Prayer – Lord, You’ve standards for the churches—and for us as individuals. I don’t just want to live by do’s and don’ts—but I want to have a deep and ever expanding relationship with You that is based on our mutual love. I do love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength…but there are times when I feel a bit empty, too. I guess I’m like the Dad in one of Your stories…I believe, help my unbelief. Fill me anew with Your love…that I would love You and others as myself.
(Jesus’ directive to John about the visions given to him.)
Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now
happening and the things that will happen. This is the meaning of the mystery
of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The
seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are
the seven churches. Revelation 1:19-20
Meditate. See how God is revealing this mystery through this
letter from Jesus that John wrote.
Interesting that Jesus directed John to write down what you
have seen…not what you are seeing or are about to see. So as John wrote
down this encounter with Jesus and the visions, he had already experienced it.
In the letters to the seven churches there are some similarities
that are pronounced about each church. There are commendations, criticism,
council, and commands, as well as a promise to each church. In considering
these qualities I noted that Jesus first gives praise, then follows with criticism
or condemnation. Then He give council and commands with suggestions for changes and ends with a promise. I recently learned that there are four points that can be
used in a critique.
Point out the things at which the person,
story or whatever excelled.
Suggestion improvements.
Ask “How can you challenge yourself?”
End with a positive note.
Praise, criticism and comments, suggested changes, and promises. I
want to explore these five elements comparing the churches this week. These qualities
could be considered for individuals or churches even today. As we look at these see if
you recognize any of these positive points in the churches you’ve attended, in
your Christian friends and family, or in yourself.
|
Name of
the church |
Commendation / Praise for the church |
|
Ephesus |
Hard working, persistent, don’t tolerate wickedness, test others,
persevere, endure hardships, not fatigued |
|
Smyrna |
Faithful while suffering, persecution from Satan |
|
Pergamum |
Dedicated to Christ Jesus, did not renounce faith |
|
Thyatira |
Growth through deeds of faith, love, service and perseverance |
|
Sardis |
No commendation – looked good on outside, but evil and sinfully
corrupt |
|
Philadelphia |
Although weak, kept Jesus’ word and not denied Him |
|
Laodicea |
No commendation |
It took perseverance and faithfulness to build
these bridges
crossing the Columbia River.
Design, construction, perseverance through
hot and cold weather and storms.
They stand today and in faith.
Reflections of trust.
How is your relationship with God like these bridges?
What praises do you see that Jesus noted about these churches? For
two of them, Jesus had no praise. They were either lukewarm or just plain evil.
For the other churches I think that perseverance and faithfulness were of
greatest value to the Lord. Pray about these, and additional positive
qualities, in your life as you critique yourself and others.
Verse of Salvation ~ I pray that your love will overflow more and
more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I
want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and
blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with
the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by
Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians
1:9-11
Knowing the Lord is what life is all about.
Knowing Him is Life.
© 2023 Text, photos, and
illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New
Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright ©
1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale
House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter
Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M. Hunacek
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