260 in 2012 - DEVOS - Day 240 - Revelation 2: Lost Love, Suffering, Compromise & Tolerance

In the next two chapters Jesus gives John the “What IS” section of this book - specifically, the current state of the churches mentioned. Jesus is dictating a letter to each of these 7 churches and the structure is the same: - It’s always written to “the angel” or messenger of that church. Probably the one who delivered the message. - Next we get who it’s from, which is always a different description of Jesus. And it always with this phrase, “I know.” This indicating there is nothing we can hide from Jesus! - Then, in 6 of the 7, we are given what Jesus commends that church for. - This is followed by what Jesus rebukes that church for – 2 of the 7 received no rebuke. - Then each church is commanded to change in some way so to better represent Him. - And finally, each church is given a promise of some sort – “to him who overcomes.” Ok – so let’s look at the first four churches: EPHESUS – Lost Love: The description of Jesus here tells us that He is in control, He’s actively checking out churches & determining how their “light” or life is. Ephesus receives a pretty good beginning evaluation: hard working, perseverance, don’t put up with wicked men, tested peeps, endured hardships and hadn’t given up! But they had “forsaken the love they had at first.” It’s easy to start doing ministry out of love for Jesus and after a while to lose that devotion and enthusiasm and let it become routine & repetitious! The cure? “Repent and do the things you did at first.” If not, I’ll remove your lampstand – Yikes! Jesus says He will take away the light & testimony for Him of any church that will not repent! SMYRNA – Suffering: Jesus is described as “The First and the Last”, pointing to His control, which is comforting if you’re suffering like Smyrna was. As poor as Smyrna was (financially & materially), Jesus said they were RICH! They had Jesus and He knew the suffering they were going through and were yet to go through more for Him. No rebuke here, just comfort from the Lord: “Do not be afraid” and “Be faithful.” If you do = LIFE, victor’s crown, = i.e. you win! PERGAMUM – Compromise: Jesus is described as “the sharp, double-edged sword” (see Heb 4:12-13), the idea being to divide truth from error. This was a church that had remained true to Jesus in both a difficult area and through difficult circumstances. But Jesus says they have compromised. They’ve let false teaching in their church. The cure? “Repent therefore!” – Or face judgment from Jesus. THYATIRA – Tolerance: Another good beginning evaluation as they are commended for their love, faith, service, perseverance and doing more than when they began – hey, ministry was booming! Yet Jesus rebukes them because they are “tolerating that woman Jezebel.” Somehow there were some who had rationalized her behavior and were permitting it in the church. She won’t repent of her sexual immorality so Jesus gives her a punishment that fits her crime. SO WHAT?! *”Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says…” – The idea is we are to listen up! God is serious about His Church and wants it to be a light that helps people see Him. And if His church (you & I) is not a light, look out! *Has your fire for Jesus dwindled to a smolder? Are you just going through the motions and “doing church”? In the words of the song, have you “lost that loving feeling?” If so, God’s arms are open wide for you to run to Him, to love & be loved again! Don’t put it off, MAKE time today and lets pray like David in Psalm 51 “Restore me to the joy of Your salvation!” *What are you going through right now for the sake of Christ? Maybe you’ve lost friends because of your stand. Maybe you’re being made fun of at school. It can cost you grades, your job, reputations, friendships, etc… but please know it is worth it! Jesus said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” *Finally, is there sin that you are allowing or rationalizing in your own life, your ministry or your church? Addressing sin today isn’t looked upon as kind, but it’s Biblical and it is needed, because it affects the whole. The great news is that if we confess it to God, desire to turn from it, He can transform us and make us the kind of reps He wants us to be for Him! Lord forgive me for the issues I have not addressed and need to. Help me to turn from my wrong ways as well as lovingly address the issues I am aware of that I’ve put off!