The Revelation of Jesus
The Book of Revelation seemingly lays out mysteries that are hard to understand. Yet, the Book is the revelation of Jesus Christ. We read about the life of Jesus in the Gospels. We read about His character and direction for the church in the book of Acts, the Epistles of Paul, James, Peter, John, and the author of Hebrews.
However, in the Book of Revelation, we see a picture of Jesus Christ the Lamb, like nowhere else. The book also tells us that he who reads it aloud will be blessed. Maybe you are familiar with Genesis where it all began. And maybe you have read some of the Books in between, where we live today. But what about what it will be like in the end? Let us dust off the Book, open up to the end, and read about a new beginning.
We live in a world where many people struggle. Christians are no exception. We are told in this world you will have trouble but we are also told to take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. Maybe we only know the Jesus of the Gospels and need to get to know the Jesus of Revelation. Last week we identified the seven churches and how Jesus located where they were spiritually. We asked the question, which church are you? I invite you to go back and watch last week’s video or listen to the podcast if you have not done so.
Jesus Addresses Seven Churches in Asia Minor (Turkey)
A. Ephesus – The Loveless Church - Works/ Labor / Patience / Hatred towards evil / Tested the spirits / Perseverance… but they left their first love – Jesus
B. Smyrna - the Persecuted Church - Works / Tribulations / Poverty / Endured blasphemy / Suffering…if they will Endure to receive the Crown of Life
C. Pergamus – the Compromising Church /Works / Holds fast to God’s name /While living among Satan’s home and throne… but they Allow false doctrines of demons, causing the children to sin
D. Thyatira -The Corrupt Church – Love / Service /Faith / Patience /Good works increase… they allowed Jezebel, the false prophetess, to teach and seduce
E. Sardis – the Dead Church - A few faithful / written in the Book of Life / Thought to be alive, but dead / Be watchful to revive those works about to die… because I will come upon you as a thief
F. Philadelphia – the Faithful Church – Works / Open Door / Strength /Kept Jesus’ Word / Persevered… and you Will be Kept from the Tribulation (3:10)
G. Laodicea – the Lukewarm Church - Great rebuke by God / Works that are lukewarm / Thinks they are rich, wealthy, and need nothing… and Really are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked
Jesus says, I rebuke and chasten whom I love – Repent!
Moving forward, when Jesus addresses the seven churches in Chapters 2-3, He identifies with seven different titles. Let’s take a look.
a. He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (stars are the angels, lampstands are the churches). Ephesis
b. The First and Last, who was dead and came to life (the resurrected Jesus). Smyrna
c. He who has the sharp two-edged sword (the Word of God). Pergamus
d. The Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and His feet like fine brass. (The description in Chapter 1). Thyatira
e. He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars (the seven dimensions of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 11:2 and the angels). Sardis
f. He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens. Philadelphia
g. The Amen (so be it) and the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God. Laodicia
Of the seven titles, how do you know Jesus the most, and how do you know Him the least?
As you read your Bible, think about the many ways to see Jesus. Ask Him to reveal more of Who He is to you and give you a greater understanding of the times we live in. In the Old Testament, among the 12 tribes, the tribe of Issachar was known as the tribe that could discern the times. Today, Christians have the Discerner, the Holy Spirit, living inside of us to help us understand the times we live in. In addition, Jesus Christ carries the wisdom of God and makes it available to us so that when we read God’s Word we can see what He wants us to see.
Until next time, remember the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
Dr. Michele
