Revelation 2:12 -29
Saturday, 10 February 2024
“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.” -Revelation 2:26
Christ Jesus’ message to the seven churches are recorded in chapters 2&3 of the book of Revelation. Jesus commends them for their strengths as well as warns them of their flaws. Though the letters were directed to the then existing churches, it also speaks to the churches throughout history. The messages spoken to each of the churches, are a study in themselves. At the end of each message, there is a counsel: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
The flaws pointed out to the churches are lovelessness, immorality, leniency, compromising attitude, lifelessness and being casual about faith (Rev.2 & 3). The message of Christ is both a warning for those who are falling away and an encouragement to those who are faithfully enduring. The Message to the Churches gives an insight into the past and will help us to prepare for the future.
Taking a stand against the pressure and flow of the society is very difficult – but the alternative is deadly (Rev. 2:11). The church in Pergamum faced stiff threats from Satan worshippers and Nicolaitans. Nicolaitans were people who started to follow Jesus but compromised their faith to enjoy some of the sinful practices in the Ephesian society. Nicolaitans point to people who can be influenced by wrong doctrines and veer off course from the right path of the principles of God’s Word. Likewise, we also can be pulled into indulging in practices we know are wrong and then try to make excuses to justify our stand. But it only invites the judgment of God. Remember the double-edged sword (V.12) also represents absolute authority and judgment. The Bible encourages us to make friends with people in the society but warns us against any participation in their sinful ways.
The promise of the hidden manna in V.17 is the offer of spiritual nourishment for the overcomers— the ones who resist temptations. John 6:51 reveals Jesus the Bread of life who satisfies our spiritual hunger. One needs to believe in His death and resurrection and receive Him into his/her life to obtain eternal life. It’s not just receiving Him but experiencing Him as we devote ourselves to be directed by Him.
The Church in Thyatira was also affected by immorality. Vs 21 says this prophetess who was propagating such things was unwilling to repent and therefore inevitably came under the wrath of God. Scripture always encourages us to repent and turn away from sin. Rev. 2:23 reminds us that God knows and searches our hearts and minds and gives each according to what they deserve. Continuing in sin brings disastrous consequences in our lives and in the lives of others. God in His mercy has given us a free will to choose godly ways. If we have allowed our stubborn nature to stand in the way, let’s heed to repent and turn to the Lord.
Jesus is our finest example of one who overcame the world and won victory for us on the cross and He will help us overcome! Christ says (Vs 26, 27)– those who overcome will rule. This is a call for all of us to remain faithful and continue to please God until the end. The Kingdom of Christ will soon be established in this world. The redeemed and the overcomers will partake in the final triumph and glorious rule of our King Jesus and it extends to future eternity. Will we be counted among the overcomers?
Prayer: Heavenly Father lead me in Your precepts –to repent, to turn away from sinful ways and to be an overcomer so that I will be able to partake in Your glorious rule. Amen
Listen: 'Victor’s Crown'