Revelation 8:1-13
Revelation 6:12-17 described the sixth seal
judgment upon the earth during the yet future seven year tribulation
period. This judgment was filled with universal catastrophe affecting
the environment. Revelation 7 yielded a break in the happenings on earth
to provide a personal glimpse for John to see two groups of people: the
144,000 Jewish witnesses who would spread the gospel across the earth
(7:1-8) and those who have been saved during the tribulation period, but
martyred for their faith (7:9-17). After this brief respite, the vision
John has been supernaturally receiving continues with the final seal
judgment upon the earth, which is the seventh. When Jesus opens the
seventh seal on the scroll, which only He could open, it unleashes
another series of judgments which are referred to as the seven trumpet
judgments. Prior to each trumpet being sounded, "noises, thunderings,
lightnings, and an earthquake" take place which finally give way to
seven angels appearing with seven trumpets prepared to sound (8:6).
We
must take the time to remember that these judgments are being poured
out on all those people on earth who have rejected Jesus Christ as the
One sent to save mankind from sin. Although some tend to think of any
type of punishment as unfair, most of us would agree that there must be
some system of accountability. Without consequences for doing wrong, our
world would be chaotic. In the same manner, God must hold sinners
accountable for their wrongdoing; however, instead of punishing the
sinner God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment
(death) of the sinner upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, God
is not unfair because He has offered the free gift of salvation to all
those who will repent of sin and believe in the death, burial, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). God
has been patient and even delayed His coming because He is "not willing
that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter
3:9).
The following summarizes four of the seven trumpet judgments unleashed on the rebellious inhabitants of the earth:
First Trumpet - one-third of trees/grass Burned (8:7)
Second
Trumpet - one-third of sea turned to blood resulting in one-third of
its inhabitants dying as well as one-third of ships destroyed (8:8-9)
Third Trumpet - one-third of all freshwater polluted (8:10-11)
Fourth Trumpet - one-third part of the sun, moon, stars darkened (8:12-13)
After
this trumpet judgment, John sees an angel fly through heaven saying,
"Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining
blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" This
warning is a precursor to the devastation which was about to take
place. The next two trumpet judgments are addressed in Revelation 9.
Dear
God, I understand that You must judge those who have rejected Jesus
Christ, but please use me to spread the message of hope through Jesus
Christ to as many people as I can.
WATERMARK
Revelation 7:1-17
Revelation 7:1-17
So far there have been six judgments upon the people of the earth because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah (Revelation 6). The first four judgments will take place during the first three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period (6:1-8). The tribulation period immediately follows the removal of the church from earth which is detailed by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. No time frame is given as to when all this would happen, but the apostle John, at the end of the first century, received a personal glimpse of future events on earth and God wanted all generations to know the things which awaited those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin.
The fifth and sixth judgment (6:9-17) ushers in the second half of the tribulation period. At the conclusion of the sixth seal judgment, all those on the earth are hiding in caves and rocks of the mountains wishing they could die (6:15-16). The sixth judgment has produced a great earthquake, the sun turning black (maybe from the ash of volcanic eruptions), moon turning red (maybe also from the ash), meteor showers, the sky disappearing, and the continents shifting (6:12-14). These horrendous events cause men to fear for their lives and at this point, they will recognize that these judgments have been sent from God (6:16-17). Following the sixth seal being opened by Jesus, John sees four angels at the four corners of the earth who will send a temporary respite upon the earth (7:1). Another angel descends from the east "having the seal of living God" and demanding that the earth not be harmed until God has "sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (7:2-3). John hears that the number of those who will be sealed will be 144,000 Jews. This group is obviously people who have received Jesus Christ as the true Messiah during the tribulation period. In other words, they missed the removal of believers from the earth because they did not believe in Jesus Christ; however, during the time of judgment on the earth, they accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. This 144,000 (12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel) will become witnesses of Jesus Christ during the second half of the tribulation period and will receive special protection from the judgments. These Israelites will spread the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and many will be saved from eternal hell during this time of tribulation.
In fact, the next group of people John sees are all those who have been martyred during the tribulation period for their faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes...and crying out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" One of the twenty four elders tells John that "these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14).
Although this time will be one of judgment and wrath, it will also be a time of great salvation and redemption. There will be many during the tribulation period who will respond to the judgments on earth and finally turn their hearts to God and be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank God that His mercy continues in the midst of judgment. He is truly not desiring anyone to face the wrath of God but desires all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear God, thank You for Your continual patience and mercy toward us. Although we are undeserving of Your forgiveness, You freely offer it to all.
So far there have been six judgments upon the people of the earth because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah (Revelation 6). The first four judgments will take place during the first three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period (6:1-8). The tribulation period immediately follows the removal of the church from earth which is detailed by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. No time frame is given as to when all this would happen, but the apostle John, at the end of the first century, received a personal glimpse of future events on earth and God wanted all generations to know the things which awaited those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin.
The fifth and sixth judgment (6:9-17) ushers in the second half of the tribulation period. At the conclusion of the sixth seal judgment, all those on the earth are hiding in caves and rocks of the mountains wishing they could die (6:15-16). The sixth judgment has produced a great earthquake, the sun turning black (maybe from the ash of volcanic eruptions), moon turning red (maybe also from the ash), meteor showers, the sky disappearing, and the continents shifting (6:12-14). These horrendous events cause men to fear for their lives and at this point, they will recognize that these judgments have been sent from God (6:16-17). Following the sixth seal being opened by Jesus, John sees four angels at the four corners of the earth who will send a temporary respite upon the earth (7:1). Another angel descends from the east "having the seal of living God" and demanding that the earth not be harmed until God has "sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (7:2-3). John hears that the number of those who will be sealed will be 144,000 Jews. This group is obviously people who have received Jesus Christ as the true Messiah during the tribulation period. In other words, they missed the removal of believers from the earth because they did not believe in Jesus Christ; however, during the time of judgment on the earth, they accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. This 144,000 (12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel) will become witnesses of Jesus Christ during the second half of the tribulation period and will receive special protection from the judgments. These Israelites will spread the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and many will be saved from eternal hell during this time of tribulation.
In fact, the next group of people John sees are all those who have been martyred during the tribulation period for their faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes...and crying out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" One of the twenty four elders tells John that "these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14).
Although this time will be one of judgment and wrath, it will also be a time of great salvation and redemption. There will be many during the tribulation period who will respond to the judgments on earth and finally turn their hearts to God and be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank God that His mercy continues in the midst of judgment. He is truly not desiring anyone to face the wrath of God but desires all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear God, thank You for Your continual patience and mercy toward us. Although we are undeserving of Your forgiveness, You freely offer it to all.
Revelation 6:1-17
Revelation 6:1-17
John has been transported to heaven in order to write the things which God supernaturally allows him to see regarding future events. Revelation 4 details John's first glimpse of the throne room of heaven where he witnesses believers as well as angels worshipping God for His worth. The words of Revelation 5 reveal a scroll sealed with seven seals, but no one is found worthy to open it. This scroll can only be opened by One who has been given authority over the entire universe because it is the title deed of earth. A Lamb, Jesus Christ, appears and takes the scroll. He is the only One found worthy to open it because He was slain and redeemed mankind from sin (4:8-10). These events bring us to Revelation 6 where Jesus begins to open each of the seven seals which secure the contents of the scroll. Each seal unleashes a judgment upon the earth during what is termed the "seven year tribulation period" which follows the removal of the church from earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In fact, there are a series of judgments unleashed on those who have rejected Jesus Christ as the only way to God. From Revelation 6:1-16:21, here is the layout: seven seal judgments (6:1-8:6), seven trumpet judgments (8:7-14:20), and the seven bowl judgments (16:1-21). Without going into a ton of detail about each of these judgments, here is what will transpire on the earth beginning with six seal judgments.
First Seal (white horse) - Antichrist is revealed
Second Seal (red horse) - worldwide war with much death
Third Seal (black horse) - worldwide famine
Forth Seal (pale horse) - 25% of population will die
Fifth Seal - martyrs will cry to God for vengeance
Sixth Seal - great earthquake, sun turns black, moon turns red, meteor shower, sky is removed, continents shift
People on earth will then begin to recognize that these judgments have been sent by God to reign down His wrath upon sin (6:16-17).
Dear God, deliver many from this wrath to come that they might acknowledge Jesus as their Savior from sin.
John has been transported to heaven in order to write the things which God supernaturally allows him to see regarding future events. Revelation 4 details John's first glimpse of the throne room of heaven where he witnesses believers as well as angels worshipping God for His worth. The words of Revelation 5 reveal a scroll sealed with seven seals, but no one is found worthy to open it. This scroll can only be opened by One who has been given authority over the entire universe because it is the title deed of earth. A Lamb, Jesus Christ, appears and takes the scroll. He is the only One found worthy to open it because He was slain and redeemed mankind from sin (4:8-10). These events bring us to Revelation 6 where Jesus begins to open each of the seven seals which secure the contents of the scroll. Each seal unleashes a judgment upon the earth during what is termed the "seven year tribulation period" which follows the removal of the church from earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In fact, there are a series of judgments unleashed on those who have rejected Jesus Christ as the only way to God. From Revelation 6:1-16:21, here is the layout: seven seal judgments (6:1-8:6), seven trumpet judgments (8:7-14:20), and the seven bowl judgments (16:1-21). Without going into a ton of detail about each of these judgments, here is what will transpire on the earth beginning with six seal judgments.
First Seal (white horse) - Antichrist is revealed
Second Seal (red horse) - worldwide war with much death
Third Seal (black horse) - worldwide famine
Forth Seal (pale horse) - 25% of population will die
Fifth Seal - martyrs will cry to God for vengeance
Sixth Seal - great earthquake, sun turns black, moon turns red, meteor shower, sky is removed, continents shift
People on earth will then begin to recognize that these judgments have been sent by God to reign down His wrath upon sin (6:16-17).
Dear God, deliver many from this wrath to come that they might acknowledge Jesus as their Savior from sin.
Revelation 5:1-14
Revelation 5:1-14
John had been transported to heaven and personally witnessed the throne room where God made His dwelling place (Revelation 4). The redeemed of the church (represented by the 24 elders) were present with four creatures (angels) who worshipped God day and night. Believers also joined the angels in worship of God who was the Creator of all things and proclaimed His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power (4:11). The scene continues when God takes a "scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (5:1). Some have concluded that the scroll represents the title deed of the earth. An angel cries out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" Revelation 5:3 reveals that there was no one found in heaven or earth worthy to loosen the seals of the scroll. John begins to weep, but one of the 24 elders tells him not to weep because "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals" (5:4-5). These names were in reference to the Messiah whom God promised would defeat sin and death and set up a kingdom ruled in righteousness (Genesis 49:8-12; Isaiah 11). John looks up and standing before him is a "Lamb as though it had been slain...then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne" (5:7). This Lamb is Jesus Christ who had been slain in order to pay the penalty for sin. Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah described the future Messiah as the one who would take "our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities...by His stripes we are healed...the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:4-6). When Jesus Christ takes the scroll, the four creatures and elders fall down and sing "You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals; for you were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth" (5:8-10). Jesus' death on the behalf of sinners makes Him worthy to take the scroll! In reaction to Jesus taking the scroll, an innumerable group begins proclaiming the worthiness of Jesus to take the scroll (5:11-14). Jesus Christ is the Messiah and came to earth to take our sin upon Himself. Paul writes to the church at Corinth, " For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). God the Father demanded righteousness from man but through Adam sin and death entered the world passing over all men (Romans 5:12). The penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and ultimately is necessary to satisfy the wrath of God upon sin. Sin cannot be forgiven unless the punishment for it is carried out. God loved man so much that He sent His only Son, born of a virgin, to earth in order to take the punishment every man deserved because of their sin. Paul says that Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness, which is what God demands. Paul writes in Romans 5:8-9 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."
Dear God, thank You for Jesus who paid for my sin on the cross. He is worthy to be praised!
John had been transported to heaven and personally witnessed the throne room where God made His dwelling place (Revelation 4). The redeemed of the church (represented by the 24 elders) were present with four creatures (angels) who worshipped God day and night. Believers also joined the angels in worship of God who was the Creator of all things and proclaimed His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power (4:11). The scene continues when God takes a "scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (5:1). Some have concluded that the scroll represents the title deed of the earth. An angel cries out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" Revelation 5:3 reveals that there was no one found in heaven or earth worthy to loosen the seals of the scroll. John begins to weep, but one of the 24 elders tells him not to weep because "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals" (5:4-5). These names were in reference to the Messiah whom God promised would defeat sin and death and set up a kingdom ruled in righteousness (Genesis 49:8-12; Isaiah 11). John looks up and standing before him is a "Lamb as though it had been slain...then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne" (5:7). This Lamb is Jesus Christ who had been slain in order to pay the penalty for sin. Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah described the future Messiah as the one who would take "our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities...by His stripes we are healed...the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:4-6). When Jesus Christ takes the scroll, the four creatures and elders fall down and sing "You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals; for you were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth" (5:8-10). Jesus' death on the behalf of sinners makes Him worthy to take the scroll! In reaction to Jesus taking the scroll, an innumerable group begins proclaiming the worthiness of Jesus to take the scroll (5:11-14). Jesus Christ is the Messiah and came to earth to take our sin upon Himself. Paul writes to the church at Corinth, " For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). God the Father demanded righteousness from man but through Adam sin and death entered the world passing over all men (Romans 5:12). The penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and ultimately is necessary to satisfy the wrath of God upon sin. Sin cannot be forgiven unless the punishment for it is carried out. God loved man so much that He sent His only Son, born of a virgin, to earth in order to take the punishment every man deserved because of their sin. Paul says that Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness, which is what God demands. Paul writes in Romans 5:8-9 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."
Dear God, thank You for Jesus who paid for my sin on the cross. He is worthy to be praised!
Revelation 4:1-11
Revelation 4:1-11
Revelation 4 is the final section in this book of future events written by the apostle John. According to our outline given to us by the writer (1:19) he has already written about "the things which you have seen" which represent what John was currently experiencing (Revelation 1). "The things which are" which were representative of the current state of the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3). Now John will receive "the things which will take place after this" which represent those events at the end of history following the church age (Revelation 4-22). John begins this section by writing, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this'" (4:1). At this point John writes "immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne" (4:2). Simply put, John was transported to heaven. As John revealed in Revelation 1:10, this transport was literal and not some dream. John was taken from this life to personally observe what was happening in heaven. Upon his arrival John he finds himself in the throne room of heaven where God is seated (4:2-3) and there are 24 (number which means representation) elders seated on the thrones surrounding God's throne. Since the elders are clothed in white robes and have gold crowns on their heads we can assume that they probably represent the church (4:4). As this time, the church is the only group who has been fully redeemed and rewarded. John also reveals that from the throne proceeds "lightnings, thunderings, and voices" which indicates a future judgment, which will be the seven year tribulation period on the earth (4:5). This judgment will be righteous and warranted since all those on the earth at this time have rejected the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Also in this scene are seven lamps of fire which represent the Holy Spirit (4:5b). Present also in this throne room are four living creatures who are angels -they are the ones who deliver the judgment poured out on the earth (4:6-8). These angels "do not rest day or night" but they continuously say, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" This declaration represents God's holiness and eternality. "Whenever the living creatures [angels] give honor and glory and thanks to Him who sits on the throne...the twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him...and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created'" (4:9-11). The redeemed recognize God as the One who has freely offered salvation to them and that He is worthy of all their praise. As an act of worship they cast their crowns (rewards) before Him signifying His authority and redemption over His creation.
Although John describes this scene as a future event, we should worship God as a part of our daily lives; after all, He alone deserves all of our honor and praise. God is the Creator of all things and has chosen to redeem sinful mankind by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin. For all those who believe by faith in the work of Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness of sins will be at the place John witnessed two-thousand years ago.
Dear God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power for You created all things and by Your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 4 is the final section in this book of future events written by the apostle John. According to our outline given to us by the writer (1:19) he has already written about "the things which you have seen" which represent what John was currently experiencing (Revelation 1). "The things which are" which were representative of the current state of the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3). Now John will receive "the things which will take place after this" which represent those events at the end of history following the church age (Revelation 4-22). John begins this section by writing, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this'" (4:1). At this point John writes "immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne" (4:2). Simply put, John was transported to heaven. As John revealed in Revelation 1:10, this transport was literal and not some dream. John was taken from this life to personally observe what was happening in heaven. Upon his arrival John he finds himself in the throne room of heaven where God is seated (4:2-3) and there are 24 (number which means representation) elders seated on the thrones surrounding God's throne. Since the elders are clothed in white robes and have gold crowns on their heads we can assume that they probably represent the church (4:4). As this time, the church is the only group who has been fully redeemed and rewarded. John also reveals that from the throne proceeds "lightnings, thunderings, and voices" which indicates a future judgment, which will be the seven year tribulation period on the earth (4:5). This judgment will be righteous and warranted since all those on the earth at this time have rejected the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Also in this scene are seven lamps of fire which represent the Holy Spirit (4:5b). Present also in this throne room are four living creatures who are angels -they are the ones who deliver the judgment poured out on the earth (4:6-8). These angels "do not rest day or night" but they continuously say, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" This declaration represents God's holiness and eternality. "Whenever the living creatures [angels] give honor and glory and thanks to Him who sits on the throne...the twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him...and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created'" (4:9-11). The redeemed recognize God as the One who has freely offered salvation to them and that He is worthy of all their praise. As an act of worship they cast their crowns (rewards) before Him signifying His authority and redemption over His creation.
Although John describes this scene as a future event, we should worship God as a part of our daily lives; after all, He alone deserves all of our honor and praise. God is the Creator of all things and has chosen to redeem sinful mankind by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin. For all those who believe by faith in the work of Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness of sins will be at the place John witnessed two-thousand years ago.
Dear God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power for You created all things and by Your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 3:7-22
Revelation 3:7-22
In this passage of scripture, the final two churches receive their letters written by the apostle John. In each of these letters the apostle John is communicating those things which God has told him to write. Most churches received some praise along with very stern warnings about those areas where they needed to repent. Very few of the letters contained only positive words, but the church at Philadelphia only receives praise from God about their faithfulness. John writes, "I know your works...for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name" (3:8). Because of their unwavering commitment to truth, God promised that one day He would set the record straight and cause their enemies to submit to them. John also wrote that God would "keep them from the hour of trial which should come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (3:10). This "hour of trial" referred to the future judgment of all those who reject Jesus Christ, which is known as the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 6-19). This period would follow the removal of all Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and precede the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). These words would have been strengthening for the church at Philadelphia since they were presently being persecuted by the religious leaders and many in their community (3:9). This promise provided hope. We all need hope in the midst of our struggles. Instead of quitting when your faith is tested, look forward to the hope of the future kingdom and eternal life in the presence of God.
The final church which received a letter was Laodicea (3:14-22). John writes, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth" (3:16). These words must have been pretty stinging to the Laodiceans. John described them as people who say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..." (3:17). God was condemning them for neither being passionate for God or openly rebellious against Him. My guess is that this church was full of false converts who professed Christ, but did not really have a relationship with Him. They were a church in name only. There was no passion or zeal for worshipping or serving God. Laodicea just existed without having an effect on anything or anyone around them. God commanded them to repent and turn to Him for salvation (3:18- 19). If there is one church that reflects many of our modern day places of worship, it is the church at Laodicea. In my opinion, many churches are refuges for the unconverted and those who attend church to relieve a guilty conscience. Since many churches have also forsaken their mandate to call people to repentance, it is left with individuals who are failing to deal with the true root of every problem - sin. Our churches must not tolerate sin and call people to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can bring forgiveness and healing to the broken. May God help us listen to all the letters written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. May we avoid the same sins so that we may become a church who is carrying out God's commands (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Dear God, call all churches to true repentance that we may be a bright light for the entire world to see (Matthew 5:16).
In this passage of scripture, the final two churches receive their letters written by the apostle John. In each of these letters the apostle John is communicating those things which God has told him to write. Most churches received some praise along with very stern warnings about those areas where they needed to repent. Very few of the letters contained only positive words, but the church at Philadelphia only receives praise from God about their faithfulness. John writes, "I know your works...for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name" (3:8). Because of their unwavering commitment to truth, God promised that one day He would set the record straight and cause their enemies to submit to them. John also wrote that God would "keep them from the hour of trial which should come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (3:10). This "hour of trial" referred to the future judgment of all those who reject Jesus Christ, which is known as the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 6-19). This period would follow the removal of all Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and precede the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). These words would have been strengthening for the church at Philadelphia since they were presently being persecuted by the religious leaders and many in their community (3:9). This promise provided hope. We all need hope in the midst of our struggles. Instead of quitting when your faith is tested, look forward to the hope of the future kingdom and eternal life in the presence of God.
The final church which received a letter was Laodicea (3:14-22). John writes, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth" (3:16). These words must have been pretty stinging to the Laodiceans. John described them as people who say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..." (3:17). God was condemning them for neither being passionate for God or openly rebellious against Him. My guess is that this church was full of false converts who professed Christ, but did not really have a relationship with Him. They were a church in name only. There was no passion or zeal for worshipping or serving God. Laodicea just existed without having an effect on anything or anyone around them. God commanded them to repent and turn to Him for salvation (3:18- 19). If there is one church that reflects many of our modern day places of worship, it is the church at Laodicea. In my opinion, many churches are refuges for the unconverted and those who attend church to relieve a guilty conscience. Since many churches have also forsaken their mandate to call people to repentance, it is left with individuals who are failing to deal with the true root of every problem - sin. Our churches must not tolerate sin and call people to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can bring forgiveness and healing to the broken. May God help us listen to all the letters written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. May we avoid the same sins so that we may become a church who is carrying out God's commands (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Dear God, call all churches to true repentance that we may be a bright light for the entire world to see (Matthew 5:16).
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