jesus encourages them that He is aware of opposition from Satan and his followers, but they would not be able to stop the work of the Lord and His church. Jesus tells them to endure, for He is coming. The final message is to the church in Laodicea. This church was rich and powerful according to the view of the world. But, when Jesus looked at this church, He said it was wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They were lukewarm church…living by the strength of their own abilities and resources, rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. This church had even rejected Christ, for He speaks of being outside of the church and knocking on the door asking to come in. There is no sadder condition for a church than to have the Lord of the church locked outside and not welcome to come in His own church. May we learn from the Lord’s messages to His churches…may we continues in the things the Lord commends, and may we reject those things the Lord condemns.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…REVELATION 4
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