This time we are continuing our series on the 7 “I AM” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John.  As we explore, keep in mind a couple questions. 

• What is Jesus revealing about himself through this statement?
• What does this statement reveal about my own relationship with Jesus?

Today we continue with the third “I am” statement, found in John chapter 10:1-10.  “I am the door of the sheep”

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:1-10) 

As he does many times, Jesus speaks here in a cultural analogy to make a spiritual point.  He gives the everyday illustration of a shepherd at work.  A shepherd spent long days and years with his own sheep.  There was a familiarity and trust between shepherd and his sheep.  At night shepherds would often gather their sheep in enclosures surrounded by low rock walls.   A pen like this was often shared among several shepherds and their flocks.  In the morning to gather up his own sheep to head out to pasture, the shepherd would call them.  They would recognize his unique voice and call and would follow only him. The sheep were so well attuned to the shepherd’s call that if a stranger attempted to imitate the shepherd’s call, the sheep would recognize the difference and scatter, refusing to follow the stranger.[1]

Just as sheep respond to the call of the shepherd, so those who come to follow Jesus respond to his call.[2]  It is because of his love that Jesus calls to people and it is because they hear his call that they respond to him and follow him.  As happened many times in the gospels, those listening to this teaching, heard the literal meaning, but did not grasp the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ words.

Jesus then elaborates on his shepherding analogy and makes the spiritual meaning clearer.  Jesus says “I am the door of the sheep.”  The description of a shepherd’s evening routine is a beautiful illustration of Jesus’ words and surely what he had in mind as he shared this teaching.  As night fell, the shepherd would lead the sheep out of the fields and into their pen for the night.  The shepherd would look over each sheep as it entered the pen and would anoint any who where scratched and give water to any who were thirsty.   The shepherd would count each sheep and once his whole flock was safely inside the pen he would lay down across the doorway.  The shepherd himself became the doorway to the sheep pen.  None could enter or leave through the pen without the shepherd knowing.[3]  Like the shepherd cares for the sheep, so Jesus cares for the needs and the daily provisions of people.  If anyone enters the sheep pen through Jesus, they will be saved and will find both protection and pasture.  In other words, Jesus himself…”is the entrance into security and fellowship.”[4]

Though there is only one shepherd and one door, there are many voices that call for the attention of the sheep.  As I think of our world today, it’s easy to see that many people claim to be someone worth following.  As people we have a built-in desire to follow someone or something.  It’s even seen in our language of social media, we ‘follow’ someone on Facebook or Instagram.  We ‘follow’ celebrities, sports teams, and tv shows.  These other voices do not necessarily have the best interests of the sheep in mind.

The picture of the shepherd and the sheep contrasts with the picture of the thief or robber.  Rather than trying to enter the sheep fold by the gate, they attempt to climb the walls and sneak in.  The robbers provide false leadership and mislead the sheep away from the true shepherd.  In the Old Testament structure of Israel there were three types of spiritual leaders under God:  The prophets, priests and kings.  Each of these leaders were to be shepherds to the people and were responsible for the security, well-being and spiritual good of the people.  The thieves and robbers Jesus is referring to are leaders of Israel who cared only for their own power, status and position and did not fulfill their spiritual responsibilities to care for the people.

On the other hand, Jesus came for the good of the sheep.  He did not look for power or position in the world.  Indeed, he came that people may have life and have it to the full!  Through this picture Jesus connects the concept of the daily life of sheep with the concept of eternal life.  Without the shepherd and the gate, the sheep were lost and purposeless.  For us, in the midst of our daily routines, it is only through the shepherd that we find the meaning of life.  Jesus came to bring us the best of physical life, but it is only through eternal life that we see what the real meaning and purpose of physical life is.  “Jesus can give a whole new meaning to living because he provides full satisfaction and perfect guidance.”[5] 

Those who enter the sheep fold through Jesus find both protection and pasture; they find daily provision and security in the storms of life.  The sheep can safely and happily come and go, knowing the shepherd is looking after them as they follow him and respond to his call.  The shepherd knows what the sheep need, and he will lead them where they need to go.  Jesus is the door of the sheep, the entrance into security and fellowship and eternal life.  He is calling: will you follow?


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 330
[2] Blum, E. A. (1985). John. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 309–310). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 330
[4] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 316
[5] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 331

This time we are continuing a series on the 7 “I AM” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John.  Each statement reveals how Jesus fulfills the spiritual needs of humans.[1]  Keep in mind a couple questions:

• What is Jesus revealing about himself through this statement?
• What does this statement reveal about my relationship with Jesus?

Today we continue with the second “I am” statement, found in John chapter 8 “I am the light of the world.”  “12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

First off, let’s talk about the Apostle John.  He loves to use opposite pairs like light/dark, love/hate in order to make his points stand out.  He also loves to mix literal and metaphorical meanings.  This second “I AM” statement draws attention to the contrast of light and dark.  In this statement both light and dark have metaphorical meanings.  We know that literally, darkness is the absence of light.  Thus, night is the absence of sunlight.  Metaphorically in the Bible darkness is lack of awareness of the divine.  Where there is metaphoric darkness there is sinfulness, evil, and disregard of Jesus.[2]  Without Jesus, all people walk in spiritual darkness.  John tells us about this in chapter 3 “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:19-21)

While some people choose darkness, others are enveloped by darkness because of the sinful nature of humankind.  The sinful nature of humankind is illustrated by another story in John 9 as Jesus repeats his claim to be the light of the world.  “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:1-5)  This man was not blind because he sinned, but his condition illustrates the sinfulness of all humankind.  “The blind man has lived in darkness, representing the sinful person’s condition of estrangement from God.”[3]  Without Jesus, all people walk in darkness.  We are all born into sin and cannot escape the darkness on our own.

On the other hand, Jesus is the light of the world.  Light always dispels darkness.  This is made clear right at the beginning of John’s gospel.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)

Darkness cannot defeat the light.  Where Jesus is, sin and evil cannot thrive. The context of Jesus’ statement that he is the light of the world gives a beautiful illustration. Jesus’ statement about being the light of the world was given during the Feast of Tabernacles.  Light was a very important theme of this festival.  During the festival, every night menorah (large candles) were lit illuminating the whole temple.  These were large enough to be seen from a distance. [4]  All of this leads up to a bold statement from Jesus during this festival: “I am the light of the world.”

What does this mean?  We must look back to the prophecies of Isaiah to see what kind of light we are talking about.  “In Isaiah 9:2, darkness refers to oppression and death, salvation to light.  In Isaiah 49:6, light is associated with the servant of Yahweh, who brings salvation to the Gentiles.  Similarly in 60:1, 3, “light” and “glory” are synonymous; referring to the coming of God to Zion, which stands in the midst of the darkness of all peoples.”[5]  Drawing from these prophecies and the symbolism of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus claims that he is the light of the world.  He is claiming that he is God, and in his presence, darkness cannot exist.

Jesus states that people who follow him will not walk in darkness.  Those who choose to follow Jesus, through his power, overcome the darkness.  Those people who follow Jesus will have the light of life.  As usual with Jesus he goes beyond the surface to the root of things.  I’m sure at some point you’ve tried to walk around in total darkness.  It’s hard to tell where you’re going; it’s easy to trip over something in your way.  Trying to find your way around life without Jesus is like trying to walk in the dark.  Jesus, as the light, reveals the meaning and purpose of life.  Jesus stands as the light “by which truth and falsehood can be distinguished…”[6]
​
We all have two choices.  We can choose to walk around with the lights off and live in darkness.  Ultimately darkness leads to death.  Or we can choose to follow Jesus and walk in the light of his presence.  This path leads to eternal life. Jesus is the light that reveals the sinful nature of mankind and defeats and dispels sin. The light of Jesus leads us to salvation and eternal life.  The Apostle John says it best: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 316
[2] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[3] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 61
[4] Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 201). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[5] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 52
[6] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 323

This time we begin a new series on the 7 “I AM” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John.  Each statement reveals something more about Jesus; challenges our concept of Jesus and encourages us to think and feel our way through our relationship with Jesus. Today we begin with the first “I am” statement, found in John chapter 6 “I am the bread of life.”  The full passage is John 6:25-59.

Shortly before this, Jesus has miraculously fed 5000 people by multiplying a simple lunch.  The people following Jesus are expecting more of the same.  Based on their understanding of Jesus and the recent provision of physical food, the crowd challenges Jesus to provide another sign and refers to the miracle of manna in Exodus 16 where the Israelites were miraculously supplied with food for the duration of the wilderness wanderings.  In answering the crowd Jesus re-directs their line of thinking by explaining that it wasn’t Moses who gave them food to eat, it was God the Father who supplied their needs.  The people understandably request this bread from God.  However, they don’t expect the answer Jesus gives.  Jesus says “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)

Physical food helps provide life for a while, as the body is healthy, but the real bread of heaven is Jesus himself who has come from heaven to give life to the world. Jesus is asserting that he is the answer for humanity’s desires[1] though not strictly their physical desires.  The implication is that God has created people to be in relationship with him and that all people have a desire for forgiveness[2] and eternal life, just as they have a hunger for food.[3]  “Hunger and thirst are metaphors for the human need to know God, and knowing God is the present experience of eternal life (17:3). Those who come to Jesus, i.e. those who believe in him, are brought into relationship with God and their hunger and thirst to know God are satisfied.”[4]

Jesus continues his explanation of the bread of life (verses 47-51) and moves the concept one step further.  You’ve probably heard of the popular meat replacement called beyond meat.  Well here Jesus is trying to get the crowd to think beyond bread, so he connects the concept of the bread of life with eternal life.  He illustrates this by explaining that while the manna in Exodus provided physical nourishment, those who ate of it still died a physical death. People who would come to Jesus need to get beyond the bread (the physical) to Jesus himself.

Jesus is the living bread.  Those who eat this bread will have eternal life with him. Many in the crowd take this statement literally and thinks Jesus is introducing some sort of bizarre cannibalistic cult by saying they must not only eat his flesh, but also drink his blood. This sounds weird to just about anyone, but to the Jews it was downright heretical as they were forbidden from eating blood. Why would Jesus make this statement so unpalatable?  Jesus is speaking on two levels here; those who trust Jesus will understand or come to understand his metaphorical language.  Those who do not believe will only hear the literal meaning. This statement depends on Jesus’ death, which has not yet happened in John’s gospel.  In a very real sense, those who follow Jesus must accept and participate in his broken body and his shed blood at the cross.[5] Spiritually, those who believe in Jesus and accept his sacrifice are incorporated into the body of Christ.

By giving these strong statements Jesus is challenging the crowd. Indeed, after this episode many of those who had followed Jesus to this point turned back and no longer followed him (John 6:66). They couldn’t get past the strange language to hear what Jesus was saying. Still, why would Jesus seem to drive away many in the crowd? Jesus is not looking for fans.  He is looking for followers who will believe in him, follow him, trust him, and live for the Kingdom of Heaven.  Getting back to the flesh and blood metaphor, what is Jesus calling for?  “When this metaphor is unpacked, it means that Jesus is the source of true satisfaction; belief in him who gave his life for the world is the only way to satisfy human hunger and thirst for God.”[6]

It must have been incredibly confusing for the 12 disciples.  At this point they did not fully understand what Jesus was saying, but they trusted him and though many abandoned Jesus at this point, the 12 disciples did not.  “The twelve…though they have no clear grasp as yet how Jesus can be the bread which came down from heaven to bring man eternal life, or how eternal life can and must result from his death, do not leave him, for they are very sure that His words, though difficult to understand, are vital.”[7]

This is the challenge of faith – believing what we cannot prove yet trust to be true. Jesus is the bread of life; the spiritual food that gives eternal life.  Our challenge today is to consider our response to Jesus.  There’s no quick fix, but look to Jesus, believe in him, follow him, and you will find the food you are looking for.


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 316
[2] R.V.G. Tasker, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: The Gospel According to St. John. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Eerdamans Publishing Company, 1981, pg 93
[3] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 37
[4] Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 170). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[5] R.V.G. Tasker, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: The Gospel According to St. John. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Eerdamans Publishing Company, 1981, pg 93
[6] Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 175). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[7] R.V.G. Tasker, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: The Gospel According to St. John. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Eerdamans Publishing Company, 1981, pg 97

This time, we are finishing our series on the 7 messages to the church in Revelation.[1]  As we finish the series I’d like to begin with a short recap of each of the 7 messages from Eugene Peterson: “The churches are affirmed for untiring, unflagging and vigilant work (Ephesus); for brave suffering (Smyrna); for courageous witness (Pergamum); for growing and developing discipleship (Thyatira); and for brave steadfastness (Philadelphia)…But “they are corrected for abandoning their first zestful love of Christ (Ephesus); being indifferent to heretical teaching (Pergamum); being tolerant of immorality (Thyatira); being apathetic (Sardis); letting luxurious riches substitute for life in the Spirit (Laodicea).”[2]
 
This summary of that 7 messages gives a sneak preview of today’s message as we are looking at the seventh and final message; to the church at Laodicea.
 
14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

This message is perhaps the most well known of the seven messages as it contains the famous words “I stand at the door and knock.”  However, there are no commendations offered to this church.  After the greeting, Jesus gets right into the problems in this church. 

Just 6 miles away from Laodicea is the city of Hierapolis, famous for natural hot springs with healing mineral waters.  10 miles away is the city of Colossae, known for its cold refreshing drinking water.  However, Laodicea has no source of hot or cold water.  The mineral water of Hierapolis flowed towards Laodicea but by the time it arrived, it was lukewarm.  Drinking water for the city had to be drawn in from miles away by a system of pipes, by the time it arrived it was lukewarm.

Spiritually, lukewarm is an apt description for the church at Laodicea. They express mild approval for Jesus but little more. C.S. Lewis says that those who actually encountered Jesus generally had 3 responses: “hatred, terror, adoration. There was no trace of people expressing mild approval.”[3] The Laodiceans have accommodated to the local culture and are comfortable with a private individual faith that doesn’t express itself in the activities of day to day life. The response to the lukewarm church at Laodicea from Jesus is sharp “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

There are a few reasons the Laodiceans have adopted this lukewarm attitude.  They say ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’” (Rev 3:17)  Laodicea was known for its wealthy banks.  They were a rich city.  They were known for having some of the best clothing around, they were well dressed.  Finally, they had a famous medical school that had developed an eye salve believed to heal weak or failing eyesight.  All of this added up to an attitude of self-sufficiency.[4]  This reminds me very much of our own Canadian culture.  In a generally wealthy culture we would like to believe we are self sufficient.  If we don’t have it, we can buy it. 

The Laodiceans believed that not only were they physical self sufficient, they were also spiritually self-sufficient.  They have substituted a vibrant life with Jesus for a life of wealth and self sufficiency.  Jesus responds to this attitude: “But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (Rev 3:17) Jesus advises: They should ‘buy’ gold, clothes and eye salve from him.  Of course, the real riches of life cannot be purchased.  It is only though grace that people can be saved.  Only Jesus provides the spiritual clothes that cover the shame of nakedness caused by sin. Only Jesus can provide spiritual eyesight. 
​
It may seem like it, but Jesus here is not angry, he is reaching out in compassion.  He is offering what is lacking.  Jesus says “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”  Now here is the famous line: “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 that person, and they with me.”  This line has become synonymous with evangelism, but Jesus is speaking to people who are Christians.  How strange that those calling themselves Christians have shut the door on Jesus.  Thus, we discover the reason the church at Laodicea is lukewarm.  They have excluded Jesus. 

Yet, Jesus has not abandoned them.  The solution to the lukewarm church or lukewarm faith is straightforward.  Invite Jesus back in.  Jesus will come in and eat with that person, which is a Middle Eastern way of saying that Jesus will establish a relationship and covenant with that person.[5]  Finally, not only will Jesus eat with that person, they will be lifted up with him to the throne of God. 

This takes us back to the opening greeting of this message. ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.”  Jesus is saying that he is “the utterly trustworthy foundation of life”[6], he is the real deal.  The Greek word for beginning used here is arche, meaning the origin of a sequence or “that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause.”[7]  Jesus is saying he is the source and origin of all life.  His blood flows in our veins.  We were created by him and designed for a relationship with him.    Is it any wonder that we cannot escape Jesus?  Him image is stamped on every cell of our bodies and every cell of creation.  What an amazing picture!

Let me summarize this message and this series from one of the commentaries I’ve been reading: “…the message of Jesus into the lives of the members of the seven churches leaves nothing intact.  It insists on vital changes not only at the individual level, but also at the social level of “structures that enslave and deceive the people.  That is to say, the religious aspect of life is so interrelated with other aspects, economic, civic, and legal – even in our so called ‘secular’ world – that a religious change effected by Jesus would have to affect the rest of existence.””[8]

People cannot exclude Jesus from all or part their lives and expect to have a vibrant faith.  A lukewarm faith is troublesome because “Given who he is, Jesus Christ deserves a vigorous, robust, wholehearted zeal.”[9]  The call from Jesus is clear: Let me in!
​
What is your response to Jesus?  He stands at the door of every heart and knocks. Perhaps you’ve never invited Jesus in.  Will you invite him in now?  Maybe you’ve invited Jesus in, but you’ve drifted away over time, or you’ve only ever allowed Jesus into the living room of your life. Will you invite Jesus into the rest of your life; into the rooms called money, sex, past wounds, bitterness, family and time? Only through Jesus, the origin and creator of all life, can our desires be properly and truly satisfied.  Only Jesus is the true source of all that we need and desire in life.  Open the door and he will come in!


[1] Again I am highly indebted to a book called Discipleship on the Edge by Darrell Johnson for this series.  Most of the ideas and research I have presented in this series are his. 
[2] Craig L. Blomberg From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, pg 525 quoting Eugene Peterson Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination, pg 51, 52
[3] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 118
[4] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 122
[5] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 125
[6] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 116
[7] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[8] Craig L. Blomberg From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, pg 525
[9] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 121

Have you ever looked back over the situations and circumstances in your life and marvelled at how it all worked out in the end?   So many fine details and yet so much synchronicity!

Some people call this “coincidence” (definition: a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection; apparently just random happenings).  But, truthfully, there is no such thing as coincidence when our lives are lovingly and carefully DIRECTED by ALMIGHTY GOD!
 
Because God loves us and is intimately concerned with even the smallest details of our lives, God directs our lives by His Holy Spirit, through His word, and even through people, places and circumstances that seem unpredictable or unexpected to us.  Romans 8:28 reminds us that, “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  He is just waiting for us to acknowledge His presence and to follow His lead.

In our passage today, we see that when God’s direction can involve some surprisingly supernatural methods such as angelic visitation and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  But, this ought not surprise us as God has already supernaturally communicated His love and His plans through the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus!  God can and will use any means necessary to reach those He loves, including directing an apparent unknown to make His purposes known.  God chose Philip, a quite tradesman who served meals to widows in his spare time over more prominent early church leaders such as Paul or Peter.  It’s inspiring to note that God choses to direct His plans through ordinary people like you and I.  As Oswald Chambers puts, it “All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose that God has given them.”

Speaking of purpose, it was no ‘coincidence’ Philip would end up in just enough time, on just the right road, at the exact moment necessary to intersect the Ethiopian eunuch.  This man’s physical limitation as a eunuch prevented him from entering into the temple at Jerusalem to worship…but his heart was already being directed by the Holy Spirit to seek God.  We see that the Ethiopian was reading aloud the words of Isaiah 53:7-8, detailing the sacrificial death of our Savior Jesus!  God’s plans include even the marginalized or overlooked in our world – His plans are always redemptive.  Philip did not come with a pre-planned commentary, he just simply followed God’s divine direction and was able to explain the good news of the gospel to this travelling treasurer.  Mission accomplished!

Our story ends with Philip having the privilege of baptizing the Ethiopian, another DIVINE DIRECTIVE of God.  Since there were no known Christian converts in Ethiopia at the time, who would have baptized the Ethiopian when he arrived home?  God made sure this man’s faith was affirmed and later the Ethiopian was instrumental in sharing the gospel back in Ethiopia. 

Summing it up… God is not limited by our experiences, expertise or expectations.  He wants to transform the world through people willing to have their steps guided by His Word and be supernaturally directed by the Holy Spirit.  May we all be inspired to be like Philip… ready and willing to follow God’s divine direction.  After all, its all for HIS GLORY that we live and breath and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Bless Ya,
​    Pastor Sherry 

​We are continuing our series on the 7 messages to the church in Revelation, looking at the sixth message written to the church at Philadelphia.

The scripture is Rev 3:7-13
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

In contrast to last week where we looked at the Church in Sardis to which Jesus gave some pretty strong warnings, there is no critique of the church at Philadelphia offered.  There are only positives to talk about here, in fact, this is the most positive of all the seven messages.

As with each of the seven messages Jesus begins with a greeting. Jesus identifies himself as the one who is holy and true.  These are both descriptors of God himself.  God is the only one who is holy.  He is the definition of true.  Jesus also holds the key of David - to the key of the Kingdom of God itself.  This reveals the theme of this message: an open door.  The open door is used in two different ways in this message.

The first refers to the open door of the gospel.  With his key, Jesus has opened the way to God himself.  The path to salvation is open to any and all who would come. In Philadelphia, as in many of the other early churches, many of the Christian believers were Jews.  While the doors of the kingdom of God have been opened to these believers, the doors of the synagogues have been slammed in their faces. It is ironic that in the city of brotherly love, Jews are attacking their religious siblings, the Christians. Despite this discouragement the doors to the kingdom are wide open and the rewards are there for those who would make the journey. Jesus speaks in Matthew 7:13-14 of two doors available to all people.  One gate is wide and on a broad easy path, however this easy path leads to hell.  The other gate is narrow and the path is challenging, but it is open to all people and it leads to heaven.

The second meaning of the open door refers to a door of opportunity in Philadelphia. “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” (Rev 3:8).  There is an open door in Philadelphia for the sharing of the gospel. Philadelphia was on the main highway from Europe to Asia and of the seven churches in Revelation it was most ideally located as a strategic point to share the gospel. I’ve often wondered about Merritt in this regard.  We are ideally situated at the confluence of major highways and many people pass through Merritt.  Just something to chew on.

The church in Philadelphia is also in an ideal situation to share the gospel.  They are not struggling with false doctrines, they are not comfortably complacent; they are spiritually alive, they are holding tightly to Jesus. Yet, even in this church that receives so much praise, Jesus says “I know that you have little strength.” It is possible that this church struggled to be influential because of the local cultural conditions.  As with many of the other early churches, Christians would have been on the fringes of society, often ridiculed, persecuted and denied business opportunities and positions of influence. This does not mean this church is ineffective, it simply points back to Jesus. Human strength is limited.  Jesus has unlimited power!  Only by relying on him can we move forward. A church with little strength, and seemingly, little influence, but a full reliance on Jesus can make a big difference! Jesus calls his church beyond their own strength so that they must rely on him and not themselves. Following Jesus is not about being safe.  It is about trusting him.  There is an open door of opportunity, Jesus’ call is to seize the opportunity.

Jesus finishes the message with some great encouragement for the Philadelphians and for us. He encourages them to hold onto what they have.  Despite the challenges, waiting on Jesus is worth it.  Jesus says that believers will be pillars in the eternal temple with God.  In Philadelphia names of municipal leaders who had accomplished great deeds were inscribed on pillars of local temples.[1] Jesus goes one better.  “The inscribed name signifies identification and ownership. To those who have little influence because of being ostracized, Christ promises recognition in his kingdom worthy of the most noble hero in any society.”[2]

Next Jesus promises “Never again will they leave it.” Philadelphia was in an active volcanic field.  The city was severely damaged in a major quake in AD 17.  Earthquakes were common and people in Philadelphia were often fleeing out of the city.  Jesus is saying that he is the rock and the security of all people.  He is unshakable and totally reliable.  They will no longer have to flee from the city, which should have been their secure home. In the storms and earthquakes of life, Jesus is the solid foundation for all who will trust in him.  All believers are identified with Jesus and they will receive his name. Jesus offers significance, safety and identity for all who will trust him.  The door is open.


[1] Darrell Johnson Discipleship on the Edge pg 108
[2] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 1152

We are continuing our series on the 7 messages to the church in Revelation. These 7 letters in Revelation “reflect the full spectrum of faithfulness and faithlessness present in every age of church history.”[1] This time we are looking at the fifth message written to the church at Sardis. 

The text is Revelation 3:1-6.  “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
This is the shortest of the seven messages; despite its short length this message is a little scary.  In other messages Jesus begins with some positives and encouragements for the local church before moving to dealing with problems.  However, this is one of two of the seven messages that contains no commendations from Jesus.  Jesus dives right into the problems in the church in Sardis.[2]

Historically this was a large and wealthy church.  It had a reputation for being alive. It was big, busy and looked impressive.  However, Jesus identifies this church as spiritually dead. Maybe the church had great plans and ideas, but never followed though.  Perhaps they are busy and complete many activities, but the activities have become an end in themselves. Finally, perhaps the church is busy with a lot of programs, but they are not reaching out in evangelism.  This all boils down to a simple lesson.  Our faith and our churches are always in danger of losing vital connection to Jesus.  If we do not remain vitally connected with Jesus at some point we will lose contact with him.

Unlike the other churches in Revelation, the problems in Sardis are not false teachings or doctrinal errors.  The problem is a simple matter of obedience.  They know what is true but are comfortably complacent in a wealthy culture and are not living what they know to be true.[3] The church at Sardis is in serious trouble but hope is not lost.  Jesus addresses the situation. 

“Wake up”
The church at Sardis got in trouble because it fell asleep.  Historically the city at Sardis was never conquered by direct assault.  It was built on a mountain and highly defensible.  However, twice it fell when climbers got into the city and opened the gates from within.[4]  “The history of Sardis teaches us that we are never more in danger of falling than when feeling comfortable and at ease.”[5]  The call is to remain constantly vigilant. 

“Strengthen what remains”
Though the church at Sardis is dead, a little remains.  Maybe this is just the outward motions of faith, Sunday services and programs.  These things can be re-invested with the vital energy provided only through Jesus if they turn back to him.  The point is that the activities of the church cannot be an end in themselves.  For example: we sing worship songs on a Sunday morning.  The volume, style and musicianship are far less important than that people are genuinely worshipping Jesus and drawing close to him. 

“Remember what you received”
All believers have received the gospel and the Holy Spirit.  Much like we learned in the message to Ephesus, get back to first love.  Invest in a relationship with Jesus. In the beginning of this message Jesus introduces himself as the one who holds the seven spirits of God.  Just as we have discovered with the 7 churches, the number seven here is symbolic.  It means the complete fullness of the Spirit of God. Believers need to receive the completeness of the Spirit.  As Pentecostals we have long recognized that nothing much is accomplished without the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is he who leads and energizes the church. 

“Hold it fast”
Again, get back to basics.  Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is not a one and done deal.  We need to be filled everyday. If two people in a marriage stop communicating and responding to each other, eventually the relationship will die.  It is no different with our relationship to the Holy Spirit.

“Repent”
Finally, Jesus commands the church at Sardis to repent.  As we talked about in the message to Pergamum, to repent means to literally change one’s mind, to turn and go the opposite direction. There is a sense of urgency to this message.  Things are bad, changes need to be made immediately. Yet, by returning to a vital connection with Jesus, the church can be re-invigorated.

This message challenges us to examine our own churches and lives. Are we vitally connected to Jesus? Just as we go to the doctor for a check up and the doctors checks our vital signs; churches and believers also need to check vital signs. Do we see evidence of the fruit of the Spirit?  If the Holy Spirit were to vanish from our churches and our lives tomorrow, would we notice? Vital sign checks help diagnose one’s spiritual condition.

This message ends with hope. A few believers in Sardis have remained faithful. The promise is that those who remain connected to Jesus will be dressed in white with him, symbolizing purity and uncompromised convictions. Secondly, the names of those who walk with Jesus will never be blotted out of the book of life. In ancient cities names of citizens were written in a book; when they died, their names were blotted out.[6] Jesus is saying that those names in his book will never be blotted out if they remain loyal to him. This is an incredible encouragement and promise of eternal life with Jesus. In a church that was comfortably complacent, Jesus calls for a return to a vibrant relationship with him.  The promise is eternal life with him.  It’s worth it!


[1] Craig L. Blomberg From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, pg 521
[2] Craig L. Blomberg From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, pg 521
[3] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 1565
[4] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 100
[5] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge pg 100
[6] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 1149

We are continuing our series on the 7 messages to the church in Revelation.  The seven churches of revelation “reflect the full spectrum of faithfulness and faithlessness present in every age of church history.”[1]  Thus these seven messages are relevant for all churches for all time.  This time we are looking at the fourth message written to the church at Thyatira. 

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  Revelation 2:18-29
 
As we have seen from the previous letters there are both positives and critiques offered by Jesus. This church has love and faith, service and perseverance. This is one of the most positive and glowing commendations given to any of the seven churches.[2]  Not only that but the people are growing in discipleship. 
However, much like we saw last week as we looked at the church of Pergamum, the church at Thyatira is tolerating sexual immorality and eating of food sacrificed to idols.

Historically we know that Thyatira was a vibrant trade centre and much like modern unions, to be involved in many of these businesses one had to be a member of the appropriate trade guild.  Many of the guilds participated in ritual pagan worship as part of their activities and the social activities that the trade guilds organized often revolved around sensual parties.  For a Christian, there were problems with participating in the activities that membership in the trade guilds required.  Without the support of a trade guild Christians would lose out on many business opportunities.

In this environment, the temptation for a Christian was to compromise their faith. In Thyatira the problem is centred around someone named Jezebel and her teachings.  This was probably not the actual name of the false teacher but alludes to the historical Queen Jezebel.[3] The teaching of this Jezebel appear very similar to the Nicolations and Balaamites mentioned in the letters to Ephesus and Pergammum.[4]  This woman Jezebel was teaching the church at Thyatira that you COULD compromise and have it both ways.  You could worship both God and pagan idols.  In a culture where participation in the trade guilds was so important compromise and so called “deep secrets”[5] would have been tempting. 

The temptation for all people is to compartmentalize our lives. It’s like saying I can watch whatever TV shows I want because it’s just entertainment.  I can act unethically because it’s just business. The problem is that having different standards and different morals in different areas leads to disintegration. Our souls fight against this.  Integrity means wholeness.  One can’t do the Jesus thing on Sundays and live wild the rest of the week without serious consequences. What it boils down to is that either someone is all in with Jesus, or they are not.  Compromise is not an option.

What do we take away from this message? In the book Discipleship on the Edge Darrell Johnson gives us 6 aspects of the picture this message presents to us.  I’d like to summarize them here.

First, in a culture that worshiped the Roman emperor as the “son of god” Jesus presents himself as the Son of God.  There are many powers in the world.  However, there is ultimately one whom people must answer to: Jesus.  We cannot give allegiance to the powers of the world and to Jesus.  Jesus is a jealous lover.

Secondly, Jesus knows our hearts, our innermost thoughts.  His eyes are of blazing fire and he searches our hearts and minds.  Hearts speaks of the moral centre of life and minds represents our total inner lives, what resides deep in our thoughts, feelings and desires.[6]  We cannot hide anything from Jesus and if we are truly in love with him we don’t want to.  He shows us truth to lead us closer to himself.

Thirdly, Jesus’ feet are like burnished bronze.  To those in the trade guilds this would have had a strong visual meaning. Jesus’ feet are strong. Powerful.  Jesus deals with evil seriously.  He will not tolerate sin.

Fourth, though Jesus takes sin seriously, he gives even Jezebel time to repent. While a person draws breath, there is a chance to repent, to turn towards Jesus.  Jesus is not unnecessarily harsh.

Fifth, Jesus will deal with each person according to their own deeds.  Jesus allows us free will to make our own choices.  We can choose to follow him or go our own way.  Following pagan idols or the ways of the world contrary to Jesus will have consequences.  On the other hand, following Jesus leads to true freedom and joy. 
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Sixth and finally, there are incredible promises for those who remain faithful to Jesus, who endure through trials and troubles and who do not compromise their faith.  Those who last to the end will rule with Jesus.  Because they have submitted themselves to Jesus they will be given godly authority. Those who endure will receive the morning star.  The morning star is the herald of morning while the night remains dark.  Though times may seem hopeless, Jesus gives the morning star to those who remain faithful to him in order to show them that morning is coming.  If you are currently struggling, be encouraged.  Hold onto His promises and resist the urge to compromise.  Give your full allegiance to Jesus. The darkness will end. 


[1] Craig L. Blomberg, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, pg 521
[2] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 90
[3] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 89. See I Kings 16:31-33
[4] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 1146
[5] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 1564
[6] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 1147

We are continuing a series on the 7 messages to the church in Revelation: This time we are looking at the third message, written to the church at Pergamum.[1] 

Revelation 2:12-17  12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

As we have seen with the previous two messages this one follows the same pattern.  There is a personal greeting from Jesus, commendations, critiques and  conclusion.  The greeting begins: “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.” Again we find this is relevant to the local city.  The symbol for the city of Pergamum was the sword as it was one of the few cities that Rome had granted the right to use capital punishment[2] Yet, Jesus speaks here of words, not a physical battle. The situation that the church at Pergamum was facing was a war of ideas. Essentially the message breaks down into two battles in the war of ideas.  On one front are ideas contrary to Jesus’ teaching pressuring the church from the outside.  On the other front are ideas contrary to Jesus’ teaching coming from within the church.[3] Thus, we see the battle ground laid out.  It is a battle for the mind of the people

Like in many of the other churches, the cultural situation at Pergamum was difficult. In the face of pervasive idol worship, standing up as a Christian certainly would have caused a person to stand out.  Christians faced rejection, ridicule and death. In this context it would have been tempting to accommodate outside influences that were opposed to Christ. Yet the church has remained faithful and the church is resisting overt external pressure.  Jesus commends them for this!

There are unfortunately also some negatives to address. Some people in the church are following the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolations and are participating in eating food sacrificed to idols and engaging in sexual immorality.  The Nicolatians and those following the teachings of Balaam are caught in the same error. (Rev 2:14-15). The story of Balaam is given in Numbers 22-24.  Balaam tried and was prevented from cursing the Israelites.  He turned to a more subversive method.  He plotted to have a group of Moabite women seduce the Israelites and lead them into sexual immorality and worship of the idol Baal.  Tragically, the plan worked and Israel suffered serious consequences for their error.[4]

The false message, the error of the Balaamites and Nicolatians, is that eating food sacrificed to idols is basically harmless.  Idols are just bits of wood and stone.  After all, are you not in Christ? The problem is that knowingly participating in food that was sacrificed to idols is participating in idol worship itself. It’s like watching a raunchy R rated movie and declaring that I can do so and not be affected by the content. The issue is that a physical act is never just physical.  We are also spiritual beings.  Our physical actions have spiritual implication and vice versa.[5] Flirting with idol worship is extremely dangerous because it is messing with demonic power and influence.

Secondly, the Nicolatians and those following the teachings of Balaam were saying that sexual immorality was not a big deal.  Some in the church had bought into this lie. We hear it today all the time in popular culture; sex between consenting people is natural and normal. The problem is that we are not just physical beings.  Having sex with someone is more than a physical act.  There are spiritual implications.  There are emotional implications.  It affects our soul, our whole being. The false idea is that people can have sex with anyone at any time and remain unaffected. 

In summary the church at Pergamum is carelessly tolerant of some very harmful ideas.[6] What it adds up to in Pergamum is an insidious internal influence within the church that threatens to destroy the good that is coming from their resistance to harmful external ideas. The call from Jesus is firm and obvious.  Repent!
Repent is the translation of the Greek work metanoia.  It means to change one’s mind, to turn away from sin. Both those engaging in the sinful practices and those tolerating the sinful practices need to repent, change their minds, and turn away from sin. If these is no repentance, Jesus himself will fight against these false teachings and those who hold to them[7]
​
In conclusion Jesus says “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”  From the Old Testament we know that manna was the miraculous provision of food that God provided for the Israelites in the desert.  God, not cultural practices, provides for humanity’s deepest needs and gives bread that sustains.  In a culture where truth is said to be relative, we need more than ever to be in tune with Jesus. If people walk with Jesus, they will see truth in his clarity. 


[1] In this series I am drawing heavily from Darrell W. Johnson’s book Discipleship on the Edge.  Most of the ideas are his and I am very grateful for his scholarship on Revelation.
[2] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 76
[3] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge Pg 77
[4] Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition New Testament pg 1145
[5] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge Pg 79
[6] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge Pg 79
[7] Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition New Testament pg 1145

We are continuing the series we began last week on the 7 churches of Revelation.  These 7 churches represent all churches for all time, thus the messages given are applicable to us right here and now.  We’re looking here at the second of the 7 messages , addressed to the church in Smyrna.
​
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
 
This message is unique among the seven messages.  In five of the other messages, Jesus has some critique of the church.  In the message to Smyrna there is no critique offered.  What makes this message different?

First, a little background on the city of Smyrna.  It was known historically as a beautiful city.  It is still in existence to this day; now known as Izmir in modern day Turkey.  It is important to note that the city was an early Roman ally and the city was absolutely dedicated to the Roman emperors.  It was inevitable that this culture in Smyrna would cause problems for people converting to Christianity. It is obvious that Jesus knows each local church and its unique situation.  For people in Smyrna the obvious power was Rome.  However, Jesus explained that he is the first and the last.  Jesus, not Rome or any other empire, country or political system is the first and the last.

Jesus says “I know your tribulation and your poverty.”  The Greek word used for tribulation here is at the heart of this message for the church of Smyrna.  The word is thlipsis.[1]  It speaks of an intense crushing pressure, as one who is trapped under a giant boulder.  The believers at Smyrna are under intense, even crushing pressure for their faith.  This is interesting because there is no word of critique offered to the church at Smyrna.  The pressure is happening not because they are doing something wrong, but because they are doing everything right. As the message continues, it is revealed that the pressure is going to get worse rather than being stopped. How could Jesus allow this?  It is precisely because the Christians at Smyrna are doing everything right.  As Revelation reveals, the physical battles we observe and feel are symptoms of the spiritual struggle going on behind the scenes.

The Christians in Smyrna are being opposed not by Rome or emperor worshippers, those are only tools in the fight, they are being opposed by Satan .“What needs to be strongly emphasized is that the disciples in Smyrna were not the ultimate target of Satan’s pressure.  The real target was Jesus.  But since he has defeated Satan at the cross and in the empty tom, Satan can no longer hurt Jesus. So the enemy goes after that which is dearest to Jesus, namely his church… The disciples at Smyrna were, therefore, not to take the pressure personally.”[2]

Jesus also knows the poverty of the Christians at Smyrna.  Smyrna was a rich city.  However, because of their stance against emperor worship, the Christians of Smyrna would have been ostracized and placed at the fringes of society.  They did not share in the material wealth present in the city because of their faith in Jesus. This is a strange thought for contemporary Christians.  God’s blessing is often associated with happiness and financial prospering. Does God not bless those he loves?  However, in Smyrna God’s blessing led to financial ruin and intense pressure being put on the Christians there. 

In this environment of pressure, it is revealed that things are going to get worse.  “do not fear what you are about to suffer.” There is an encouraging message if I ever heard one. There will be more thlipsis.  More pressure. Could it be that pressure is actually good for the church?  Historically the church thrives under persecution and dwindles in comfort.

You’ve probably heard of the concept of minimalism.  It is goal of living with a minimal amount of material goods. In most cases we use 20% of our stuff 80% of the time.  If you’ve ever embarked on a decluttering project you know that much of our material goods are fluff. This is much like the concept of what happens when believers and the church are under pressure. Faith is forced to the essentials.  The fluff is stripped away. What remains is Jesus.  He is all we need.  thlipsis forces the church to realize what is important.

Looking back on this intense message what do we do? 

“Do not fear.”  Jesus is enough.  Jesus will be with every believer. Don’t take pressure and persecution personally.  Jesus is the target, not you.  Jesus will not leave you or forsake you.

Pressure, troubles, persecution.  None of it is pleasant.  Yet, faith is built under pressure.  Faith that is not tested will not be able to stand in the face of future troubles. Faith that has been refined under pressure has been toughened and hardened.  It will not easily collapse.

Jesus is in ultimate control.  Though there will be tests, they are limited by the authority of Jesus. Stick with Jesus and you’re on the winning side every time.

And finally, in conclusion; encouragement “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’” All people will die, some of old age, some accidentally, some through persecution.  The manner of death is not important.  What is important is our eternal destiny.  Those who are in Christ will not face the second death, or spiritual death. In the face of intense pressure believers must have an eternal focus, eyes locked on Jesus. “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[g] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt 16:24-26). Any sacrifices made, any pressures faced for Jesus will be worth it in the light of eternity. Keep going.  Jesus wins.


[1] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 67, 72
[2] Darrell Johnson, Discipleship on the Edge, pg 71