HOW INDIFFERENCE AFFECTS JESUS Devotion 1 of 20 God had a word – a specific word – for the seven churches in Asia Minor. He gave that word to Jesus. Jesus gave it to an angel, who was charged with delivering it to John. John was to write this word down and see to it that it was delivered to the churches. Thus it is said of the book of the Revelation, "The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST, which GOD GAVE UNTO HIM, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and HE SENT AND SIGNIFIED IS BY HIS ANGEL unto HIS SERVANT JOHN" (Rev 1:1). -- Tomorrow:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Rev 3:14-22)
Our last series of devotions dealt with the first of those seven churches – Ephesus. This series will deal with the message sent to the last of those seven churches – Laodicea.
There is no need to speculate concerning the identity of these congregations. They are specified by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea" (Rev 1:11).
These were historical congregations, with real spiritual conditions – both good and bad. Many have seen these churches as ages of church history, during which the people of God have obtained the characteristics mentioned in the seven churches of Asia. That this may very well be so, I cannot deny. It does, however, require a studied effort to identify the periods. Too, they are not always found in the strict chronological sequence of the messages. That is indication that a more fundamental reality can be seen in these messages. Our teaching should always accentuate primary matters, making provision for valid subsidiary applications. It is on the part of wisdom to avoid developing novel explanations of Scripture that have a strong appeal to the flesh. If our view of Revelation attracts the interest of those who have no genuine concern for God and His salvation, it is probably not true. It is always good to follow the aphorism, "It is through the known, and only through the known, that we come to learn of things unknown." If these churches do, in fact, represent church ages, it is only because they were very real congregations, with very real Divine assessments made of them. If this is not the case, we will be left to sail on a rough sea of Divine Providence in the frail vessel of human opinion – a circumstance I can by no means recommend.
A BRIEF REVIEW
The messages to the churches underscore the nature of Satan's attack upon the people of God. That assault remains consistent throughout the ages, making Christ's word to these seven churches relevant during all periods of history. A brief review of his assault tactics should serve to alert us to the nature of our warfare.
SATAN'S ATTACK
Our adversary aggressively promotes a religion with doctrinal precision, that lacks a primary love for the Son of God (example: Ephesus--2:1-7). He also attacks the faithful through devout religious advocates, who are intimidated by the truth of God, and among whom Satan freely works (example: Smyrna--2:8-11). With remarkable tenacity, the devil encourages the tolerance of false teaching and immorality within the church (example: Pergamum--2:12-17). Satan also incites the church to allow false teaches to promote his cause in the assembly, without restraint (example: Thyatira--2:18-29). With great perseverance, the enemy of our souls advances dead religion – form without power (example: Sardis--3:1-6). Through oppression and opposition, the devil also seeks to deplete the strength of the church, wearing it down so it has but a little strength (example: Philadelphia (3:7-12). Now, in the church in Laodicea, we witness the old serpent's tactic of compromise. He advances the type of religion that takes no solid stance on anything – one that is lukewarm and unassertive: a religion that is bereft of anything from God, yet possesses everything from the world. Wherever these characteristics are found, the devil is at work! This is HOW he seeks to bring down the people of God!
COMMENDABLE QUALITIES
We also behold in these churches commendable qualities – things approved and applauded by Jesus. Among these are, an insistence on proper teaching (Ephesus), continuance in good works in spite of tribulation and poverty (Smyrna), and holding fast to Christ's name and not denying His faith, even while dwelling in Satan's seat (Pergamum). Think of how Jesus commends loving service, faith, and the growth of good deeds (Thyatira). Even in deteriorating assemblies, Jesus recognizes the existence of things about to die, and encourages their renewal (Sardis). It is also His manner to open effective doors of opportunity to the faithful, even though they have but a little strength (Philadelphia). The Lord Jesus always looks for things to commend and encourage. Now, for the first time, we will confront a church in which nothing good can be found. It is the kind of church Satan would love to have in every community.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to see the churches as Jesus sees them, and not to be deceived by their appearance.