Job 16:1-6(NLT) Job’s Fifth Speech: A Response to Eliphaz 1 Then Job spoke again: 2 “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! 3 Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? 4 I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. 5 But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. 6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.
Bildad then answers Job back again reasoning from human understanding and tradition that he has observed. If Job is being punished by God then there surely must be a reason for it.
Job 18:5-14(NLT) “Surely the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. The sparks of their fire will not glow. 6 The light in their tent will grow dark. The lamp hanging above them will be quenched. 7 The confident stride of the wicked will be shortened. Their own schemes will be their downfall. 8 The wicked walk into a net. They fall into a pit. 9 A trap grabs them by the heel. A snare holds them tight. 10 A noose lies hidden on the ground. A rope is stretched across their path. 11 “Terrors surround the wicked and trouble them at every step. 12 Hunger depletes their strength, and calamity waits for them to stumble. 13 Disease eats their skin; death devours their limbs. 14 They are torn from the security of their homes and are brought down to the king of terrors
Job continues to say “I” have done this, “I” have done that, or “I” have said, showing that he has not grasped why the situation that he is in has happened. All the arguments that the miserable comforters expound are based on a human viewpoint, not on the righteous requirements of a just God. We want the outcomes of our lives to be based on the good things that we do, not on the grace which God only can give us. Without God we would all perish instantly with the Adversary able to accuse us just as Job with consequences ending in death. If God was not good and gracious all would perish from the earth.
In Job 19 the section of his discourse includes these cherished words:
Job 19:23-29(NLT) “Oh, that my words could be recorded. Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument, 24 carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead, engraved forever in the rock. 25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. 26 And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! 27 I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! 28 “How dare you go on persecuting me, saying, ‘It’s his own fault’? 29 You should fear punishment yourselves, for your attitude deserves punishment. Then you will know that there is indeed a judgment
Job speaks absolutely the truth about judgment coming for all. The revelation that there will be a Redeemer on the earth, and that this is his deliverance is amazing. Bodily resurrection is also foreshadowed here which also lights up the Word to our eyes.
Remember as we read the book of Job that the overriding theme is that this is the oldest lesson in the world. Man cannot justify or give himself righteousness. Only God is righteous and we can receive it from Him by His grace.
-Tom Siderius
Questions for Reflection:
Have you ever used the logic of the comforters using human experience to explain God’s works?
Are the speeches and answers helping you to understand the futility of our human mind to explain our life experiences?
Zechariah 14:4-9 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west. Half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south. 5 You will flee through this valley, for it will reach across to Azal. Yes, you will flee as you did from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all his holy ones with him. 6 On that day the sources of light will no longer shine, 7 yet there will be continuous day! Only the LORD knows how this could happen. There will be no normal day and night, for at evening time it will still be light. 8 On that day life-giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean, flowing continuously in both summer and winter. 9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one LORD—his name alone will be worshiped.
Psalm 146:5-10(NLT) But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. 6 He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. 7 He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. 8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. 9 The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. 10 The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the LORD!
John 18:33-37(NLT) Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. 34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” 35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” 37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
The amount of prophecy and it’s meaning in these passages we read are amazing. We don’t begin to have the space and time here to do them any justice. The pictures of Jesus standing with the authority of the king and also the priest which intercedes for us is amazing. The picture of the water going over the earth is life giving and symbolic of God’s love. Jesus’ kingdom is one of worship of the God Yahweh and His love and light which comes to all the earth and it’s people.
Look also at the section of the Psalms from 146:7-9:
7 He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. 8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. 9 The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
Where else in the Word do we see these wonderful words of promise of life in Christ Jesus?
Luke 4:16-19(NKJV) So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
This is a quote from the scroll of Isaiah found in chapter 61 but also in chapter 49. Please read these today if you have time.
Our prayer today: Father God we thank you for your love and mercy bringing us to this time and place. Let the truth of your Word go out to all the earth today and always. Give us the bread of our need this day to keep us strong. Show us your paths of righteousness to give direction to all we do. In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray.
-Tom Siderius
Reflection Questions:
Who are the blind, the captives or the broken hearted of today?
How does our gospel change the equation for those we witness to?
Zechariah 8:14-17(NLT) For this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: I was determined to punish you when your ancestors angered me, and I did not change my mind, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 15 But now I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don’t be afraid. 16 But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. 17 Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD.”
Psalms 145:3-7(NLT) 3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. 6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. 7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
John 17:20-26(NLT) I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Father God we pray that we will be one in purpose with your Son just as he is one in purpose with You. We are so in awe of your great love that you have loved us with. Give us the knowledge and wisdom to tell your Word to the world and to help to reach those You have chosen. We declare your faithfulness to our children, our friends and to all those with whom we have the opportunity to share. In Jesus’ wonderful name we pray this day.
Our reading this day takes us through a strong admonition from God in Zechariah to walk in God’s truth with each other. We need to deal honestly and truthfully with all, using the measure of truth that God has given us to judge and deal with all. Our speaking the truth should bring peace to each situation. This is many times very difficult to achieve. Most people will see as a good verdict one that only gives them what they want. God calls us to make peace which is to speak the truth – but in the love which we see as the standard for our conduct and thinking from our reading in John 17. The Christ in us is our strength to speak the words which will give grace to the hearers and bring resolution to situations where we find ourselves. Our witness is not to prove that we are right but to show the grace and love of God to people. The goodness of God brings people to repentance and salvation. Make our message one that is positive and uplifting giving grace to the hearers.
Jesus Christ is one with the Father?? What does this mean?? Some trinitarians like to use these verses to demonstrate that Jesus is God the Son. But then it says that he desires that we would be one with them also. Does this make us part of the godhead? We must read the Word of God as it is written. The purpose of asking for us to become one with Christ and one with God is that we must become one in purpose with them. God is the originator of salvation; Jesus Christ is the way that God brings salvation to us. We are the way that others will hear and believe to come to righteousness also. This is what it means to be one in purpose. Other people are going to see Christ through our lives and speech. When we see Christ, then we come to a larger understanding of who our Father God is. God has revealed Himself through His Word but especially through the life of Christ. It is God who is in Christ who is in you today. This should give us confidence and power in this world to do good, especially to reconcile people back to the Heavenly Father.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20(NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
Have a great day walking and talking with your Father and His Son. Hear the words of knowledge and wisdom He speaks in your ears to bring His message of hope alive for you and all you meet. True peace is to bring back together that which is apart.
2 Timothy 1:9-10(NLT) For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.
-Tom Siderius
Reflection Questions
How do we grow in our spiritual relationship with the Father and His Son?
Daniel is a strange book. It contains narratives like we have been reading over the last couple days. It contains visions that we will read in a few days. Today, however, we are treated to a very different kind of tale. It seems that the author of Daniel decided to insert someone else’s writing into his book.
In chapter four, King Nebuchadnezzar himself writes about his encounter with the Almighty God. He extols God’s power, God’s virtue, his work through the interpretation of Daniel/Belteshazzar, his giving Nebuchadnezzar madness, and him undoing the madness after Nebuchadnezzar had learned his lesson.
Now, if you are a regular reader of the Bible, you might think this makes perfect sense. God shows up and changes the lives of people, and it happens to King Nebuchadnezzar. If you are a new reader, you may think, “this is crazy nonsense who can believe it?” I am about to make both camps a little uncomfortable with some history and archaeology: In ancient Babylon, there is a prayer written by a king that reads this way : I “was afflicted [with an evil ulcer] for seven years, and far from [men] I [was driven, until I prayed to the most high God.] And an exorcist pardoned my sins. He was a Jew from [among the children of the exile of Judah, and said:] “Recount this in writing to glorify and exalt the name of [the most high God.”Then I wrote this:] “When I was afflicted for seven years [by the most high God] with an evil ulcer during my stay at Tayma, I prayed [to] the gods of silver and gold, [bronze and iron,] wood, stone and lime, because [I thought and considered] them gods […]”
That last ellipses (the “…”) shows that the rest of the prayer is lost. So nice and easy, case closed right? That sounds very similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s experience, so we have confirmation of the biblical story. It might be, if we hadn’t left off the first few lines. “Words of the prayer, said by Nabonidus, king of Babylonia, [the great] king, [when afflicted] with an ulcer on command of the most high God in Tayma: [“I, Nabonidus,] was afflicted…”
The similarities are striking, of course: afflicted for seven years/times, driven far from people, a Jew from the children of Judah, an exorcist, pardoned his sins and told him to praise the Most High God. But the differences are also clearly apparent: Nabonidus vs. Nebuchadnezzar, an ulcer vs. mental illness, warned of judgement as opposed healed to give glory, and the words of Nabonidus about the types of God are connected to Daniel 5, so bringing in Belshazzar and more questions.
The Bible, the history of the Bible, and the relationship between the Bible and history are not *simple* questions. There are those who would deny the Bible’s truth based on the prayer of Nabonidus, but there is also reason to believe that the prayer of Nabonidus was written to explain the connection between Daniel 4 and Daniel 5, or maybe both are true accounts with God judging multiple kings of Babylon with seven years/times of judgement. The same kind of questions come up when we think about the anointing of Jesus with oil. Everyone agrees it was an extravagant act of love with costly oil. But was it in Bethany or not? Was it Mary, or a sinful woman? Was the woman being shown love by being forgiven, or was she anointing the body for burial? Did it only happen once, or were there two anointings of Jesus? (It would be weird for it to happen twice.)
This is the part of the devotion where you may expect me to clear up the confusion and say “here is the answer to all your questions.” I am not going to do that. I am going to instead give you four helpful ways to think about the Bible. The Bible is inspired, authoritative, true, and livable.
The Bible is inspired: Daniel 4 and the anointing(s) of Jesus and everything from Genesis to Revelation is inspired by God for the education, edification, encouragement, and empowerment of his people. The Bible is not just the nice thoughts of noble men and women, but God’s thoughts for God’s people.
The Bible is authoritative: Because the Bible is God’s word to humans, when the Bible tells God’s people how to live, then that is how we must live. If we are called to pick up our cross daily, if we are called to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, if we are called to live like Jesus (and we are!), then that is what we must do!
The Bible is true: Because the Bible is God’s word to humans, then the Bible is not intending to deceive. Everything in the Bible is intending to lead us to the God of truth. Not everything will be literal (trees don’t have hands, a multiheaded monster won’t come out of the Atlantic) but everything will be true (nature will praise God, there are evil forces that work against God’s goodness). When we understand genre of books and individual stories, we will be able to know whether a story is literally true or figuratively true.
The Bible is understandable in order to be livable: The Bible TAKES time to understand, and it is deep. Yet, in the essential elements, the Bible is simple. The Bible is like a holiday at sea; children can begin by playing in the shallows, but experienced swimmers can go to depth where their feet do not touch the ground. You can be a new Christian and gain insight, knowledge, and joy from scripture. And when you are ready to go deeper into the Bible, into faith, there is always greater depth to be discovered.
The author of Daniel 4 was inspired to write about the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and the judgment he faced as the King. It could be true even if the name “Nebuchadnezzar” is used in place of Nabonidus; but I think it makes more sense to see the Prayer of Nabonidus as responding to the book of Daniel rather than vice versa. BUT, the bigger point than these minor historical notes is that we are called to be humble and praise God for his just and righteous ways. There is no need for us to get archeological degrees and engage in fancy philosophy to recognize that God is bigger than we are, and that we are called to praise and worship him.
May we all do that together today.
Questions:
Would you describe the Bible as inspired, authoritative, true, and livable? Do you disagree with any or would you add in any? For example, you might say “the Bible is literally true”, but what do you do with the psalms? You might say “the Bible is simple”, but then what do we do about Revelation and Daniel?
Do you find yourself drawn to disregard the Bible as superstition when archeology or science sounds like they disagree with the Bible? Or do you disregard archeology and science when it sounds like they disagree with the Bible? How can we see that God is the God of all truth, and that truth has nothing to fear?
If you find yourself having a hard time trusting the Bible, or explaining why you trust it, I would encourage you to check out *The Disciple Collective* at https://www.disciplecollective.com/home. This online Christian learning platform offers high-quality self-paced courses for motivated students, and the first course, which is available now, is “Can I trust the Bible?” If you feel like you are leaving today’s devotion with some serious questions, that course may give you some serious, robust answers.
The prophet Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles taken to Babylon. While there, he had amazing visions of God, which are recorded numerous times throughout the book of Ezekiel. In chapter 1, we read about his first vision. He started by describing four cherubim inside a fire in great detail, including each of the four faces per cherub, and what their feet looked like (not what you might expect), he went on to describe in detail what their wheels looked like. And that was just the introduction. He then went on to describe God’s throne, sitting on a platform above the cherubim, and then he went on to describe the glory of God that he saw sitting on the throne. If you want the details, you’ll have to read Ezekiel chapter 1.
During this encounter, God told Ezekiel that He was sending Ezekiel as a prophet to the people of Israel. God told Ezekiel in 2:7, “You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.”
Then, in 3:18-19, we read this, “17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.”
Wait a minute. Does verse 18 really say that God will hold Ezekiel accountable for the blood of the wicked if he doesn’t warn them? Yes it does.
God demands obedience. And there is always punishment for disobedience. That disobedience can range from eating forbidden fruit in a garden, to doing things He prohibited, to not doing things He requires. In this case Ezekiel is commanded explicitly to warn Israel to return to the Lord, and he is warned that if he disobeys, there will be consequences. As we read throughout the rest of the book, we will find that Ezekiel obeyed faithfully, but it cost him dearly.
We have been given some similar commands. Jesus told his followers to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” In 1 Peter 2:9, we find, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Remember, as we’re told in 1 John 2:4, “The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Will you obey?
Steve Mattison
(originally posted August 26, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
How do you view the role of watchman?
How does God view the role of watchman?
Who do you know who needs to be warned of God’s judgment?
and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings,
and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
In the final chapter of Zephaniah, we see a beautiful promise of restoration for God’s people. Despite the judgments and warnings throughout the book, Zephaniah reveals a God who delights in His people. The imagery of God rejoicing over His people with gladness and singing conveys a profound message of love and hope.
This promise is especially comforting when we feel weighed down by our failures or the struggles of life. No matter the circumstances, God’s presence is a source of strength and salvation. He quiets our fears and anxieties with His love, inviting us to experience His peace. Reflecting on this passage encourages us to trust in God’s ability to restore and redeem our lives, no matter how lost we may feel.
Psalm 120 begins with a cry for help from a place of distress. The psalmist’s plea reflects the reality of living in a world filled with deceit and conflict. This prayer for deliverance from lying lips and a deceitful tongue resonates deeply in a society where truth is often obscured.
In our own lives, we may face similar challenges—misunderstandings, falsehoods, or manipulation. Like the psalmist, we are reminded that we can call upon God in our times of need. He hears our cries and is ready to deliver us from the influences that seek to lead us astray. This passage encourages us to bring our concerns to God, trusting in His protection and guidance as we navigate the complexities of our world.
Revelation 17 presents a stark contrast between the forces of evil and the sovereignty of the Lamb. Despite the tumult and the power struggles depicted, the ultimate victory belongs to Christ, the King of kings. Those who stand with him are described as “called and chosen and faithful,” highlighting the significance of our relationship with him in the face of adversity.
This truth empowers us as believers. While we may encounter challenges and opposition, we can find solace in knowing that our Savior reigns supreme. The victory of the Lamb assures us that evil will not prevail in the end. This passage calls us to remain faithful, trusting in God’s promises and living out our calling as His children.
-Jeff Ransom
Reflection Questions:
How does the promise of God’s rejoicing over you impact your understanding of His love and presence in your life?
In what areas of your life do you feel distressed or overwhelmed? How can you bring those concerns to God in prayer?
Reflect on the theme of deceit in Psalm 120. How can you guard your heart and mind against falsehoods in your daily life?
What does it mean for you to be called, chosen, and faithful in light of Revelation 17? How can you live out this identity in your community?
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?
Hello all! Although the other material is just as wonderful, we will be taking a focused look on the Revelation passages, exploring the Letters to the Churches. Let’s dive in!
Each letter has a general pattern of a greeting and introduction, praise for their behavior, a warning or correction, plus a reminder of what is to come (hint, it’s the Kingdom!)
For some context, the church in Ephesus was visited and established by Paul back in Acts 18 & 19. We know from these passages that the silversmith Demetrius, and his shrines or idols to the goddess Artemis, were popular opposers of the message of Jesus the Messiah. From the book of Ephesians, we know that Paul believed the Ephesians loved all of God’s people, but still needed guidance on how to daily live out the Christian walk. Knowing this can impact how we read the letter John transcribed to them in Revelation 2, and how we can take that message and apply it to our own churches and lives.
After greeting the church in Ephesus, through John, Jesus writes to the church of Ephesus and commends them on their hard work, perseverance, and holding fast to doctrinal truths diligently (v.2-3). But their correction is that they have forsaken the love they had at first (v.4). Some people debate the exact meaning this has, but personally, when paired with the information we have from Paul’s writing, I believe this means they have lost the love they had for God’s people.
Back in Paul’s time, they were a church in the middle of a dark, secular, perverse community. Yet, they were growing and evangelizing in a way that was drawing people away from worshiping other gods, and bringing them to repentance. Clearly they were doing something right at this time to be so appealing to people in such a community, so much so that those trying to make a profit off of sinful practices started a riot! And THAT is what I believe they lost.
This church seems to have swung the pendulum to the side of practicing truth without love. While we can only speculate, I do think this likely looked like church leaders who were so focused on ensuring their church stood out from the worldly crowds, they lost the compassion for those outside of their own doors. They lost the zeal and vigor for spreading the gospel, and became too heavily focused on trying to maintain the doctrinal ‘purity’ they had built.
Notice how Jesus doesn’t say in these verses they should stop holding fast to those important practices, but rather they should do them in combination with what they did at first, loving others in their community so well that they were attracted to the church. In fact, right after this reminder, he even says that he appreciates that they hate the same detestable practices he does! Jesus was never saying to disregard the importance of true and accurate teaching of the Gospel message. But he was challenging a church who had been a beacon of light to their community, to remember how they felt in those early days when they received the Holy Spirit, and go back to the same energy and passion for the people they were surrounded by.
Well-established churches or believers, especially those who hold tightly to doctrinal truths, must be on guard for this same loss of love in their own communities and hearts. Not compromising on the biblical truths they hold, but never losing sight of the greatest commandment, to LOVE one another. We all may have a bit more Ephesus in us than we think… which isn’t always a bad thing, but is something we must be cognizant of to make sure we are still remembering the love we must show, in order to have the opportunity to experience the “paradise of God” (v.7).
Reflection Questions:
Consider yourself and your church, have you lost your first love? If you have, what steps can you take to revitalize that passion?
Think of someone you care about deeply. Have you shared the truth of Jesus Christ with them in a loving way? If not, how can you start that conversation?
Reread Psalms 119:29-32 from today’s reading. Clearly we see throughout all Scripture the importance of holding fast to God’s commands, just like the church in Ephesus. Are you truly “setting your heart” on God’s laws as in these Psalms verses?
Word association games. Have you ever tried them? If I say, “Fruit,” for example, what is the first thing that comes to your brain?
Have you ever tried those with people? I don’t think most people can be broken down into one word. We are far too complicated. But when you think of an individual – for example, “Mom”- what is the first word that comes to mind? I just tried this exercise on each member of my family, using other family member’s names. I’m happy to say that at least one of my children as well as my husband said, “loving” when presented with my name or “Mom.” I’ll take that win and ignore the fact that the others thought of food.
When doing a word association with “Christian,” what do you think people come up with? What about when nonChristians think of you?
Verses 5 and 6 are another reminder from John to love others. And again, as he did in 1 John, he describes what love is. “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
Walk in love. The Greek here is agape, which is the highest form of love. This is a selfless and sacrificial love. And the command is that we walk in it.
This is not an occasional action, loving one another. It’s not even a frequent action. It’s even more than that. Walking in love means that every intention and motivation must be love. Love should be our defining characteristic. When people see you and think of you and hear you, they should associate you with God’s love. And walking in love means behaving like Jesus.
It’s difficult knowing how Jesus would behave in every situation. There’s so much misinformation out there, and so many lies. I started and deleted so many examples of common lies that Christians believe here. I will instead say this: read the scriptures. If you’re unsure as to how Jesus would behave in a given situation, read the scriptures. Read God’s commands.
This short letter was important enough to write and send, so the short message in it must be vital. Walk in love and in truth. In other words, live as Jesus did.
Reflection:
What do you imagine people think of when they consider you? Is your most defining trait love or something related to love? If you don’t think it is, how can you go about changing your actions and words so that others see God’s love being reflected from you?
Think of other strong believers that you know and admire. Do a word association for them. What characteristics do you think of? Are any of those characteristics ones that you’d like to work on in yourself?
Have you allowed any lies to sneak their way into your faith? How much time do you spend in scripture that would allow you to recognize the lies if they showed up? Do you find yourself thinking of how Jesus would behave in a given situation when you encounter it?
My brothers and sisters, my prayer for you today is that you have open eyes and hearts so that you can see how God is working in you. I pray that your influence on others be one that is full of truth and love.
Seek Grow Love 