Day 240, Revelation 2
As we continue in John’s Revelation of Jesus, we will see God’s Word on the Church today. Before we dive in, let’s remember that this whole book is a prophetic poem of inspiration through activating the imagination and all the senses. The revelation is an unveiling of Jesus to seven churches in Turkey where suffering is common and their pastor, the apostle John, has been exiled and imprisoned. These letters are written to communities, congregations of real people with all the challenges and benefits of relationship in play. God is love, and love is always a communal fruit. You can’t love without a lover and a beloved. Or, as Wesley famously said, “solitary saints are as unbiblical as holy adulterers.”
This chapter, and the following, show us clearly that John writes as a pastor (who cares for his flocks), a theologian (who carries and imparts a deep revelation of God), and a poet (who crafts words into a reality greater than mere statements of fact). As we read, we hear and speak through the filter of Jesus. This is His unveiling to His churches.
Chapter Two brings us four letters to four churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Each is an historical city in Turkey which can be located on a map. But the truths Jesus writes to be read aloud and heard in each congregation are universally applicable, as we said in Chapter 1. As we read, let’s have ears to hear. Notice how Jesus describes Himself in specific terms to each church. Every true congregation of the Body of Christ has an identity flowing from specific relationship with Christ. To Ephesus, He is the one holding the seven stars in His right hand as He walks among the seven gold lampstands. To Smyrna, He is the first and last, who was dead and lives. To Pergamum, He is the one who holds the sharp, two-edged sword. To Thyatira, He has eyes like flames of fire and feet like bronze. All these are elements from the vision in Chapter 1. Jesus is unveiled specifically for each church, yet is the same for all. The variety shows us that every congregation has a part to play in revealing Jesus. None of us is all. He is ALL. To every church He says “he who has an ear, let him hear.” Listening is both a unifying obedience to the Spirit and a challenge to the independence of congregants and congregation alike. We don’t gather to impress one another, nor to demonstrate our superiority over the other congregations in our area; we gather to listen with open hearts which we have tended with care to be good soil for the seed of the Word.
This unveiling of Jesus is given to confirm, fulfill, and complete the other 65 books we have already read. There’s nothing new here, but the revelation of Genesis to Jude is completed and reinvigorated by Revelation.
Have a great day!
Mark.