“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.” — Isaiah 33:22 NIV
Hate is a strong word. I tend to avoid using it because it feels so absolute. There’s no wiggle room for love when you use the word hate. Sure, I don’t love waiting in the drive thru of McDonald’s for half an hour when I only ordered a large number 7 with a Diet Coke, but I do love listening to Spotify. In thirty minutes I can listen to maybe ten songs, and those ten streams made the lucky artist approximately $0.04! It’s all about perspective… (I was not lovin’ it)
Verse 13 in Psalm 119 makes two things absolutely clear, “I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.” I put the reference to Isaiah at the top of this post because today’s selection of poetry calls to mind one of the titles we use to address God: the Judge. Lawful diction is used throughout the passage with words like statutes, decrees, and commands. We are reminded that our God is a just one, so imagine the blessings in store for us if we keep on choosing to honor the laws he laid out for our life.
If that doesn’t light a fire under you, then I recommend rereading the end of the selection, which states, “You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.” (Psalm 119: 118-120 NIV)
There are two sides on the coin of justice. I don’t always know which side my decisions land on but I know that I don’t want to be rejected by Him, so it’s important to continue studying Scripture and to develop a relationship with the Lord. Then we can stop relying on probability, flipping a coin with every choice, and just rest in his sustaining power.
— Austin Kizer
Reflection Questions
Are there areas of your life that have “wiggle room” for more of the Lord? Consider how you can invite God into those moments and listen for Him.
It’s easy to focus on our wrongdoings, so ponder and celebrate times you felt like you brought honor to God. How are you honoring the Lord on a daily basis?
What “evildoers” do you need to stay away from? How are you keeping up your shield and taking refuge in Him?
Chapter 7 is one of the passages in Revelation which can seem like it reverses or unworks what God had done before. God had called out a people for His own, setting Israel apart. Then God sent Jesus and brought up an upheaval in the relationship of God and humanity. The events of Pentecost launched the church, and while it took some time for Jews and Gentiles to be combined in one organization it can be a surprise for people to find Israel identified here again, and not just as a nation but with 12 tribes. But even in this context the tribes are set together with the peoples of the world, based on their common acceptance of God and the Lamb.
At the start of the chapter a period of calm is established. Perhaps this does not follow chronologically from the events that were described just before, we may be stepping away from that part of the vision to get another angle on things. We are told about four angels who have been authorized to bring destruction with the four winds of the world – from the four main directions – but for now the angels are keeping the winds still at the instruction of another angel holding the seal of God. In this time of calm that angel seals 144,000 people, 12,000 each from 12 tribes of Israel. This is a vision so perhaps the sealing process passed quickly, as can happen in a dream.
The identities of the tribes who were sealed create a small puzzle. We are used to reading of Joseph’s blessing being passed to his sons Manasseh and Ephraim (for the ‘half-tribes’), forming a set of 12 tribes only when Levi is excluded from the normal count. Levi gets excluded because Levi’s descendants gained a special role with God in the time of Moses and that was treated as their inheritance instead of land. But here Ephraim is excluded, and we have the “Tribe of Joseph” and the Tribe of Manasseh joining the Tribe of Levi. We lose Dan, the northernmost tribe, instead. Why? It might be because Ephraim’s name is so associated with the line of kings who brought idolatry to Israel, and that Dan was the tribe first associated with idolatry in the time of the judges (Judges 18:30-31). But we also have in Ezekiel 48:2 the prophecy that Dan will be in the kingdom and receive land, so there is something symbolic happening here rather than something permanent.
The larger point is that God continues to have a portion of people who are sealed for Him – God never gave up on Israel, never gave up the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc. The results may not look like what people were expecting at different points along the way, but God does not forget to give gifts (just as God does not forget to give punishments, which the previous chapter was establishing). The significance of the seal itself in the Revelation vision doesn’t come up until chapter 9, but in marking those who are with God it provides protection (at least). I see this as being rather like the Passover in Egypt, but rather than being told to remain safe within certain buildings marked with blood the people themselves were marked for God and therefore able to travel with protection. And unlike those earlier Hebrew people they were not being told to separate themselves from everyone else, the context pairs them with a crowd “beyond count” from every nation and people.
The crowd in white robes sounds much like those who had been slain (6:11) who were “waiting” for their fellow servants who were to die. We are told that these many “came out of great tribulation” (7:14) but are not told how many (if any) survived it. This may be another reference to the souls from under the altar. Or others may have been added to the number. What is clear is that God rewards His servants. It says they shall hunger no more, thirst no more, and no longer will the sun beat down on them. It sounds like we are being told that the curse on the soil doesn’t apply to them anymore; they no longer must be concerned about working by the sweat of their brow to eat. Springs of living water are being offered, and God Himself will wipe the tears from their eyes. Pain and struggle is being reversed – permanently. You can see why I think this chapter may step out of the chronology of the vision to give an overview of promises that are being offered, refreshing our memory of joy.
Lord, you keep your promises, even the ones I don’t fully understand. Please help me to take seriously what you have said to me, and what I say to you. Thank you that you love so much better than I do. Let me be committed to learning from you, not simply facts or ideas, but growing as a person and growing in my relationships with others and with you. Help me to remember that you never want anything bad for me. Help me trust you to show me right paths. Thank you, Amen.
-Daniel Smead
(originally posted for SeekGrowLove on Nov 22, 2022)
Application & Reflection Questions
Who will receive the punishments of Revelation 6? Who will receive the rewards of Revelation 7?
What do we learn from Revelation 7 about worship, commitment and faithfulness?
What are some gifts and rewards God has already given to you? What gifts and rewards are you still looking forward to? Give thanks to God for what He has done, is doing, and will do!
In Jeremiah 51-52, we continue to read about the rise and fall of one of Israel and Judah’s greatest adversaries – Babylon. Most would think they had it coming; after the ruthless destruction of Judah and years of the children of God being held in captivity, how else would Yahweh react? One might even wonder why it took so long for Him to free His people from these evil, power-hungry conquerors. As we’ve seen throughout the Old Testament, (particularly Judges, 1st and 2nd Kings, and Isaiah) the Israelites had their own series of mishaps and repeated sin. As a result, God – in His perfect timing – used Babylon to bring retribution to His people. However, He did not let Babylon’s wickedness go unpunished. Eventually, their arrogance and sin led to their ruin. Through Jeremiah, God declared that Babylon would be punished for its pride and cruelty. This was not just a political event, but a fulfillment of God’s divine justice and plan.
Our God’s ways are not to be challenged, nor is His wrath to be evoked. Vivid imagery is painted throughout the 64 verses of chapter 51, which follows the previous 46 verses in chapter 50 (in which the proclamation of Babylon’s grim downfall was only getting started). The LORD our God has a fierce vengeance, one that nobody should desire to face. Our God is a God of love, but as seen in these chapters, He does indeed declare enemies. And to be an enemy of the one true God is pretty much the worst place you could possibly find yourself in. These scriptures serve as a powerful reminder of God’s complex and perfect character. He is surely abounding in love, kindness, and mercy, but He is also a God of justice, holiness, and righteous wrath. This understanding brings to mind two important truths:
1. We can rest assured that justice is ultimately in the hands of God, and punishment will be bestowed upon His enemies on the day of judgment. We don’t carry the burden of deciding who is worthy of God’s love, and instead have freedom in Christ to love everyone God places in our lives – choosing to love the person and not the sin. In a world filled with brokenness and division, we can be a light of grace, knowing that God’s justice will prevail.
2. I do not want to be an enemy of God, and I know you don’t either. These chapters challenge us to examine our own hearts and lives. Live each day knowing fully that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you are a servant of Christ, you are the beating heart of the church, you are the hands and feet of God, and you are His beloved child. In a fervent endeavor to avoid ever being known as an enemy of God, anchor your identity instead in these things, and place your trust in the unshakable Kingdom of God. For the empires of this world will fall, but His is everlasting.
To be a part of God’s everlasting kingdom means surrendering our own desires and aligning ourselves with His greater purposes. It means that we are called to walk in obedience, trusting that His plans are far beyond our comprehension. Babylon fell because it was built on the shaky ground of pride, greed, and corruption. But as followers of Christ, we stand firm on the solid foundation of God’s eternal kingdom—a kingdom defined by love, justice, mercy, and truth.
-Isabella Osborn
Reflection Questions
Are there areas in my life where I am relying on my own strength or worldly systems instead of trusting in God’s good and perfect ways?
How can I actively align my daily choices and actions with God’s kingdom values?
In what ways can I guard my heart against pride and self-reliance, ensuring that my foundation is rooted in Christ rather than the fleeting things of this world?
We see that God has founded the earth and established himself on it. God’s reign will not perish, and His words won’t be changed. The Psalm says “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119: 89 ESV). This is something that is easy to forget as we live our busy lives. He made the earth, and he is still here, performing works all the time. He has given us the ability through prayer to connect with him and access his presence.
In verse ninety one the psalmist writes “By your appointment they stand this day for all things are your servants.” As God’s creation, we are made to love God and follow his commandments just as a son should love and obey his father. As the scriptures later reveal through Jesus, our lives should be a constant act of servitude towards God. The Psalmist wants to bring glory to God through the obedience of the law. We should conform our lives to God’s will by following His commandments.
“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction”(Psalm 119:92 ESV) He made laws and commandments not out of selfish reasoning to show his dominion over us but for our good. Just as a parent tells their child not to touch the stove when it is hot, God likewise gave his people commandments to protect them. It is not hard to see in modern culture what it looks like when we mess up. Living our lives selfishly, not following God’s Law. The world stays in turmoil with great nations constantly at war, families being divided, and sin taking over. It Has been like this since The Fall in Genesis 3. If we follow God’s word, he will bless us and be with us.
-Bridger Grable
Hi, my name is Bridger Grable. I am 19 years old and live in Southern California. I have 8 siblings so it’s always a party at my house. I love hiking and the outdoors.
Reflection Questions
How can you keep in mind today that God and His word are firmly fixed in the heavens? What can happen when we forget this?
How can you bring glory to God through obeying His Word today?
Is God’s law your delight? Explain what that does (or would) look like? What afflictions can you handle better when His law is your delight?
Today we remember that God is not just the God of the Jews – but the God of the world – all the nations. And as God has watched the sins of these nations – so will He exact discipline on these nations. Jeremiah writes what God tells him to write regarding the coming destruction that God will oversee and orchestrate against Israel’s neighbors.
Jeremiah uses vivid imagery to describe these events:
“The sword will devour till it is satisfied, till it has quenched its thirst with blood.” (Jeremiah 46:10 NIV)
“Moab is disgraced for she is shattered.” (Jeremiah 48:20 NIV)
His descriptions show not only how scary and total the destruction will be – but also what a sad state of affairs these societies had become. The most powerful passage that got my attention was in the message against the Philistines, “Terrified fathers run madly, without a backward glance at their helpless children.” (Jeremiah 47:3b NLT). Where have the strong, brave protectors and defenders of their families gone?
We would do well to pay special attention to the passages that point to the reasons for this judgment. All of these neighbors are being punished for their mistreatment of God’s chosen people, as well as for their own sins. “Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive…We have heard of Moab’s pride – her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and arrogance and the haughtiness of her heart…In Moab I will put an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods…Moab will be destroyed as a nation because she defied the LORD” (Jeremiah 48:7, 29, 35, 42 NIV). How many similarities do you have to Moab, which was just one of the countries that would feel the burn of God’s discipline? How do you treat God and His people? Is your pride in check? Where do you put your trust – in your job, your finances, your teachers, your doctors, yourself – or in God? When have you defied the Lord God? Do you offer your best and first time, talents and resources to God or to selfish pursuits and false gods?
After 46 verses of judgment against Moab, the final verse of chapter 48 says, “Yet, I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come.” Hope and restoration is coming – at least for those judged worthy. Amongst all the condemnation of these chapters, Jeremiah includes a beautiful word from God for Israel as well,
“But do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile. Israel[f] will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them. 28 Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, for I am with you,” says the Lord. “I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished.” (Jeremiah 46: 27-28 NLT)
God sees and will not let the guilty go unpunished. But His deepest desire is to find and reward faithfulness in His children so He can live with them in peace. God still judges in His love today – as a wise and caring parent. There will yet be a time of unequaled punishment for those who appeared to get away with evil with a proud heart, relying on themselves and turning their backs on God. This is discipline with justice. And, then, there will be restoration and peace for those faithful to God. Which camp will you be in? Come Lord Jesus Come – may he find us faithful.
Marcia Railton
(Originally posted Aug 21, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
Just as last week we asked if you could see yourself in any of the 7 churches in Revelation, today we ask, can you see any little bit of yourself in the descriptions of the sins of Israel and her neighbors during the time of Jeremiah?
As asked above, how do you treat God and His people? Is your pride in check? Where do you put your trust – in your job, your finances, your teachers, your doctors, yourself – or in God? When have you defied the Lord God? Do you offer your best and first time, talents and resources to God or to selfish pursuits and false gods? What other similar questions can you create from the sins and offenses given in today’s reading?
What might God’s just discipline look like? Why is it just?
You’ve made it to the last letter! Thank you, as always, for joining me as we grow in our faith walk. It is always a pleasure and a growth experience for me as well!
Laodicea is one church briefly mentioned outside of these Revelation verses. While writing to the Colossians, Paul also mentions the church in Laodicea, encouraging them throughout his letter there, and reminding the Colossians that this letter was meant for the Laodiceans as well (Colossians 4:16). By some verses, it seems that Paul himself did not travel there, but did have fellow believers he was connected with that traveled there on his behalf and supported the ministry. There is some scholarly debate as to if Paul ever wrote Laodicea a letter directly that may be hidden in one of the other New Testament books, or lost, or simply is a misunderstanding of translation. A mystery you could choose to explore yourself… but not our main point for today.
Laodicea was a very wealthy, abundant city. When destroyed by an earthquake, they refused to take Roman funds but instead paid themselves to rebuild it back to its prosperous state. It was full of strong, independent, rich people. And yet, it is listed as a church with no positive attributes and only rebuke from Jesus. In fact, Jesus writes of his desire to spit or vomit them out (v.16). Ouch.
So, what’s so bad about being lukewarm? At least they weren’t called spiritually dead like in Sardis, right?? Well, Sardis was at least doing something, and there were a few members still actively living out the truths of Jesus’ ministry. It seems that Laodicea was truly doing nothing… they weren’t being useful in any capacity, and were so inflated with their own sense of self that they didn’t even notice they were really poor, blind, and naked (v.17)! They had turned their hearts so far towards their own wealth and recognition, that they truly just abandoned their faith. Maybe they still met at church for a social gathering, but there was no discussion, no action, no edification, no growth. They weren’t doing one thing wrong, they were doing absolutely nothing.
To correct this, Jesus gives them advice to buy gold from him that has been refined by fire, clothes to cover their nakedness, and salve to heal their blindness (v.18). In the context of this particular church and city, this probably felt a bit like a slap in the face. They had their own gold, they made their own beautiful linens, and they even were known for their medicinal salve! Why would anyone tell them they needed to go anywhere else to get those things? Well, Jesus was trying to point out the fact that what he was “selling” was nothing they could find in their own material possessions. He was intending to knock them down a few notches and realize what they needed was God’s grace, and that wasn’t something they could just buy at one of their various stores around town!
In verse 19, Jesus reminds this church that he rebukes and corrects the people he loves. One thing this church has going for them, that really every single person has, is that Jesus loves them enough to call them out! In this letter he reminds them that he is present, he is knocking at their door, calling for them, with an invitation to spend time with him (v.20). Jesus is actively pursuing this group of people with a desire to include them, to lift them up to a place of majesty (v.21). He deeply wants them to be part of the Kingdom, but they needed to first recognize how much they needed him to get there. There is a destruction coming that they aren’t going to be able to pay for themselves… and Jesus wants them to be on the side of redemption instead.
When we experience worldly wealth and success, we run the risk of becoming lukewarm in our faith, because we lose the recognition of our true need for God. We must have a level of humility and respect (or fear!) for the Creator of all things in order to really put our faith in action daily! We are dependent on God for so much more than we may consciously think throughout our days, but when we ignore how we desperately need His Grace, His Son, and His plan for salvation, we miss out on the opportunity to be in His Kingdom. Not to mention so many other blessings we could experience in this current life!
My prayer for anyone reading these devotions this week is that you were able to find something that spoke to you. Whether it was conviction, encouragement, or an idea for how to apply it in your home and church, I hope you found something in it for you. I pray it was a blessing and that you continue to dive deeper in Scripture to continue strengthening your faith!
Reflection Questions:
Have there been seasons in your life where you “forgot” to rely on God? Have there been seasons where you were reminded of just how much you needed Him? What were the biggest differences in your life at those times?
What barriers do you see in your life that prevent you from relying on God, and may get in the way of you focusing too much on your sense of self?
If you’re anything like me, you probably saw a bit of yourself in each letter. When reflecting on each letter, which do you resonate with the most? Re-read Jesus’ correction for the church you feel most like, and see how you can apply that rebuke to your life this week.
In today’s passage, we read about the church in Philadelphia, the church that (most people agree) had ZERO correction from Jesus. What an honor they had earned!!
Jesus comes in with powerful encouragement for this church in “Little Athens”, where it was surrounded by temples to other gods. This church was the youngest in comparison to the rest of the churches listed here, and experienced many physical challenges, specifically earthquakes, throughout its entire existence. The city itself was smaller and less populated, but was strategically built as a gateway city for the larger areas around them. This unique geographical location placed the church in a vital position for supporting the growth of Christianity. They truly had an open door if you will…
Most scholars believe that this open door to evangelism is what Jesus is referencing in verse 8 – reminding this church of their opportunity to spread the Gospel to a whole new group of people, that could continue growing and spreading in new cities. And of course, right before this in verse 7 he introduces himself as one who holds the keys to open what no one else can, and to shut what no one else can. Some people debate if this was a way that Jesus was correcting this church, by putting them in their place to remember who really was the one to give them such a successful ministry.
This church received praise for holding fast to Jesus Christ, his teachings and his name. Jesus acknowledges that he has seen their works, knows they don’t have much strength, and yet they have persevered (v.8). His encouragement to them was focused on condemnation for their enemies, and validating his love for them to those who may have been persecuting them (v.9). He also describes how their patient faithfulness will save them from later suffering when the world is experiencing testing and trials (v.10). Not only would this serve as encouragement for those believers, but it would have also served as a strong reminder of what they needed to continue doing in order to experience those promises!
So, what is this young, tiny, faithful, and weak church to do with the abundant opportunity they have received? They are to hold on to what they have, knowing that Christ is coming again (v. 11).
Living in today’s day and age, we all have abundant opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether it’s in-person, virtually, maybe even through online devotionals… (I’m sure Marcia would love a few more writers next year – or even next week has a few holes 🙂) we all have ample chances to tell people about the Kingdom, and to know and uphold the Word. We are probably just as weak and tiny as the church in Philadelphia felt, and maybe as young! Yet we have the same chance to claim this same victorious message when we hold firmly to Jesus’ teachings and his name.
Here’s the thing: we already know how the story ends. We know who the winner is of this constant war and messed up world. And, we know HE IS COMING SOON! That message should excite us, energize us, and encourage us daily! It can be so challenging when we are bogged down by the many woes of this life. We live in an incredibly imperfect world, full of yucky people, horrific disasters, and overall just depressing moments. I’m sure the Philadelphians were probably sick of seeing all these pagan gods, constantly rebuilding their homes from earthquakes, and being picked on by everyone around them. If they can withstand life’s challenges so well that Jesus is shouting their praises, maybe we can too.
Reflection Questions:
How would you feel to receive a letter like this from Jesus? What things in your life right now do you think Jesus would be praising? What would he be correcting?
In Psalm 119:71, David writes about how his afflictions helped him learn God’s decrees. In Jeremiah 40, we read about Jeremiah finally getting some freedom back after being confined and imprisoned, and continuing to spread God’s messages. What challenges have you experienced in your life that you have come to see as a blessing or an opportunity to grow in your faith?
What is one way you can seize an opportunity to share Christ in your world today? What doors do you see that Christ has opened in your life?
While we don’t hear much about Thyatira outside of these passages, we do get a little sneak peak at it in Acts during one of Paul’s trips where he meets Lydia, and she and her whole family are baptized in the truth of Jesus Christ. From there, we are told Lydia offered a place for Paul to stay (Acts 16:13-15). While we don’t know the number of days Paul stayed with Lydia, it is likely that the believers reached during this time were the ones to eventually establish the church in Thyatira. While this isn’t incredibly relevant to our main point, I do think it’s pretty amazing that just one family made such an impact in their community!
Now getting into the praise Thyatira received: The church here was doing good work, and it seems that they were improving in this throughout their existence too! They are commended for their love, faith, service, and perseverance (v.19). This was a group of active Christians who clearly cared deeply for their community. They had a big focus on outreach and growth. Both great things to aspire for!
Now comes to their correction… Thyatira had allowed a false prophet, a “Jezebel” (think the Biblical “Karen”… not really their name, but the stereotype that goes with it), into their church and followed her teachings, even into sinful acts such as sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols (v.20). It is possible that this church was so focused on the external look of creating a community where no one was pushed away, that they instead let in someone(s) that became like a cancerous growth in their congregation. Rather than confronting someone with wrong teaching, the church allowed false prophets a space to teach that incorrect doctrine, ultimately dragging down the church as a whole.
In this letter, Christ reminds the church, and the false prophets, that those who go off the path of Christ’s teaching will perish, but there is still an opportunity for repentance (v.21-22). In verse 23, it’s written that Jesus will repay each one in the church according to their deeds. Now, for a church that was commended for their deeds, this may not seem too concerning. However, within the context of the same verse, it appears this is more of a warning for these Christians. Even in their good deeds, if they have been actively following a false prophet and engaging in actions they know to be sinful according to Scripture and Christ’s teachings, those deeds will also be repaid. I think this is Jesus taking a moment to remind Christians that without obedience to God’s expectations Jesus taught, the result will still be death, no matter how good their deeds were. Interestingly, there seems to be a group within the church here that has been defying the false teachings, and Jesus urges them to continue to hold on until he returns (v.24-25). Just a little light within that grim reminder!
That harsh correction also comes with a very exciting promise for everyone just a few verses later. Jesus reminds these believers that those who do his will to the end will be given authority over nations and a morning star (v.28). These promises are hopeful, exciting, and rewarding!
In our modern day, it can be just as easy to allow false teachings to slip into our churches and our lifestyles as in the time of Thyatira. This makes it that much more imperative for each individual believer to have a strong foundation of Biblical knowledge to test teachings with! Church leaders also have an important task of addressing false teachings inside the church appropriately and timely. We all must use discernment to evaluate the messages we hear inside (and outside) our churches to ensure they truly align with the teachings of Jesus. And if or when they don’t, we must have the courage to call it out! Always remembering that everyone is created by God, and given the same chance for repentance as you and I. It’s no easy task, but the reward makes it all worth it.
Reflection Questions:
Have you experienced a time where you had to use discernment in confronting sin in your life, or in the life of another believer? What went well in that situation, and what could have improved?
In our Psalms passage today, we read that David finds comfort during suffering because God’s promise preserves his life, and he finds comforts in God’s laws. When you consider the laws and Jesus’ teachings, do you find comfort in obeying them? Are there any that are challenging for you?
In our Jeremiah verses for today, we see an example of God’s response to disobedience to His laws for the sake of “freedom” from them. How has this concept remained the same throughout history? How has this concept changed since Jesus?
While Pergamum (or Pergamos) is not mentioned directly in other places of Scripture, it is located in the region Mysia, which Paul traveled through on his way to Troas (Acts 16:7-8). Some scholars believe this is when the church would have “picked up” the Christian beliefs and began around this time, and may have been strengthened by Paul’s later travels to Ephesus. Pergamum was a very lofty, worldly place that served as a temple for many pagan gods, including the temple for Zeus (AKA “Satan’s throne”). It was a challenging place to have belief in the One True God, and His son, Jesus Christ.
For this reason, Jesus commending the church for remaining true to his name is all the more powerful. This is a group of people who day in and out were faced with false gods and pressured to worship them. Even through martyrdom experiences, they held fast to the name of Jesus (v.13). What a compliment and praise to receive from the Savior!
BUT, unfortunately, the praise Jesus gives quickly turns to correction. Despite continuing to believe in Jesus, many believers did not hold fast to the doctrine Jesus taught, and tolerated the ungodly practices in their church. They did not maintain the command to worship no other god, except God himself. Instead, they permissed to teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (v.14). Really, what this means is this church had compromised the teachings of Jesus for what the world around them was teaching. They accepted the teachings of false gods and allowed them in their lives. And Jesus calls them out! He tells them to repent, or else face the sword of his mouth (v.16), which we know is the Truth of who he is and his Father!
In comparison with the church in Ephesus, Pergamum seems to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. Ephesus struggled being too far away from their community to speak the truth in love, whereas Pergamum struggled to be set apart from the world and speak the truth at all.
Again, Jesus reminds this church that this message is for anywho who has ears. He writes to them about the promise of hidden manna (being filled with Jesus, the bread of life), a white stone (a clean slate free of judgment), and a new name (an identity in Christ). Those who not only remained faithful, but also remained set apart for Christ, were given a satisfying, safe, community to be part of.
In today’s modern day, it can be far too easy for believers to compromise the biblical truths they know for what the world has to offer, for the sake of wanting to belong or be comfortable, or just not ruffle any feathers. Yet, we are called to more, with a reward that is so much more than anything anyone in this world could even come close to comparing to. Our society yearns to be satisfied, safe, and accepted. But the only way to truly experience those things is when we cling tightly to Jesus Christ and his teachings, and fully put on our new identity in him. When we withhold the truth from anyone, we are not truly loving them the way Christ loves his church. Jesus loved the church in Pergamum enough to call them to repentance. Do you have the same love for those around you?
Reflection Questions:
We know that the world markets false satisfaction, safety, and acceptance today. How can you ensure you are equally marketing the truth about Jesus in a loving way?
One of the best ways to proclaim the truth of Jesus to nonbelievers is through our actions. Are you acting set apart, and loving, the way Jesus calls us to? What can you do today to live out the truth you know, and show the world around you?
Our reading in Psalms today talks about delighting in God’s commands, something Pergamum struggled with acting out. Is this something you find yourself naturally doing? How can you work to love the commands God gives us?
Looking at some historical context of Smyrna is a bit harder than other churches, because it is only mentioned here in these verses. However, we do know that the church of Smyrna is the only church still thriving in the modern day. Reportedly, more Christians have lived in this area than any other Turkish city in the world. This is quite impressive, considering this region has experienced repeated wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plague since they first received this letter.
Smyrna was a very rich area, populated by Roman and Jewish-born people. Unfortunately, Christians were viewed as “cult followers” and often banned from being able to work, purchase needed items, and often faced social or physical persecution. This really highlights what Jesus was speaking of in verse 9 when he described their poverty and afflictions. So how could they possibly be rich? Well, because just like all of us who are baptized, they had the promise of life, and avoiding hurt in the second death (v. 10-11).
From historical records, it has been concluded that a pastor at the church in Smyrna by the name of Polycarp, refused to worship Caesar and renounce the name of Christ. Because of his choice, he was burned at the stake. From these records, it is reported that when commanded to reject Christ, he stated “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and in nothing hath He wronged me; and how, then, can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?”. From there, records indicate he was heard singing praises to the Son of God while being burned alive. It seems Polycarp truly took the words of Jesus to heart, not fearing what he was suffering, and being faithful to the point of death.
It’s hard to imagine even a fraction of the persecution that was experienced in Biblical times, living in modern day America. Even harder, we know that both social and physical persecution still exists around the world today. In a recent report from Open Doors (link below), it is estimated that 1 in 7, or 365 million, Christians worldwide faced persecution in 2023. Of those numbers, roughly 5,000 murders are recorded to be directly related to a person’s faith. Nearly 15,000 churches or Christian properties were attacked. From these reports, it has been determined that North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Despite this, Christianity continues to be the highest category across the global population, AND is projected to continue to grow even higher based on current trends. Even with the affliction and suffering, Jesus continues to touch the lives of billions around the world.
Smyrna was one of many churches to experience persecution, but because of their faith, they are considered rich and worthy of the victor’s crown. This message of reward was not meant just for them, but is for everyone who has ears to hear what the Spirit says (v.11). You will face trials in this life as a Christian, whether or not they may be as severe as others around the world. Will you remain faithful?
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever imagined yourself in the place of a Christian around the world? Contemplate how you would respond when faced with persecution. Pray today for those that experience this on a daily basis. For more information, check out the “World Watch List” found here: https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/
In the passages in Jeremiah today, we see an example of God describing His restoration on earth, sharing the same promise that we also cling to in times of trials. Reading those chapters, what verse sticks out to you as most encouraging when you consider the perfect restoration we will get to experience?
What ways can you hold fast to your faith when you experience suffering in this life? What has worked for you in the past? How can you encourage and support a fellow believer who may be struggling right now?
Seek Grow Love 