December 1, 2019
What does it say?
John recorded a personal message from the resurrected Christ to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira.
What does it mean?
These messages shine a spotlight on issues that are specific to each church in four ways: 1) Each church receives praise for positive traits. 2) Three churches are corrected for something wrong. 3) Each church is given instructions on how to respond. 4) Each church receives a promise for those who overcome. These churches deal with a variety of issues, but the problems mentioned most often deal with false teaching or a loss of passion for Christ. Christ calls them to repent and after that to remain faithful to Him.
How should I respond?
Do you remember life before email or texting? Most of us like receiving personal notes in the mail. In fact, when we receive a letter from a loved one, it can become a precious possession. Imagine receiving a letter from Jesus. How would the words to these four churches compare to how Jesus would respond to your life? Take an inventory of your life right now and talk to Jesus about it. Be ready to repent if necessary, and make a firm commitment to stay on the right course no matter what you may face. Remember, the entire Bible is a letter from God to you, and He wants you to know what He thinks. You cannot read this letter without a response. Will you respond with obedience?