With three weeks left of Essential Jesus, the readings for days 86 to 90, starting Monday 2nd June, are:
Revelation 1
Revelation 2:1-11
Revelation 2:12-29
Revelation 3:1-13
Revelation 3:14-22
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3 comments:
The letters to the churches are probably some of the most familiar passages from the book of Revelation, as so much else of the book can seem strange, wierd and wonderful. These letters aren't exactly straightforward - you need a little 'digging' to unearth the meaning behind some of what they say.
What IS clear from each though, whether you get the details or not, is that they show the care of Christ for his Church. Christ speaks, by letter and by the Spirit, to give them a spiritual health check.
Each of the 7 local churches in Asia Minor receives a letter just to them, showing how Christ knows them, knows their needs and their deeds, and brings to them encouragement, direction, challenge, rebuke or warning, depending on their circumstances.
He also speaks in the letters to individuals, not just the church as a large, anonymous group. I'm sure some hearing these letters for the first time would have recognised themselves as they heard the descriptions of their strengths, weaknesses, successes and failure.
Jesus knows Ruislip Baptist Church too. He speaks by his Spirit to us, corporately and individually. He shows his care by doing so, loving us for who we are, and in that love calling us to become more Christ-like, to follow him. How many countless churches must have read these letters and wondered "what would Jesus write to our church?".
In a year focusing particularly on Prayer and Seeking God, that is a major part of why we pray - to hear God's words, to know his mind, to feel his desires for us, and be moved to line up our heart, mind, soul and strength with his.
'He who has an ear, let him hear ...'
I hope you're enjoying listening to God through reading the Bible too (with or without Essential Jesus), and hearing his wisdom, encouragement, love and direction for you.
Phew! Revelation. I've always found this book hard to fathom. That said, the idea of returning to your first love is an idea thats stuck with me over the years as a way of checking myself when i find myself sliding away from God or doing the right thing but not for God.
Whats really struck me this week is that these are Jesus' words. As a Christian i'm so used to the idea that the bible is 'God breathed' or inspired by the Holy spirit this idea seems fresh. These are JESUS' words. It seems sad to me that Paul met with Jesus at Damascas, John met with him here and yet we tend to say we were moved by the spirit etc.
I do have a question that maybe people can help me with. If these are Jesus' words how does it work that in todays reading he makes numerous references to My God? IN terms of the trinity how can Jesus have a God?He IS God.
When Jesus refers to "my God" in Revelation, or "God" anywhere, it doesn't mean "he's God and I'm not", obviously. Rather it is another way of him saying "my Father, who is God" and by extension, your God too.
So the short answer(!) is: my "God" = my "Father" (Father and God often used for same meaning in the Gospels too).
The involvement of Father, Son and Spirit are seen in the church's life and future. E.g. Rev. 2:18 Jesus identifies himself as "the Son of God" and a few verses later (2:27) refers to authority received from "my Father", before mentioning that we should listen and hear the Spirit. So the Trinity of God are all at work in these letters and this book as at all times.
Hope that helps, and good question!
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