For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Rev. 1
I wonder why Jesus sent messages to these specific seven churches. Why these and not others? Did they just happen to be a good sampling of circumstances that presented a well-rounded message to all of us who dwell in the “end times”? Were they the churches of John’s ministry? There are so many things in the Bible that I may never know. But I pray I will see, hear, and understand God’s truth in all of it, whether it leaves me with unanswered questions or not.
Rev. 2-3
A couple of things I notice about these seven letters. First, to every church, Jesus says, “I know you.” I believe that message is true for us as well. He knows who we are, where we are, what we do, and what we endure. And He knows our heart and our motives. Another thing I notice is that at the end of each letter, Jesus makes a promise to those who conquer. The seven promises are:
- The right to eat from the tree of life.
- Eternal protection from the second death.
- Hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.
- Authority over the nations.
- White clothes, a forever spot in the book of life, and acknowledgment before the Father and His angels.
- To become a permanent pillar in the temple of God in the New Jerusalem.
- The right to sit with Christ on His throne.
This is the promise of eternal, abundant life that we receive through enduring faith in Christ and the righteousness He bestows on us. The key is that enduring faith. As Jesus said in words I keep coming back to, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13). That means we continue in the faith, not growing weary, turning away, or losing our love. I have been noting how the New Testament writers encourage and exhort us in these things. Endurance in the faith is not easy. There are so many distractions, outside worries and concerns, opposing pressures, and false teachings all around us. And our fleshly human hearts are so susceptible to all of them. But we need not fear, because Paul reminds us of this truth. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom. 8:37).