If its not worth doing, then don't do it!
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If its not worth doing, then don't do it! |
     
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The Seven Churches Revelation 2: 1-29
As the communist walls and governments continue to crumble, the supreme leader of the atheistic Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has made a journey to negotiate with the Papal authorities of Rome. This is just in time for the annual worldly celebrations of peace and goodwill amongst all sane humans. Sane humans being all of those who desire the freedom to cross over the borders to shop in the materialist shrines of the West. Certainly, strange unpredictable changes are in the winds. We read of unpredicted planned military layoffs and reductions in defense spending on both sides of the now proclaimed "defunct" iron Curtain. We even hear openly on the evening news of hesitant yearnings to celebrate new Christian freedoms within the Eastern block. We do not know for certain what changes are in store for the future, yet we should remain confident that God's hand is in this working out his will in all things for the glory of His Son and His own Church. Let us be very careful not to read too much into these "signs of the times". After all, Empires have risen and fallen for centuries as Christ's Church has waited for His final triumphant return in Glory. We must not be overly tempted to expect an earthly millennial establishment of a new world order which might guarantee peace and good will to all men. While we must encourage justice and freedom, the Church has a more important ministry to believe in and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we consider these obligations within His spiritual kingdom we may remain thankful for the political miracles being demonstrated within our midst this fall. However, the purpose and theme of Revelation calls us to remember the centrality of Jesus Christ in history, in His Church and in all things. The vision in chapters two and three unveil the message of Christ to His Churches. This centrality of Christ must not be lost as we read and see the common life of these particular churches. We must remember that the Church is the lamp stand, Jesus is the only true light that enlightens the world. Our purpose as Christians is to witness to that light, to be light bearers in a world of darkness. Since Jesus is in the midst of these churches He knows what is going on and He instructs John to write specific instructions to each of the seven. Now, there are four things here that we should keep in mind as we read these letters. First, these letters were written to real churches in Asia Minor. This territory is now within the modern boundaries of Turkey. Here you will find described the common spiritual problems and ecclesiastical ills experienced far and near in Christ's churches ever since the first century. We see that Jesus has intimate knowledge of exactly what was going on in each congregation. He also reveals hopes and fears concerning each and everyone of them. We should note that every local church is important in His eyes. Because of this loving concern we should take our belonging to church very seriously. We should be concerned that all our congregational operations are run in consideration of His divine will. Second, these seven churches represent the multitude of churches in all places and all times. Christ has had these letters written for our benefit as well as each particular church. Each of these seven churches had a particular characteristic. These letters describe the Church between both comings of Jesus Christ. As you look over these letters this week there should be one question in mind: Are these churches faithful to their calling? Do they hold fast the name of the Lord in the midst of the darkness of this world. In other words, are they lamp stands, light bearers? In Sardis and in Laodicea the world seems to have triumphed. We see but a tiny flicker of light. The light has nearly, but not completely gone out. In Ephesus the light is still shining but the flame is diminishing. In Pergamum and in Thyatira, where the temptation coming from the side of the world was very real, the light is shining but not as brightly as it should be. In Smynra and in Philadelphia the true character of the church as light-bearer is revealed and here one finds loyalty to Christ. There the Church is exerting a real influence for good upon the world. Third, there are important spiritual lessons to be learned for our building up of Christ's Church. The book of Revelation is just like the letters of Paul in this regard. These letters were at first directed very specifically and searchingly to particular congregations. But our Lord is also laying down abiding spiritual principles and lessons. He is teaching eternal truths and pressing undying applications for His church until His final return from heaven in glory. This concept is in harmony with the whole of Scripture, where every part of God's revelation is given in view of definite and contemporary local circumstances, but brings out truths of eternal significance. We must remember that John was calling the Church to account in preparation for anticipated purification through persecution. As you read these letters this week look for those things that either please or displease our Lord and Savior. But even as we note His displeasure or pleasure with His Church we should meditate on one of the final verses in these two chapters. READ: Revelation 3: 20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Is there anything more wonderful in the entire Bible than this? Even the lukewarm Christians in Laodicea with whom the Lord is so thoroughly disgusted that He is about to spew them out of His mouth may repent and be restored. The Greek would more fully be served with this translation: "I am standing against the door and I am knocking." Notice there the Lord is pressing against the door that it may be opened. Not only is He pressing and knocking, He is calling. It is not the person inside or the Church who takes the initiative! This text is in complete conformity with the entire Bible in its teaching concerning sovereign grace. It is the Lord who is standing at, or rather, against, the door. No one has called Him, it is He who is knocking, not once but again and again. It is He who is calling, and this voice of the Lord in the gospel as applied to the heart by the Spirit is the power of God unto salvation. The Lord addresses Himself to individuals. Salvation we remember is a very personal matter. "If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." When the heart has been opened by the voice of the Lord, this principle of regeneration becomes active so that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the regenerated individual opens the door and receives Jesus Christ. This opening of the door is what is generally called conversion. What a beautiful picture, the Lord enters. He descends from the throne of His glory in order to dine with this individual who in himself is so poor and pitiable. Christ and the believer dine together, which in the East was an indication of special friendship and of covenant relationship. May we invite Him into the fellowship with ourselves and our congregation. Amen.
Christ Covenant REFORMED (Presbyterian Church in America) Box 13926 -- Columbus, OH 43213 Rev 02a 03 December 89
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