Repent...Act

March 19

“Because you 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…’” Revelation 3:17.

The risen Lord had aught against His fledgling church and He used the initial pages of the final chapter of the Bible to expound them, for He has already clearly stated in Matthew 5:23 that anyone who has anything against his brother must address his grievance before him before he can offer anything before God.

The Book of Revelation delves into a most crucial topic—that of the end times—and Jesus feels it incumbent upon Him to direct His complaints to the various churches, to clear the air in order to prepare them to hear the words that so impact the ages.

In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses the seven churches which were located at:

Ephesus, which is expected to shine His light

Smyrna, which must affirm that Jesus is the first and the last, the one who died and came to life again; that He is the alpha and omega and He lives in the power of endless life.

Pergamum, is reminded that Jesus has the sharp, double-edged sword, He is in the position of authority and power and when he wields authority, it’s a blessing for those who follow and a condemnation for those who do not.

Thyatira, hears the admonition that Jesus has penetrating insight and wisdom in all things; He is swift to move and will perform quickly what needs to be done.

Sardis is reminded that Jesus holds those in leadership in His hands, and provides the seven-fold graces of the spirit.

Philadelphia, hears again that Jesus is the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, that what He opens, no one can shut and what He shuts, no one can open.

Laodicea is told that Jesus is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Ruler of creation; He is faithful to all God is; He is totally true and He rules over all in glorious authority.

Among the criticisms that Jesus directs to the churches are these:

1. They have forsaken the love of Jesus and drifted from His heart; they are doing the work of the church from a sense of duty rather than from a heart of love for the Lord.

2. They have held to teachings of traitors, eaten food sacrificed to idols, committed sexual impurity, lead and encouraged people away from righteous teachings and moved them toward idolatry.

3. They have put created things before the Creator. All of this is evidence that they care more for the temporal than the spiritual.

4. They have an exaggerated sense of their importance and effectiveness, but are not even close to being the church that they think they are.

They are here warned that it is that it is time for repentance. It is time to listen, take the words to heart, and act before it’s too late!

As we draw ever-nearer to the closing days of time, should we not attend to His warnings to the early Church? Should we not repent, take His words to heart and act?