"Get ready, the Lord is coming!" This was announced as early as Genesis by Enoch who prophesied, "Behold, the Lord comes" (Jude 14). So Adam and Eve knew about it. Now, maybe more than 4000 years have rushed past since the prophecy. That's why people seem to think it is fake. Paul's head was so full of the Second Coming that he wrote about it to all his contacts and urged them to get ready for the great event. In fact, he thought that would happen during his lifetime. That's why he wrote, "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess 4:17). All that is happening in the world are harbingers of His imminent return. Armageddon is looming. Though many warnings had been given, Jesus didn't think they were enough. So He gave the ultimatum to the churches and for every individual Christian in the church, at the close of His Book. Let us take some encouragement and warnings from His messages to the seven churches and spruce ourselves for His appearance.
1. Ephesus - Lovelessness (Rev 2:17)
This church was apparently planted by Priscilla and Aquila. Jesus knew their hard work, patience and intolerance of evil. The main criticism Jesus pointed in the Ephesian church was their Lovelessness. They were a church; they held fellowship meetings; but genuine love was lacking. "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love" (Rev 2:4). So, how was their first love? Their love for God was first shown by their shedding of excess wealth, to make themselves a little poorer so that their poor brothers and sisters could become a little richer. They loved God and loved their neighbours, thus obeying the two great commandments. They were single-minded, not fighting over in decision-making. They were having fellowship meals from house to house, thus strengthening their bonds and did not count the cost of money, time and labour. They ate happily, not grumpily. They were simple-hearted, not complicating relationships but ready to understand, forgive and embrace. They lived in wonderful harmony which attracted people to them like bees to flowers (Acts 2:45-47). In other words God was the centre of their lives around whom their world revolved.
This is what the Holy Spirit does when He pours out the love of God into our hearts. But as days roll by our focus shifts from God to money. We want to keep all to ourselves. We overwork and resent visitors or feel we are wasting time visiting people. Even if we visit, it is mostly a chit-chat session, and not a Christ-centred fellowship. We want exotic food and instead of rejoicing over simple meals grumble like the wilderness Israelites. Instead of simple trust we suspect people and keep them at a distance. No wonder our love for the Lord is growing dimmer by the day.
We must be able to create a harmony between the external material world and the inner invisible world of love and emotions. We do need to work and earn for a secure future but more so love God and His things. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to our first love, that divine love for the Lord, that will flow into our relationships and make us strong Christian fellowships. House fellowships are lighthouses for the world. Then Jesus will give us the Paradise fruit from the tree of life.
2. Smyrna - Suffering (Rev 2:8-11)
Notable is that Jesus did not criticize this church. What a relief it would have been to them when the letter was read out in the church. The church in Smyrna was going through suffering and Jesus prophesied more to come. And who was behind all that? The devil! For what purpose? To be tested! (Rev 2:10). The devil took them through fire to burn them up but Jesus brought them out as pure gold. Only those who go through suffering will understand what it means. Friends will speak words of comfort but cannot share our pain. The first assault we face when a problem hits us like a freight train is in the mind that is tortured with questions. Why me? Why this? Why now? Why is God silent? Jesus also, after praying shouted aloud, weeping. I imagine Him holding His chest and crying aloud. So He knows what it means to suffer. That's why He always lives to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25). That's why He says, "Do not fear"(Rev 2:10).
If you don't develop all of yourself in some way, if you don't learn to work with your emotions, you will be a shadow figure, a small truncated version of yourself. You can feel sorry for yourself, but then get over it, because it doesn't get you anywhere. All that Jesus requires of us is to remain faithful till death like Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego and Daniel (Rev 2:10). Most of the Israelites could not stand the trials in the desert and fell into all kinds of sins. Though Joshua and Caleb suffered the same, they were faithful to the end and enjoyed Canaan, proving that it is not impossible to survive harsh circumstances.
So, refuse to quit. Jesus will give you the crown of life. Only those who stick on to the end will be secure (Mt 24:13). Paul's eyes were focused on the crown that would be his on "that Day." Not only for him but also to all who await His appearing (2 Tim 4:8). What joy will it be when Jesus places the crown of life on your brow on that Day! (Rev 2:10).
3. Pergamos - Endurance (Rev 2:12-17)
Endurance is the 'Let come what may attitude.' It is the spirit of Martin Luther. It declares, "Even if all the devils in the whole world come against me, still I will not relent." It is the spirit of Nehemiah who said, "I cannot come down" (Neh 6:3). The Pergamos people were literally living under satan's regime, yet holding fast to Jesus' name and refusing to deny Him, though right in front of their eyes Antipas was murdered for his faith (Rev 2:13). So they knew their fate yet would not go back on their decision to cling to Jesus. Not only did they survive but they "worked" right under the shadow of Satan's throne. They were surrounded by "brothers and sisters," the Nicolaitans, who were stumbling blocks to them, who visited temples to join fellowship meals sacrificed to idols, who lived in blatant adultery as per Balaam's teaching. God was about to strike them and the responsibility of pulling them out of fire was on the shoulders of the "little flock"(Rev 2:13-16; Jude 23).
I think this strongly resembles our situation, who are living in the "lastest" days. God knows our works and satan's continuous assault on us. Most of us are holding on to God, wondering when our turn of martyrdom would come. We work, but with fear and restrictions. We see and hear news of attacks on a regular basis. It is satan's "hour and the power of darkness" (Lk 22:53). We are reliving the days of the Apostles. Let us go on with their courage and persistence. Then Jesus will give us the manna and a new name.
4. Thyatira - Immorality (Rev 2:18-29)
Sexual impropriety, like termites, was eating up the Christian community. Once you neglect the termites, they will consume the whole structure. As early as possible any sexual sin must be exposed and rooted out. The Thyatira congregation was increasing every day in works. They were excelling in love. They were labouring in service. They were strong in faith and models in patience. But the termites surreptitiously wormed their way through all. As Jude rightly says, ungodly people, lewd and corrupt with runaway uncontrolled sexual passion have found comfortable seats in our fellowships like Judas among the twelve. They flatter people and take advantage of them when the innocent fall flat before their flattery. Heavy millstones must be hung around their necks and they be thrown into the deep sea, than that they should offend little ones (Lk 17:2). But our hands are tied and we watch the sex-and-religion games helplessly as people fall for their overtures like insects into fire.
Temptations come in angelic form. So beware! Our responsibility is to keep ourselves unspotted and expose them that the vulnerable may be saved from their traps (Jude 23). God will take care of perverts who are resistant to His dealings. Then the rest will know that God has xray eyes to see our hearts and minds (Rev 2:23).
The faithful minority who have escaped the modern unbiblical morality, who have not gone into the depths of satan to see what it is, will be burden-free, floating in the grace of God. Still they have to be alert holding strongly to whatever they have till the Day the Lord arrives, which is going to be an enormous feat. If they cross over all the hurdles and continue in God's work until the end, they will enjoy power over all nations, and the morning star.
5. Sardis - Deadness (Rev 3:1-6)
There is singing and dancing with a troupe of musicians. Worship is impressive! Preaching is fiery! People throng because of the umpteen number of activities that advertise the church and it's god-business. People may be duped but not God. God sees the inside out. He is not enamoured of your outward buzz that has a show of life. He sees your dead rottenness inside. Jesus had nothing good to say about this church. He gives some solid life advice to the remnant:
What can I do as an individual? First of all I need a personal revival for which I must fall at the feet of God. I must allow His word to rejuvenate me. I must allow the Spirit to cleanse me. My responsibility doesn't stop there. I must get busy strengthening the weak ones by teaching them the word of God and upholding them in every way so that the bruised reed will not break and the smoking flax will not quench (Isa 42:3). I must strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind the broken, bring back the one that was driven away and seek the lost (Eze 34:4; Rev 3:2,3). Then I can clap my hands with a happy laughter and welcome the Lord when He comes unexpectedly like a thief. Want to go walking with Jesus? Then you can't go with dirty clothes. Keep your clothes unsullied (Rev 3:4). The overcomers will find their names imprinted in the Book of Life (v 5).
6. Philadelphia - Open Door (Rev 3:7-13)
God knew the work of the Philadelphians and set an open door before them so that they could continue their evangelistic outreaches unhindered. The open door is for those who go ahead boldly (Rev 3:8). God knew that with a pricking thorn in his body Paul would march ahead in his work, ignoring the adversaries and therefore set before him a great and effective door (1 Cor 16:9). "He opens and no one shuts" (Rev 3:7). God had no complaints about the Philadelphia church but loved the weak congregation because they had kept the word (v 8). God had given them a command to persevere and hence they remained constant to their purpose in the face of obstacles. That's the reason why the Son of God loved them and promised to keep them in the hour of trial that was to come up the whole world to test everyone (v 10).
What is the lesson for us here? God loves those whose hearts are set on spreading the Good News of the kingdom. He opens the door that no one can slam shut, for those who persevere when times are rough. The weak should say they are strong, because the harvest is ripe (Joel 3:10,13). Let us not be giving excuses but enter the open door. The open door will not be visible from home. We have to go out and knock at doors that appear locked. Once we are bold enough to do that, God will throw the door wide open that we may enter in and occupy. God promised the Israelites the land of Canaan. But they had to move forward, fight the giants and possess the land. So it is with us.
He shall build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. But He needs rocks on which to build His church (Mt 16:18). So let us become strong. A crown awaits us!
7. Laodicea - Lukewarmness (Rev 3:14-22
Jesus felt like drinking lukewarm coffee and wanted to spit out the Laodicean church. He had nothing good to say about them. They did not know they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They bragged that they were millionaires (Rev 3:17). Jesus told the crowd surrounding the healed, born-blind man, "For judgment I have come into the world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may be made blind." Then the Pharisees asked Him, "Are we also blind?" Jesus answered, "If you were blind you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains"(Jn 9:39-41). The Laodiceans were blind, but pretended to see. Jesus was waiting to embrace them if they acknowledged their blindness and accepted from Him gold and garments and eye ointment to heal their blindness (Rev 3:17,18).
But Jesus is not the kind of person who would vomit the casual believers; rather, because of His love for them, He offered to rebuke and chasten them. He expected a positive response from them to be zealous and repent (Rev 3:19,20). Most of us have the I-have-need-of-nothing attitude. God told David about Solomon, "I will be His Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take away My mercy from him (1 Chro 17:13). Yet He took away His mercy from Solomon. Why? Solomon was not zealous to repent. Even though God is willing, He cannot help us unless we repent.
Jesus overcame all the hurdles and sat down with His Father on His throne. Want to sit with Jesus on His throne? Then hear His voice, open the door and let Him into your dining area, past the visitor's lounge, so there will be no secrecy about you and He will dine with you. Then you can have close fellowship with Him like the disciples to Emmaus (Rev 3:20,21).
Each letter to the seven churches closes with a clarion call to each of us to be an overcomer. "To him who overcomes." There are rewards for the winners and punishment for the losers. Therefore let us then put our whole strength to overcome all temptations, pressures, hardships and trials that we may receive the crown.
There is not much time left. Let us hurry up!
Don’t be Rash! |
Dec 21, 2022 |
Bobo and Topi |
Dec 19, 2022 |
Remember the Poor! |
Dec 14, 2022 |
The Best Crown Ever! (Tamil) |
Dec 05, 2022 |
The Best Crown Ever! |
Nov 18, 2022 |
The Crowns GOD Gives Us |
Nov 13, 2022 |
367. December 31 Golden Girl |
Jun 06, 2023 |
366. December 30 Golden Girl |
Jun 05, 2023 |
365. December 29 Golden Girl |
Jun 04, 2023 |
December 31 Golden Girl |
Dec 31, 2022 |
December 30 Golden Girl |
Dec 30, 2022 |
December 29 Golden Girl |
Dec 29, 2022 |
051. Blessed Accident |
Feb 21, 2018 |
052. Offense |
Feb 21, 2018 |
053. Great and Small |
Feb 21, 2018 |
094 Ant and Worm |
Jun 01, 2016 |
095 Diligence Pays |
Jun 01, 2016 |
096 Poor Minister |
Jun 01, 2016 |
001 The Modern Prodigal |
Jul 11, 2013 |
002 Lower One Foot, Lord! |
Jul 11, 2013 |
003 Beautiful Cheques |
Jul 11, 2013 |
Introduction |
Jun 06, 2013 |
001. Is GOD For Real |
Jun 05, 2013 |
002.The Language of Love! |
Jun 05, 2013 |
019 - Mala the Great! |
Jun 25, 2015 |
020 - The Rainbow |
Jun 25, 2015 |
021 - What to Do? |
Jun 25, 2015 |
GO |
Sep 19, 2024 |
Youth Prophet |
Jul 24, 2022 |
Starting Trouble? |
Apr 30, 2022 |
Golden Girl |
Aug 27, 2018 |
Sister Sodom |
Jan 16, 2017 |
Women,Leaven and Heaven! |
Sep 30, 2016 |
Is My Life Over? |
Jul 17, 2023 |
Parties Gone Wild! |
Dec 27, 2020 |
A Teenagers Story |
Oct 04, 2017 |
Is ₹, my Big Boss? |
Feb 07, 2025 |
Quick, Hurry Up, Jesus is on the way! |
Jan 24, 2025 |
My Elder Brother |
Oct 14, 2024 |
Child Abuse |
Feb 03, 2022 |
Wife Beating |
Jul 11, 2021 |
Creepers Without Support |
Sep 30, 2016 |
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
Don’t be Rash! |
Dec 21, 2022 |
Bobo and Topi |
Dec 19, 2022 |
Remember the Poor! |
Dec 14, 2022 |
The Best Crown Ever! (Tamil) |
Dec 05, 2022 |
The Best Crown Ever! |
Nov 18, 2022 |
The Crowns GOD Gives Us |
Nov 13, 2022 |
367. December 31 Golden Girl |
Jun 06, 2023 |
366. December 30 Golden Girl |
Jun 05, 2023 |
365. December 29 Golden Girl |
Jun 04, 2023 |
December 31 Golden Girl |
Dec 31, 2022 |
December 30 Golden Girl |
Dec 30, 2022 |
December 29 Golden Girl |
Dec 29, 2022 |
051. Blessed Accident |
Feb 21, 2018 |
052. Offense |
Feb 21, 2018 |
053. Great and Small |
Feb 21, 2018 |
094 Ant and Worm |
Jun 01, 2016 |
095 Diligence Pays |
Jun 01, 2016 |
096 Poor Minister |
Jun 01, 2016 |
001 The Modern Prodigal |
Jul 11, 2013 |
002 Lower One Foot, Lord! |
Jul 11, 2013 |
003 Beautiful Cheques |
Jul 11, 2013 |
Introduction |
Jun 06, 2013 |
001. Is GOD For Real |
Jun 05, 2013 |
002.The Language of Love! |
Jun 05, 2013 |
019 - Mala the Great! |
Jun 25, 2015 |
020 - The Rainbow |
Jun 25, 2015 |
021 - What to Do? |
Jun 25, 2015 |
GO |
Sep 19, 2024 |
Youth Prophet |
Jul 24, 2022 |
Starting Trouble? |
Apr 30, 2022 |
Golden Girl |
Aug 27, 2018 |
Sister Sodom |
Jan 16, 2017 |
Women,Leaven and Heaven! |
Sep 30, 2016 |
Is My Life Over? |
Jul 17, 2023 |
Parties Gone Wild! |
Dec 27, 2020 |
A Teenagers Story |
Oct 04, 2017 |
Is ₹, my Big Boss? |
Feb 07, 2025 |
Quick, Hurry Up, Jesus is on the way! |
Jan 24, 2025 |
My Elder Brother |
Oct 14, 2024 |
Child Abuse |
Feb 03, 2022 |
Wife Beating |
Jul 11, 2021 |
Creepers Without Support |
Sep 30, 2016 |
"Get ready, the Lord is coming!" This was announced as early as Genesis by Enoch who prophesied, "Behold, the Lord comes" (Jude 14). So Adam and Eve knew about it. Now, maybe more than 4000 years have rushed past since the prophecy. That's why people seem to think it is fake. Paul's head was so full of the Second Coming that he wrote about it to all his contacts and urged them to get ready for the great event. In fact, he thought that would happen during his lifetime. That's why he wrote, "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess 4:17). All that is happening in the world are harbingers of His imminent return. Armageddon is looming. Though many warnings had been given, Jesus didn't think they were enough. So He gave the ultimatum to the churches and for every individual Christian in the church, at the close of His Book. Let us take some encouragement and warnings from His messages to the seven churches and spruce ourselves for His appearance.
1. Ephesus - Lovelessness (Rev 2:17)
This church was apparently planted by Priscilla and Aquila. Jesus knew their hard work, patience and intolerance of evil. The main criticism Jesus pointed in the Ephesian church was their Lovelessness. They were a church; they held fellowship meetings; but genuine love was lacking. "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love" (Rev 2:4). So, how was their first love? Their love for God was first shown by their shedding of excess wealth, to make themselves a little poorer so that their poor brothers and sisters could become a little richer. They loved God and loved their neighbours, thus obeying the two great commandments. They were single-minded, not fighting over in decision-making. They were having fellowship meals from house to house, thus strengthening their bonds and did not count the cost of money, time and labour. They ate happily, not grumpily. They were simple-hearted, not complicating relationships but ready to understand, forgive and embrace. They lived in wonderful harmony which attracted people to them like bees to flowers (Acts 2:45-47). In other words God was the centre of their lives around whom their world revolved.
This is what the Holy Spirit does when He pours out the love of God into our hearts. But as days roll by our focus shifts from God to money. We want to keep all to ourselves. We overwork and resent visitors or feel we are wasting time visiting people. Even if we visit, it is mostly a chit-chat session, and not a Christ-centred fellowship. We want exotic food and instead of rejoicing over simple meals grumble like the wilderness Israelites. Instead of simple trust we suspect people and keep them at a distance. No wonder our love for the Lord is growing dimmer by the day.
We must be able to create a harmony between the external material world and the inner invisible world of love and emotions. We do need to work and earn for a secure future but more so love God and His things. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to our first love, that divine love for the Lord, that will flow into our relationships and make us strong Christian fellowships. House fellowships are lighthouses for the world. Then Jesus will give us the Paradise fruit from the tree of life.
2. Smyrna - Suffering (Rev 2:8-11)
Notable is that Jesus did not criticize this church. What a relief it would have been to them when the letter was read out in the church. The church in Smyrna was going through suffering and Jesus prophesied more to come. And who was behind all that? The devil! For what purpose? To be tested! (Rev 2:10). The devil took them through fire to burn them up but Jesus brought them out as pure gold. Only those who go through suffering will understand what it means. Friends will speak words of comfort but cannot share our pain. The first assault we face when a problem hits us like a freight train is in the mind that is tortured with questions. Why me? Why this? Why now? Why is God silent? Jesus also, after praying shouted aloud, weeping. I imagine Him holding His chest and crying aloud. So He knows what it means to suffer. That's why He always lives to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25). That's why He says, "Do not fear"(Rev 2:10).
If you don't develop all of yourself in some way, if you don't learn to work with your emotions, you will be a shadow figure, a small truncated version of yourself. You can feel sorry for yourself, but then get over it, because it doesn't get you anywhere. All that Jesus requires of us is to remain faithful till death like Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego and Daniel (Rev 2:10). Most of the Israelites could not stand the trials in the desert and fell into all kinds of sins. Though Joshua and Caleb suffered the same, they were faithful to the end and enjoyed Canaan, proving that it is not impossible to survive harsh circumstances.
So, refuse to quit. Jesus will give you the crown of life. Only those who stick on to the end will be secure (Mt 24:13). Paul's eyes were focused on the crown that would be his on "that Day." Not only for him but also to all who await His appearing (2 Tim 4:8). What joy will it be when Jesus places the crown of life on your brow on that Day! (Rev 2:10).
3. Pergamos - Endurance (Rev 2:12-17)
Endurance is the 'Let come what may attitude.' It is the spirit of Martin Luther. It declares, "Even if all the devils in the whole world come against me, still I will not relent." It is the spirit of Nehemiah who said, "I cannot come down" (Neh 6:3). The Pergamos people were literally living under satan's regime, yet holding fast to Jesus' name and refusing to deny Him, though right in front of their eyes Antipas was murdered for his faith (Rev 2:13). So they knew their fate yet would not go back on their decision to cling to Jesus. Not only did they survive but they "worked" right under the shadow of Satan's throne. They were surrounded by "brothers and sisters," the Nicolaitans, who were stumbling blocks to them, who visited temples to join fellowship meals sacrificed to idols, who lived in blatant adultery as per Balaam's teaching. God was about to strike them and the responsibility of pulling them out of fire was on the shoulders of the "little flock"(Rev 2:13-16; Jude 23).
I think this strongly resembles our situation, who are living in the "lastest" days. God knows our works and satan's continuous assault on us. Most of us are holding on to God, wondering when our turn of martyrdom would come. We work, but with fear and restrictions. We see and hear news of attacks on a regular basis. It is satan's "hour and the power of darkness" (Lk 22:53). We are reliving the days of the Apostles. Let us go on with their courage and persistence. Then Jesus will give us the manna and a new name.
4. Thyatira - Immorality (Rev 2:18-29)
Sexual impropriety, like termites, was eating up the Christian community. Once you neglect the termites, they will consume the whole structure. As early as possible any sexual sin must be exposed and rooted out. The Thyatira congregation was increasing every day in works. They were excelling in love. They were labouring in service. They were strong in faith and models in patience. But the termites surreptitiously wormed their way through all. As Jude rightly says, ungodly people, lewd and corrupt with runaway uncontrolled sexual passion have found comfortable seats in our fellowships like Judas among the twelve. They flatter people and take advantage of them when the innocent fall flat before their flattery. Heavy millstones must be hung around their necks and they be thrown into the deep sea, than that they should offend little ones (Lk 17:2). But our hands are tied and we watch the sex-and-religion games helplessly as people fall for their overtures like insects into fire.
Temptations come in angelic form. So beware! Our responsibility is to keep ourselves unspotted and expose them that the vulnerable may be saved from their traps (Jude 23). God will take care of perverts who are resistant to His dealings. Then the rest will know that God has xray eyes to see our hearts and minds (Rev 2:23).
The faithful minority who have escaped the modern unbiblical morality, who have not gone into the depths of satan to see what it is, will be burden-free, floating in the grace of God. Still they have to be alert holding strongly to whatever they have till the Day the Lord arrives, which is going to be an enormous feat. If they cross over all the hurdles and continue in God's work until the end, they will enjoy power over all nations, and the morning star.
5. Sardis - Deadness (Rev 3:1-6)
There is singing and dancing with a troupe of musicians. Worship is impressive! Preaching is fiery! People throng because of the umpteen number of activities that advertise the church and it's god-business. People may be duped but not God. God sees the inside out. He is not enamoured of your outward buzz that has a show of life. He sees your dead rottenness inside. Jesus had nothing good to say about this church. He gives some solid life advice to the remnant:
What can I do as an individual? First of all I need a personal revival for which I must fall at the feet of God. I must allow His word to rejuvenate me. I must allow the Spirit to cleanse me. My responsibility doesn't stop there. I must get busy strengthening the weak ones by teaching them the word of God and upholding them in every way so that the bruised reed will not break and the smoking flax will not quench (Isa 42:3). I must strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind the broken, bring back the one that was driven away and seek the lost (Eze 34:4; Rev 3:2,3). Then I can clap my hands with a happy laughter and welcome the Lord when He comes unexpectedly like a thief. Want to go walking with Jesus? Then you can't go with dirty clothes. Keep your clothes unsullied (Rev 3:4). The overcomers will find their names imprinted in the Book of Life (v 5).
6. Philadelphia - Open Door (Rev 3:7-13)
God knew the work of the Philadelphians and set an open door before them so that they could continue their evangelistic outreaches unhindered. The open door is for those who go ahead boldly (Rev 3:8). God knew that with a pricking thorn in his body Paul would march ahead in his work, ignoring the adversaries and therefore set before him a great and effective door (1 Cor 16:9). "He opens and no one shuts" (Rev 3:7). God had no complaints about the Philadelphia church but loved the weak congregation because they had kept the word (v 8). God had given them a command to persevere and hence they remained constant to their purpose in the face of obstacles. That's the reason why the Son of God loved them and promised to keep them in the hour of trial that was to come up the whole world to test everyone (v 10).
What is the lesson for us here? God loves those whose hearts are set on spreading the Good News of the kingdom. He opens the door that no one can slam shut, for those who persevere when times are rough. The weak should say they are strong, because the harvest is ripe (Joel 3:10,13). Let us not be giving excuses but enter the open door. The open door will not be visible from home. We have to go out and knock at doors that appear locked. Once we are bold enough to do that, God will throw the door wide open that we may enter in and occupy. God promised the Israelites the land of Canaan. But they had to move forward, fight the giants and possess the land. So it is with us.
He shall build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. But He needs rocks on which to build His church (Mt 16:18). So let us become strong. A crown awaits us!
7. Laodicea - Lukewarmness (Rev 3:14-22
Jesus felt like drinking lukewarm coffee and wanted to spit out the Laodicean church. He had nothing good to say about them. They did not know they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They bragged that they were millionaires (Rev 3:17). Jesus told the crowd surrounding the healed, born-blind man, "For judgment I have come into the world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may be made blind." Then the Pharisees asked Him, "Are we also blind?" Jesus answered, "If you were blind you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains"(Jn 9:39-41). The Laodiceans were blind, but pretended to see. Jesus was waiting to embrace them if they acknowledged their blindness and accepted from Him gold and garments and eye ointment to heal their blindness (Rev 3:17,18).
But Jesus is not the kind of person who would vomit the casual believers; rather, because of His love for them, He offered to rebuke and chasten them. He expected a positive response from them to be zealous and repent (Rev 3:19,20). Most of us have the I-have-need-of-nothing attitude. God told David about Solomon, "I will be His Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take away My mercy from him (1 Chro 17:13). Yet He took away His mercy from Solomon. Why? Solomon was not zealous to repent. Even though God is willing, He cannot help us unless we repent.
Jesus overcame all the hurdles and sat down with His Father on His throne. Want to sit with Jesus on His throne? Then hear His voice, open the door and let Him into your dining area, past the visitor's lounge, so there will be no secrecy about you and He will dine with you. Then you can have close fellowship with Him like the disciples to Emmaus (Rev 3:20,21).
Each letter to the seven churches closes with a clarion call to each of us to be an overcomer. "To him who overcomes." There are rewards for the winners and punishment for the losers. Therefore let us then put our whole strength to overcome all temptations, pressures, hardships and trials that we may receive the crown.
There is not much time left. Let us hurry up!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
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