Monday, February 13, 2023

The Seven Churches of Revelation

9 I, John, [f]both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, [g]“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches [h]which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11

Revelation is a book that many Christians avoid. There are several possible reasons for this. I heard one pastor say that this book frightens many of us. An article in “Crossway” magazine suggests that many of us won’t read Revelation because we don’t think we will be able to understand it. There is also a lot of disagreement surrounding the interpretation of this book, and some of us don’t want to dissect interpretations. Some think Revelation is mostly about the future and that it doesn’t apply to us today. Finally, this book of symbolism is not cut and dry and makes some of us uncomfortable.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. That includes the Book of Revelation.

Several months ago, I participated in a small group discussion about Revelation’s seven churches. We discovered enlightening lessons in the letters written by the Apostle John to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea––all churches in Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey. Each letter begins with the term “I know.” Over the next two weeks, we won’t plunge too deep, but we will point out at least one practical truth from each of the church’s letters.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your Word. As I read and study your scriptures that focus on the seven churches in Revelation, open my eyes, open my heart, and open my mind. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen