Letters from Jesus

The letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Rev. 2-3) contain brief, urgent words of the risen Jesus sent from heaven via the Holy Spirit to John the Apostle, the recipient of that grand vision we call “Revelation.” John’s job was to take down the message and get it to the churches.

Now in case you think Jesus’ words to a particular church (e.g., at Thyatira, Smyrna, or Sardis) were meant for them alone, look closely at how each of the letters ends: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” That’s plural “churches”: each church was supposed to see what Jesus said to the others; we’re expected to be reading (or hearing) each other’s mail this way!

Let me touch on a few words of Christ’s fierce love for his church (and don’t forget 3:19, “those whom I love I rebuke and disci­pline”):

• The believers at Ephesus are steady, patient, and discerning, and they have the good sense to reject false teachers (2:2). “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (2:4). Are you firm on God’s truth while your zeal for his honor fades?

• Smyrna faces persecution and poverty, yet ultimately they’re “rich” (2:9). Smug Laodicea, however, sees itself as wealthy and self-sufficient, while in the deepest sense they’re spiritually destitute (3:17). This contrast makes one think: is it treasure in heaven or on earth that excites you?

• Smyrna is about to face yet more suffering, but Christ lovingly assures them that they don’t need to fear: even if they end up in prison or are put to death, it all leads to receiving a crown of life—eternal joy beyond the reach of death (2:10-11). Does the threat of danger strike terror in your heart, or do you rest in the rock solid assurance that God works ALL things for your good?

• Sardis does good deeds and they appear to be “alive” as a church. But Jesus isn’t fooled by appearances; in fact, these “believers” are dead (3:1). So is Christ’s letter to them a coroner’s report: no hope for Sardis? No. He urges them to repent: there’s still time; they can still give up their play-acting, come to Jesus, and live!

• Truth is at stake in several cases: false apostles threaten (2:2); the “teaching of Balaam” (2:14) and the “teaching of the Nicolaitans” (2:15) are adopted by some, for which they must repent (2:16); a “Jezebel” figure is tolerated and her teaching is followed, so Jesus warns that this must stop (2:20); others who reject her teaching are commended (2:24); those who falsely claim Jewish identity are rebuked (2:9; 3:9); believers who “have kept my word and have not denied my name” are blessed by Jesus (3:8). Truth matters! Don’t let anyone tell you “doctrine” isn’t important and actions are what count—that’s an unnecessary and foolish either-or.

• Christ watches how these believers live—their “works” are fully known to him, no secrets (2:2, 5, 19; 3:1, 8, 15). Of course, we’re not saved by deeds, but our actions provide a window onto our hearts. So again, don’t fall for a silly either-or (e.g., like thinking actions don’t matter but beliefs do). What are our deeds saying (or not saying) here at GBC: is our faith obvious in how we live?

• Let’s come back to that prosperous congregation: Laodicea (3:14-22) has fallen into luke­warm religion—neither hot nor cold, neither for Jesus nor against him. They have a mild faith—mediocre, middle-of-the-road, tame, safe, beige, boring. When coming face to face with Majesty, one thing the sane cannot do is yawn: who yawns while riding the Maid of the Mist up beneath Niagara Falls? But Laodicea yawns. Why? They feel self-satisfied; wealth deludes them into thinking they “need nothing” (3:17). Jesus confronts this insanity: truth is, they’re “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” He says this not to condemn, but lovingly to confront sin and beckon these spiritually destitute souls to repent and receive life. What is the temperature of your faith today?

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