January 12, Revelation 2
Can you imagine what Jesus would say to the church today if he came to speak in person or sent a letter to a specific congregation? It’s crossed my mind, usually when I’m pondering if we’re on the right track, if we’re actually doing what he wants done, emphasizing what he would say mattered most. Because the Lord is unchanging and people around the world and through the ages are very much alike, he might say some of the same things to us he said to the churches in Revelation.
I’m confident Jesus would tell us, “I know your works,” because he absolutely does know. He knows about our labors and our patience, our tribulations and faithfulness, our love and service. When we’re tempted to think no one knows or notices what we do for the Lord, never forget that he knows.
I’m also sure Jesus would tell us about the things he has against us. Some of us have left our first love, chosen sensuality over spirituality and tolerated false teachers who have led us astray. He would tell us these things, not because he does not love us, but because he does. He would urge us to repent just as he urged them to do, and warn us about the bitter consequences of not turning back to him.
And surely Jesus would give each church a word of encouragement and promise. To the overcomers, he would promise the tree of life, the crown of life, the hidden manna, the white stone and the morning star. It’s the gift of himself and the reward of eternal fellowship with him that he holds out to his precious, persecuted saints.
Finally, after telling us exactly what we need to hear to motivate us to keep doing right and stop doing wrong, I imagine Jesus would remind us to listen. Hearing the Spirit’s word is more than the sound waves striking our eardrums; it’s responding to the word of the Lord by aligning our lives with his will for us. Through the Old Testament prophets, God said again and again, “Listen to me.” During his personal ministry Jesus told his disciples as well as his enemies, “Listen to what I’m saying.” We are blessed to know his will as he revealed it in his word. Do we have ears? Are we hearing what Jesus said to the churches?
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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