Monday, April 18, 2016

In our study of the various descriptions of Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation you’ll find He is very much a part of what is going on in the church and her various local expressions. He is seen in Chapter 2 verse 1 as the One “who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He holds the pastors (the seven stars) in His hand and is present in the churches (walking among the seven golden lampstands). He knows what’s going on in believer’s hearts. He knows how to confront and how to comfort. His desire is that we have an intimate love relationship with Him. That’s more important than anything else. Lose this intimate love relationship and nothing else matters. If you’re being persecuted, He reminds you that He is “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again” (verse 8). He understands persecution. Because He was resurrected from death He becomes our hope. If you’re compromising, He reveals Himself to you as the One “who has the sharp, double-edged sword” (verse 12). If you persist in compromise He’ll fight against you with that sword. But if you’re standing true, in the midst of compromise and corruption, He’ll provide what will satisfy your deepest need and give you a special identity – a new name…known only to him who receives it. With such promises expressed, no wonder Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Are you listening to what the Spirit is saying to the church today?