I’ve started a series on the book of Revelation. It probably won’t be what you would expect.
You’ll never see me make specific and fanciful predictions about the end of the world. Instead, this series will review four major themes in Revelation. I’ll be upfront about things we cannot know, and focus on what is knowable.
Our theme verse about the timing of the end of the world is a quote from Jesus. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” [Matt. 24:36]
Today we’ll look at 3 of the truths Jesus shared with the churches in the first century.
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1 – Keep the passion alive – 2:1-7
The first letter goes to the church at Ephesus. This is where Jesus tells them to Keep the passion alive.
He begins by complementing them on a number of things, including weeding out false leaders, enduring hardships, and staying strong. But there is a problem. He tells them they just aren’t as passionate as they were before. They used to be on fire for their faith, but not any more.
That needs to change. In fact he uses the word “repent” meaning they need to turn their backs on something they were doing wrong, and head toward what they ought to do. In this case they need to turn away from their lack of passion and feel something again. They need to reclaim their first love. He refers to the high they used to feel, from which they have fallen.
It’s a common problem. After a number of years, marriages have been known to cool down a bit, with not quite the same level of excitement as there was before. We work to avoid that, and the strength of the marriage depends on that.
Wait a minute. Isn’t the Church described as the Bride of Christ? Hummmmm. What an amazing coincidence! The health and strength of relationships, both between a husband and wife, and between the human and the divine, depend on keeping the passion alive. The passion will evolve over the years and decades. It won’t be exactly like it was at first. But the love must remain, and should improve.
How do we do that? We try new things. We go on new adventures. We stretch ourselves. We find new ways to help each other.
2 – Be faithful for a lifetime – 2:8-11
Then Jesus sent a note to the church at Smyrna. He tells them that although they appear to be poor in the eyes of the world, they are, in fact, extremely rich. The treasures of truth, grace, peace, freedom and life are far more valuable than the latest toga fashion trend or even having first century indoor plumbing.
His main message of this letter is their need to Be faithful for a lifetime. He warns them of the upcoming persecutions; tests they will face that will strain their devotion to him. In Rev. 2:10b he tells them what he would tell us. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” [Rev. 2:10b] True then, true now.
Like our brothers and sisters in Smyrna, we may not have the latest stuff. The reason that’s okay is that what treasure we do have is far more valuable and lasting.
But like them we also may be tempted to drift from our faithfulness. I think the key is to remember the treasure. If you have a shiny new plaything, it may be easier to remember the joy of the toy. If your treasure is something less concrete, visible, and trendy, if it’s not sitting on a table in front of you or parked in the driveway, it’s harder to even remember that you possess it.
Remembering the treasures that God has given us makes us more appreciative, which motivates us to be more faithful. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
3 – Don’t give in, stay strong – 2:12-7
Next, Pergamum. He tells them don’t give in, stay strong. He starts by commending them for not giving in when previously pressured. Some had tried to force them to renounce their faith. When faced with such a blatant threat, they stood up to it. But when faced with subtle threats, they gave into the temptations.
Subtle threats are far more dangerous than obvious threats. It’s the tiny crack in the dam syndrome. If someone demanded you deny there is a God, you’re likely to decline. “Thank you very much, but I’d rather not spit in God’s eye.” If someone suggests you do something improper, you might think about it and possibly give in. You don’t think too much about it because it’s just a little thing.
But little things lead to big things. There may be as many gateway sins as there are people. When we give in to the small things, it leads to bigger problems. But when believers give into small things, they begin to crack the dam, threatening the stability of their own faith. They also send a signal to both believers and non-believers that its okay to give in a little.
We might claim to live this high moral life, and would never do this or that, something that would be wrong in the eyes of God. And yet some claim to enjoy a movie or TV show that features lifestyles that are a gross violation of the will of God. Is it wrong for Christians to claim one standard in their own life and then claim another standard for others? We’re not to be judge and jury. That’s not our place. Be we’re also not to be cheerleaders for things that disappoint God and break his heart. Beware of the crack in the dam.
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Next week we’ll look at the other 4 truths Jesus shared in Rev. 2 and 3.
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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.
Copyright © 2023 by Dave Soucie. All rights reserved [but permission is granted for non-commercial use only, with proper citation].
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